October 22, 2007

County Clare, Ireland.

So today has been our first full day in Ireland. In all actuality, aside from a short nap this afternoon it has been a continuation of yesterday, but with the time difference and wildly scheduled meals, I’ve hardly noticed the marathon day aside from the slight dizziness and buzzing in my ears.

We are having a great time. The first order of business was to drive to Limerick to try on our tuxes/kilts for the wedding on Wednesday. Here we are, complete with rental tags.

Wedding Prep.

After we confirmed everything fit properly and we also navigated the mechanics of a kilt, we did some touring of Limerick. Afterwards we headed back up N18 toward our current homebase of Ennis.

I drive like a native of this beautiful land.

N18.

On the way through, we stopped Bunratty Castle for some touring.

Bunratty Castle.

Bunratty Castle.

Since we don’t have buildings nearly this old in the United States, I have to admit that I was quite intrigued by the castle and it’s grounds. I was very impressed with some of the rooms, including this one with it’s lavish furnishings.

Bunratty Castle.

This evening went to a local pub for some dinner and drinks and did some touring around the town center of Ennis. It has been a great start to our vacation.

Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.

Earl and I, along with Rick and Helen, are in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. I think that’s how you’re suppose to write that. The flight was a smooth as glass, though we didn’t really get any sleep on the red-eye that was extra short due to the time difference.

I love the laid back feel of Aer Lingus. I’ve always found the flight attendants to be quite cranky on U S Airways, their counterparts on Aer Lingus have this laid back thing going on that is quite enjoyable.

It’s 8:30 a.m. and we are getting ready to head to breakfast and do some sight-seeing. My body is screaming for sleep, but I’m trying not to sleep until the natural time to do so per this time zone, it’ll help me adjust to the time difference and circumvent jet lag. I hope.

One more highlight of the trip so far: I totally love driving on the left side of the road from the right side of the vehicle. It’s fun for all, including the manual transmission!