Going with the Garcias

It’s no secret that we love traveling. Each year for our anniversary we take a trip. Sometimes it’s a big trip and sometimes it’s just in-state to a theme park. Our families joke that we’re world travelers, but, in my opinion, we still have to a way to go before that’s true.

One of our favorite trips that we’ve taken was the time we spent a week in Ireland. Imagine green pastures everywhere you look. Now take those pastures and make them even greener with the cutest sheep scattered across the fields. I loved Ireland. The people were friendly, the food was amazing (I gained 10 pounds, and we were doing A LOT of walking), and the culture was inviting.

Our trip began in Dublin, which is such a cool city with great history. We only spent two days there, but packed in many things including Trinty College, Christ Church, and the Guinness Storehouse. As a booklover, Trinity College was a fantastic stop. I could smell the books (one of the best scents to me) among the rows and rows of shelves that started at the bottom and went all the way up to the curved ceilings. At the college, you’re also able to see The Book of Kells, which is a beautifully drafted manuscript from the medieval period. After a pinch of history, we visited Christ Church. Being from Florida, every time we visit a church in another country, we’re blown away. I really can’t put into words how beautiful the church was. If and when you go to Ireland, do not miss it. We also visited the Guiness Storehouse, which was my favorite, even though I’m not a huge beer drinking. In the storehouse, you learn how they make Guiness, can learn how to pour the perfect pint, and (my favorite) see how they’ve marketed Guiness over the years. Once done, you can enjoy your pint at the top of looking out at the city and landscape.

During the next part of our trip, we got a rental car and drove around the country. (Technically Thomas drove, I navigated.) Our next day, we toured Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle. (If you’re looking for history on all of these locations, this is not the blog for you. Google is a great history teacher.) The “crown jewel” of Kilkenny Castle is the great room you tour at the end, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The walls are red – a bright, but deep red that just screams royalty. The ceiling is decorated with ornate hand painted elements and portraits of the family hang along the walls. At Blarney Castle, we both kissed the Blarney Stone, but did we get the gift of gab? (I don’t think so. I think another trip and kiss are in order. to try again.) Each castle you visit in Ireland is different. Each one boasts a unique history, but they are all linked together that show how the people of Ireland have progressed and lived. These people are amazing and so welcoming. If you ever get the opportunity to cross the pond and visit our neighbors, you should go.

Coming soon….part 2 of our trip to Ireland. Check back soon for the next post, including our “travel spreadsheet” on with our locations, itinerary, and more. (I love spreadsheets. I make one for every trip we go on, even if we’re staying in the U.S.)

Until then, may your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God’s blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you. May your heart be strong. May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam and the insight to know when you’re going too far. May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends.

Carpe diem!
-The Garcias