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What would a trip to Ireland be without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin?  We recently returned home from an amazing 9 day adventure in Ireland that started and ended in Dublin and included many small villages and towns throughout the southwestern part of the island.  To be honest, big cities don’t really do it for me.  I love the outdoors and Ireland offers so much to those interested in exploring.  Dublin, Galway, Belfast and Cork are the biggest cities in Ireland and each holds amazing wonders rich with history.  But  I can’t wait to get on the country roads, see the sheep filled green fields, explore castle ruins and spend time with Ireland’s greatest asset – the people.
 We left on an afternoon flight from Richmond to Boston where we met sister-in-law Rita from Nashville.  We flew together to Dublin, caught a strong tail wind and arrived the next morning at 4:30 a.m.  Ireland is 5 hours ahead of eastern time so we were able to sleep a little on the plane.  We started our adventure getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, then headed out to find coffee and breakfast.  If you think driving on the left side of the road is difficult, it’s not near as bad as trying to find coffee because people just don’t get up that early in Ireland!  Breakfast is often served between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.  So we hung around and waited until the Guinness Storehouse opened at 9:30 where we had reservations to tour the old brewery and enjoy a pint of the black stuff.
The Irish are absolutely serious about their Guinness! Â This old brewery is almost a museum paying homage to a stout beer that has been brewed in Ireland since 1759. Â Old advertising posters and displays line the walkways.
Floor by floor you discover how Guinness is brewed and what has made it so successful for hundreds of years.
 At the end of the tour you are invited to the top floor of the Storehouse to enjoy a pint of Guinness in the glass enclosed Gravity Bar.
There is a proper way to pour a glass of Guinness and don’t even think of drinking it until it’s deemed ready! Â You can Google it – seriously. Â There are Youtube videos about the proper method of pouring Guinness to get the creamy thick head. Â Here’s the short version – pour at a 45 degree angle, then allow it to settle and then top it off, then allow it to settle. Â You just can’t get in a hurry with a Guinness.
 The Gravity Bar was pretty busy and it was only 10:30 in the morning!  That’s 5:30 eastern so yes, I was drinking beer at 5:30 in the morning!  Ha – great way to start the day and a vacation.
This little activity is very popular with the dudes.
The glass enclosed circular Gravity Bar offers some wonderful views of  downtown Dublin.
There are so many things to see in Dublin so don’t let me discourage you. Â Cathedrals, libraries, and of course there is the famous Temple Bar. Â Temple Bar is an area of downtown where you can drink a pint in a pub, eat at great restaurants, listen to street musicians, enjoy traditional Irish music along with almost every other tourist in Dublin. Â It’s a busy place when the sun goes down so remember you’re in a big city – and stay safe.
Another popular tour in Dublin includes a visit to the Jameson Distillery. Â John Jameson started distilling his Irish Whiskey in 1780 and continued in this location for nearly 200 years. Â In 1971 they moved the production to a location near Cork, Ireland but you can still tour the original distillery and of course, have a little drink at the end.
This guided tour is actually very well done with a movie and displays to explain the different stages of making whiskey.
There are a few bars and a restaurant on site.
At the end of the tour they give each guest a little taste of Jameson and pick 8 volunteers from the group to participate in a taste test. Â The group compares an American Whiskey (Jack Daniels), with a scotch whiskey and lastly the Jameson. Â Sister-in-law Rita was picked as a volunteer for this adventure! Â Almost all 8 chose Jameson as the best – but we knew that already!
Now that  you’re feeling all warm and cozy inside they run you through the gift shop where you can purchase Jameson and even take home a bottle or two of a blend only available from this store.  Great for gifts from Ireland!
Even though I don’t have a delicious food recipe for you today – I want to share the recipe for Jameson’s signature drink  – the Jameson & Ginger Ale with Lime
We left Dublin in the afternoon and traveled about 1 hour west to Portlaoise, a lovely small town with plenty to do and see.  Just a few minutes from Porlaoise is the ruins of the Rock of Dunamase castle. This National Monument is open for visitors to explore and experience.  Built late in the 12th century this defensive stronghold provides gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
We wandered through the ruins until the sun started to go down then headed back to check into our hotel. Â We made reservations at the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise and were thrilled with the accommodations. Â There was an Irish wedding party at the hotel and even as busy as they were, the manager was extremely attentive and helpful. Â One of the best parts of traveling in Ireland is that they love Americans. Â This helps make the visit outstanding! Â If you get the opportunity to visit Portlaoise and stay at the Heritage Hotel, be sure to experience their wonderful full Irish breakfast. Â Amazing!
I finally got to sit and gaze on the gorgeous landscapes that brought me back to Ireland again.
Rolling green hills and stone churches, a brisk wind and perfect weather – it was lovely!
It’s easy to see why they built the castle on top of the hill – panoramic views provided the safety they needed to survive.
I really could spend an entire day exploring these ruins. Â It is fascinating.
There were lots of ohhh’s and ahhhh’s from the top!
Thanks for coming along with us on part 1 of our trip to Ireland! Â I have about another 1,000 (+-) photos to get through so stay tuned for more castles, more green fields, a few sheep, a wonderful hike and lots of fun! Â May you have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends and I hope all your recipes turn out fantastic! Â Blessings and best wishes … from our house to yours!
Don’t miss these other fun posts about our adventures in Ireland:
- Cobh, Killarney, Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher
- Cork Ireland – a visit to The English Market
- Dingle Ireland
- Cashel Ireland
And finally, check out this lovely roundup of Irish Recipes & Travel Posts too!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tricia
Susan says
Looks like a wonderful trip! Not an Irish Whiskey drinker so I’ll just take in the gorgeous views 🙂
Tricia Buice says
With views like these you don’t need Whiskey 🙂 Thanks!
Julia says
Awesome post Tricia! Love the pictures! What restaurant have you had the best beer? Remember to add it to your Besty List! http://www.thebesty.com/savingroomfordessert
erin says
Beautiful pictures! I think Ireland might be next on our travel list…in a few years I’m sure, but you really have me dreaming!
Bam's Kitchen says
Ireland is on my bucket list and after looking at all of your beautiful photos, I have just moved it up higher on the list. Stunning! Really, what visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Guinness? looks like loads of fun!
cheri says
Hi Tricia, love all the old buildings and beautiful green landscape in your pictures. Looks like a wonderful place!
Tricia Buice says
It was such fun! More photos to come. Have a lovely Thanksgiving Cheri 🙂
2 Sisters Recipes...by Anna and Liz says
YOu have all the fun!~ 🙂 Thanks for the virtual tour so far, we are so looking forward to seeing more amazing photos – we love them all! Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Tricia Buice says
I will apologize in advance for all the photos – it was so hard not to take one at every turn! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ladies 🙂
Balvinder says
When I saw the vast green fields and beautiful castle like structures in the movie ‘P.S I love You’ , I wished I wanted to see this part of Europe.
Tricia Buice says
We actually were in the area of Dingle where the movies was shot – more photos to come!
Monica says
These photos are so awesome! You have now convinced me that I need to go to Ireland. You stay cozy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Tricia. I know your table will be beautiful as well as spilling over with delicious food (and pies!).
Tricia Buice says
I hope you get to do it! It is a beautiful country, the people are warm and friendly and down to earth and well the butter is amazing! Haha – Have a great Thanksgiving!
Kitchen Belleicious says
wow! You took amazing photos. I love them all. I feel like I was there right alongside you your pictures are so real and alive.
Tricia Buice says
More to come Jessica! Have a great Thanksgiving 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
You sure had a blast in Ireland, Tricia. Those photos are so beautiful that I long for a visit too!
Happy Holidays!
Angie
Tricia Buice says
I hope you get to go too Angie – not such a long trip for you! Happy Holidays!
sue/the view from great island says
These are some of the most beautiful images I have ever seen, you are so talented, Tricia. My life long dream is to visit Ireland!
Tricia Buice says
You are so sweet – the check is in the mail! I hope you get to go – it is a wonderful adventure. We feel blessed to have the opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes says
Oh, I do love to live vicariously through other peoples vacations, such a great way to see the world : ) Love the pics Tricia, Ireland look lovely!
Tricia Buice says
I love seeing your adventures too Kari. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!