Donaldson Crew Adventures

Before leaving Dublin today we wanted to swing by and see St. Patrick's Cathedral which was also very close to where we stayed.  Being Sunday, it was not open for tours but just walking the grounds and listening to the bells was amazing.  

After departing Dublin our next stop was the southwest of Ireland - specifically Killarney in County Kerry.  This would be our longest drive of the trip so the car was stocked with snacks, and computers, DVD's, Ipads were fully charged.  Nonetheless we were only on the road for less than 30 minutes when Abbie decided she had to go to the bathroom.  No big deal - we made great time the rest of the drive and got to our next hotel by about mid afternoon.  After getting settled in our rooms we headed into Killarney town to stroll around and find a place to eat.  

A full day in Dublin!

We met up with the Facchini family again in the morning and went to the Dublin Zoo.  Their son Rocco was also turning 4 so we celebrated his birthday with lunch & cake inside the Zoo.  

Since we were in Dublin, I couldn't leave without going to the Guinness factory, so that was our outing for the afternoon after returning from the Zoo.... kids included!  Your ticket includes a free pour from the bar, but only on the adult tickets:)  The kids got soft drinks.

In the evening I booked a babysitter in advance for a Saturday night out.  The Facchini's (Christine and Pete) were also with us for the evening.  We went to the oldest pub in Ireland - The Brazen Head (dating back to 1198!) for a dinner event that included traditional Irish food, Irish storytelling and music.  Kelly and I are now an expert in such topics as Irish Fary's!  After dinner we walked back to the Temple Bar district and listened to live music and drank beer in an Irish Pub until it was time to relieve the babysitter at Midnight.

A great day in Dublin Ireland!

We drove into Dublin today in pouring rain but thankfully it stopped just after we arrived!  Staying at a great location right in downtown Dublin.  Its a really nice 3 bedroom extended stay apartment which is great for our family.

We are a 15 minute walk from the Temple Bar area of Dublin so we decided to walk down there.  It was a little stressful with the kids on the narrow sidewalks and throngs of people.  Here are a few photos of HaPenny Bridge, Temple Bar District, and Trinity College

Our friends, The Facchini family (also Americans living in Wales) were also going to be in Dublin at the same time at a place very near to us.  Tonight we met them for dinner in the Temple Bar district.  The kids all together had a great time.