The Sullivan family in Ireland

From left:  Kaitlyn, Ted, Michael, Terry and Erin.

In Kinvara at last, and standing at the harbour with Dun Guaire Castle in the distant background. 

I collected my Sullivan family at Shannon airport early this morning. They were all in great shape, despite their long journey. 

The old boat in the background is one of the old traditional Galway Bay boats which were used

for both fishing and also as transporters of goods along the west coast of Ireland.

Another lovely picture of my happy family seated on the harbour front in the morning sun. The stone building in the background is Murphy’s Store, an old warehouse now converted into a souvenir shop and coffee house.

On the beach at Traught on the outskirts of Kinvara with Galway Bay in the background. This is a very nice beach close to my own home, and a place I like to swim, when I have the time. All of these pictures were taken early this morning and I am afraid that there was a misty haze which did little for the view. The beach is also quiet close to the cottage where the Sullivan’s are staying.

Here we have Erin and Ted posing for a final photo for me before going for a well earned rest. The rest of the group were already settling in.

This was a very nice first day and we got off to a great start. Later I brought them back into Kinvara to Keogh’s restaurant, which is about four miles from their cottage. They were absolutely delighted with their meal there and they had everything from fillet beef, to leg of lamb, sausages and chips (Michael), to fish, and they finished off with desserts of creme brulee and chocolate gateaux, with coffee, at the Pier Head restaurant. Eat your hearts out.

Tomorrow we are off to Connemara and the “Quiet Man” country. 

Best wishes from the Sullivan’s, to all of their families and pals who are following along with our tour.

Preparing to set sail from Kinvara this morning, not fully loaded yet, but we did get under way shortly after this.

Our destination today was Connemara, that region we call God’s Country, a land of rugged granite mountains, glacial lakes, bogs, spectacular scenery, and abundance of sheep dotting the mountain sides.  Our first stop was to be Ashford Castle and the village of Cong, renowned for being the centre for that great old movie, “The Quiet Man”.

Here we have my happy family photographed with Ashford Castle in the background. You can also see the lake, Lough Corrib, and the castle golf course to the right. 

From the left: Terry, Erin, Michael, Ted and Kaitlyn.

I just had to put these two happy kids, Michael and Kaitlyn, on the web for their pals to admire back home.

and these three kids also, Michael, Erin and Kaitlyn.

How about these two guys......Ted and Michael. I would love to have a picture like that of myself and my Dad. Keep that one Micheal.

Here we have Kaitlyn, Ted, Erin and Michael in the gardens at the back of the castle. What a wonderful place this is. Ashford is a five star luxury hotel and its location at the top of Lough Corrib is superb. It has been home to many world famous people and continues  to be Ireland’s most famous castle hotel. You can enjoy golf here, fishing on the lake, forest walks, shooting, even falconry, and the food here is just exquisite. 

Kaitlyn and Michael posing by the fountain. I think that Michael was beginning to feel like Harry Potter here.

Now we are beginning to feel at home as we relax in the bar lounge. This castle was owned by the Guinness family and the crests on and over the fireplace are the Guinness crests.

After leaving Ashford we continued on into Joyce Country. Here we have the Corrib lake below, as we made our way to the Maam Valley. They say that there are three hundred and sixty five islands on this lake, and I think that they are not far out. As you can see, our weather today was overcast, but it was nice, and the only rain we got was of the misty kind. It did not interfere with our day, and everybody had a great time.

This is the time of the year when they are cutting the turf, (the peat), which they burn in the Winter fires. You can see the freshly cut turf being left to dry out before being brought in for the long Winter months ahead. It does make a lovely fire, and the smoke has a special smell all of its own.

Ted, Erin, Michael and Kaitlyn, with Kylemore Abbey in the background. The religious sisters here ran a world famous girls school for years, but unfortunately they have had to close it down inside the last two years. I think that the problem has been a lack of vocations similar to the priesthood here in Ireland. I just hope that this place never falls into the hands of the wrong type of people. It deserves better after the way the sisters saved it from extinction when it had

been left to rot for years. They deserve great credit, and I am sure that there are many past pupils who will agree with me there.

Back in Kinvara this evening, in my back field, after a wonderful day with a lovely family. Here we have Erin and Michael with my little pal Taffy. He had just had some fresh carrots and was in a happy mood.That was another successful day and one I know everybody enjoyed. Tomorrow we are off to Galway City, my own home town, where after seeing the sights, the shops will next on the list.

Stay with us, and enjoy the trip.

Today we visited the historic city of Galway, known as the city of the Tribes. The Tribes were 14 wealthy merchant families as Galway at that time was very active in the wine and spirits trade with mainland Europe. Here we have the family, Terry, Ted, Kaitlyn, Michael and Erin, posing on the banks of the river Corrib, with the famous Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old wall which surrounded the city, in the background. The wall was horseshoe shaped with the river as its boundary on the western side. The spot where the family are in this photo was actually inside the city walls

. 

Another view of the river with the Claddagh Church in the background. The Claddagh was outside the wall and it was there that the fishermen lived. The world famous Claddagh ring was designed by a goldsmith from the Claddagh.

The Browne family were one of the Tribes and here you can see the preserved main entrance door to the Browne residence. This now stands in Eyre Square in the centre of the city. The large building in the background is the Meyrick Hotel. This originally was the Railway Hotel. The banners on the flagpoles carry the crests and names of all of the Tribe families (You can only see a couple of them here.)

The Saturday market in the city centre with St Nicholas’s church in the background. This church is the oldest building in Galway city and it was here that mass was celebrated for Christopher Columbus and his crew before they set sail on their final leg to the New World.

Back in Kinvara again after a happy days shopping in Galway. Here we are on the harbour front with the ancient Dun Guaire Castle in the background. It was beginning to get a little chilly as you can see from this picture.

Sitting on the wall at the harbour in Kinvara.

Michael, proudly showing off his new Ireland rugby shirt. We have a new fan for our great rugby squad. Maybe he will play for Ireland some day. With a name like Sullivan he would have no problem in qualifying.

Kaitlyn, really having a great time, as you can see. She sends her regards to all of her pals back home.

I thought that this poster deserved inclusion. It was displayed in a shop window in Kinvara this evening and, me, being with the Sullivan’s, I just thought that it was appropriate. This lady

obviously teaches Irish Sean Nos dancing, the old traditional style of our dance.

Examining the menu in the Pier Head restaurant on the harbour front in Kinvara tonight. 

Terry was having a quiet night so here we have just Ted, Michael, Kaitlyn and Erin. They were having a real struggle with their choices, as the selection on the menu was just wonderful with great steaks, fish, cod and salmon, lobster, scallops and prawns and mussels, roast duck and chicken, rack of Irish lamb, and tempting starters like garlic mushrooms, tiger prawns, and a delicious selection of desserts if you have any room left. Michael however was having no trouble at all as he was once again waiting patiently for his special favourite, sausages and chips (french fries).

Later tonight they will be looking for some traditional Irish music in one of the local pubs. 

Another great day in Ireland.

Tomorrow, its off to Killarney, and more fun.

This morning we left Kinvara on our way to the south of Ireland, and the great town of Killarney. The weather was not the best, cold and misty, but we were hoping that it might be better in the south, and that is exactly how it worked out.

Our first stop off was the popular town of Adare. Here you see the old Fitzgerald castle on the outskirts of the town.

My family standing outside the Tridentine Abbey church in the centre of Adare. This is a really beautiful old church and well worth a visit.

Here we have Michael, Terry, Ted, Kaitlyn and Erin with the famous Adare thatched cottages in the background.

I think Erin took a fancy to this strange Irishman outside the Heritage centre in Adare.

High on the hillside as we neared Killarney. Erin and Ted braved the chilly winds for this photo.

On reaching Killarney, and after checking in to our lovely hotel, the Killarney Plaza, we made our way to the Muckross House estate for our tour of the farms there. This is a really special tour and we all had a great time, as you can see from the photos below.

Erin, Michael and Kaitlyn, making friends with this beautiful cart horse.

 All together outside the small farmers house.

This fine big sow was glad to take a break from her piglets, pictured below asleep in the pig sty.

There were actually eight of them, all fast asleep.

Terry was feeling a little tired but Michael was making sure that she was well looked after.

One of the farmers wives cutting and buttering the freshly made soda bread in one of the cottages.

I took this picture as we made our way around the farms but you can see from the sky how much the day had improved. The Kerry mountains and the lakes of Killarney are there in the background.

Another new friend, this tethered goat was looking for attention, but we were a little wary of him.

Now this guy was a little different. Kaitlyn wanted to bring him home, but we have to wait until we get his passport sorted out. It is worth remembering though that these Irish Wolfhounds need an awful lot of good steak every day to keep them happy. He was beautiful though, and I would bring him home myself.

Here we have the farmers wife in the large farmers house. The iron stove (range) in the centre, is over one hundred years old, and still as good as ever. They were expecting a group in for a banquet this evening and the tables were set for the function.

Ted with our new Wolfhound pal.

Pictured on the lawn in front of Muckross house, with the lakes and mountains in the background.

Here you see Ted, delighted after discovering Sheehan’s pub in Killarney. Seemingly Ted has a buddy back in Boston who is a member of this Sheehan family and that this is going to be our pub for the duration of our stay in Killarney. Ted figures that because of his relationship with his Boston pal, we will get special discounts on our drinks here.

Ted, Kaitlyn, Erin and Michael outside our hotel in Killarney this evening.

This was a really great day today and one that we all really enjoyed. This evening we dined together in the wonderful Mexican restaurant, Casita Mexicana, in the centre of Killarney.

Everybody was really hungry and the display of dishes on the table was just mouthwatering with Enchiladas, Tacos, Mexican rice and refried beans, and a whole lot more.

The Sullivan clan were the last of the famous Irish clans to succumb to the British, and,here we have the family crest which will very soon be displayed in the home of the Sullivan family back home in Boston.

More excitement tomorrow as my family head for the magical Gap of Dunloe.

Setting out today on their adventure into the magical Gap of Dunloe, an ancient road up through the Kerry mountains, through a mountain gorge carved out of the hills by an ice age glacier. This is an unforgettable journey which begins in the horse drawn buggies and ends in a boat journey down through the lakes of Killarney and back into Killarney at Ross castle.

Looking straight ahead at the winding road.

Ted posing beside one of the many small lakes through the Gap. The road is extremely narrow and you are neither advised nor welcome to drive through here as it endangers both yourself and people traveling on the buggies.

Ted, Michael, and Erin sitting on the wall by the roadside with the Gap in the background in the distance.

Watering their horse by the roadside.

Another view of the lakes.

Erin and Michael in the life jackets after boarding their boat for the journey down through the lakes.

Ted enjoying the journey through the lakes.

Approaching the magnificent Ross Castle at the end of the boat ride.

Back on dry land once again after their great adventure. Michael was in no doubt that this was the highlight of his tour so far. Everybody had a fantastic day. Terry and Kaitlyn had not been feeling the best today and unfortunately had to give this trip a miss, but there is more to come yet. 

That is what is so special about Ireland.....there is always more to come.

What a place to pick for a snack.

Today was our day on the Dingle peninsula, one of my own personal favourite places. The weather was not good, overcast and misty early on, and, then later, we got rain for awhile. Despite this we had a great day and got some nice photos. We also had a lovely feed in Harrington’s in Dingle. This restaurant is located right on the harbour front with plenty of parking in front of the premises.

Our first stop was at Inch beach as we made our way to Dingle town. This is a fantastic beach and a great place for surfing. Even though the day was not great there were plenty of people on the water.

You can hire out surf boards here, or even take surfing lessons.

We moved on from there and passed on through Dingle as we hoped that the weather might remain favourable for us as we toured around Slea Head, but unfortunately it actually got worse. Here we have my party pictured at the beehive huts at Maura Houlihan’s close to Slea Head.

Here we have Ted at a communal type group of beehive huts all linked together. This would more than likely have been a family grouping type. 

At Slea Head the road narrows quiet dangerously, and when you also have the risk of sheep appearing in front of you, it gets a little tricky. The photo at the top of this Blog, with the sheep over the side of the wall, was also taken just here.

These seagulls were hoping that we might have a snack for them but they were out of luck as we had nothing at all that would have appealed to them.

By the time we got back to Dingle town, everybody was ready to eat, and here we are tucking into a wonderful variety of foods at Harrington’s. Ted and I had calamari and chips(French fries), Terry and Kaitlyn had chicken gougons and chips, Michael had chicken nuggets, and Erin had battered cod and chips.The helpings were more than big enough and everything was just fantastic. 

Our special treat to round off another great day was an evening of entertainment provided by Liam O’Connor, the accordion player, known as the fastest fingers in the world. Along with his superb team of Irish dancers and his wonderful band, Liam was superb, and the Sullivan family loved every minute of the evening. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures during the show.  Above you see everybody seated and ready for the action to begin.

Ted also managed to have a delicious Irish Coffee before the show began. They even managed to put a Shamrock on the top of it for him.

Here we have our happy group with the dancers, and Liam O’Connor himself, on the right of the picture.

Doesn’t Ted look well in his new Irish tweed cap and green shirt?

Before retiring for the night Ted wanted to raise a toast to his great pal Joe back home in the USA. This was to be Ted’s first pint of Guinness ever.

Slawncha Wah Joe, (means)”Good health to you Joe” in Irish (Gaelic)

Our tour of the south west concluded today as we left Killarney behind and made our way back to Kinvara once again. However, before we left Killarney this afternoon, the ladies did a little shopping and then we paid a visit to the wonderful St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney.

Above: Ted and Michael pictured on the main street in Killarney this morning. The street was all decked out with banners sporting the colours of all the different Irish counties for the coming weekend as Killarney hosts a huge cycle rally in aid of charity, and also the annual clash between two of the giants of Gaelic football, Cork and Kerry.

The Sullivan family pictured on the steps of St. Mary’s CathederalCathedral.

Pictured on the main aisle of the church:

From left: Kaitlyn, Ted, Michael, Erin and Terry.

Kaitlyn, Michael and Ted at the Shrine to the Mother of Perpetual help inside the cathedral. Here we see Michael lighting candles for all of their special intentions, and their families and friends back home.

I like this photo as it gives you a better idea of just how large this cathedral is.

Work commenced on the construction of this great cathedral before the famine, and when the famine hit, work ceased. The foundations had however been laid, and the site consecrated. Work resumed once again after the famine and the cathedral was finally opened in the early nineteen hundreds. During the famine, many starving people came and camped on the site, and

died and were buried here in mass graves. 

In the photo above, the Sullivan family are standing behind the memorial to the many men women and children who were buried here in mass graves. The inscription on the front of the memorial shows the word “Gorta”, which in Irish means “Famine”.

Our time in Killarney together was special and I know that everybody had a great time there. We know that there are many people back home in the USA following our tour, and the family send their special love to one and all. You were all remembered in St Mary’s in Killarney today.

Tomorrow we make our way to the Cliffs of Moher, the final day, and what a great way to round off this tour. Then it is up and away on Friday and back home once again.

Our destination today was the Cliffs of Moher, on this our final day touring. 

Our first stop was in the town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its Matchmaking. In the past Lisdoonvarna was where the bachelors would head for in the fall after the harvest. The single ladies would also make their way there, and it was here that they would hire a matchmaker whose job it was to try to find them the perfect partner. Many men even travelled from the USA to try to find an Irish wife. Believe it or not, this practice still exists and Lisdoonvarna comes alive every September with a wonderful festival of music and dancing and, of course, matchmaking with the Matchmakers who still carry on their trade. Are you looking for a partner?

In the picture above you can see Ted standing outside the Matchmaker Bar in the heart of the town. If I did not know better I would be inclined to think that he looks like he is waiting for someone.

And in this photo he looks like she did not turn up?

That’s more like it Ted, back with the wife and kids again.

Michael and Kaitlyn at the top of the cliffs with O’Brien’s Tower in the background.

Michael, Erin, Kaitlyn and Ted all happy and smiling at the cliff top.

A very happy Kaitlyn, smiling for this lovely photo.

Michael and Mom outside the visitor centre.

After leaving the Cliffs we continued our journey around the coast via Blackhead and Fanore. These wild flowers growing by the roadside make a lovely picture.

This is the rocky terrain which makes up the Burren, a region of many hundreds of limestone mountains which once upon a time was the ocean floor.

An old spring well by the roadside where people travelling these roads could find water for themselves and their horses.

 The perfect end to another perfect day in Ireland. The weather was kind to us today and just got better and better as the day went on. Ted and Erin managed to escape to have time to themselves for a farewell meal at the famous Moran’s of the Weir restaurant in Kilcolgan. This restaurant is indeed worthy of its well earned name, and has been a favourite for many famous people, from not only Ireland, but from all over the world. Seafood is their specialty, and if you

like oysters then this place is a must.

Tomorrow morning we head for Shannon airport for the Sullivan’s return flight to the USA. This has been a lovely tour with a really special family and I would have to say that the kids were great. Their Grandma Terry was also a pleasure to be with, and Ted and Erin were just so easy to please. 

A special thanks to a very special family. 

You will always be welcome back.

Another successful tour draws to a close.

Safely back to Shannon airport once again where it all began nine days ago. The Sullivan family and yours truly, on the right of the picture.Ted, Michael, Terry, Erin and Kaitlyn, all ready to return home again after what they told me was a wonderful holiday in Ireland. 

This was a lovely tour for me also and I would have to say that Michael and Kaitlyn were the best. What a lovely family they are. I am indeed fortunate to have the privilege to escort so many nice people around this lovely country.Thank you for choosing me, you will always be welcome back again.Dave