In 2010 I simply knew I had to get to Ireland. Not only have both sides of my family traced significant lineage there, I just felt the pull. So I took two friends and went. Zero planning. Hostels all the way. It was what it needed to be: spontaneous, adventurous, and hysterical. But by day two of five, I knew I would be back- my family had to see this.
My Mom, Dad and sister had never left the US and were not comfortable with the idea. Therefore, rather than blatantly suggesting we go to Ireland it took three years of careful thought, strategic side comments (“oh yea, Guinness is MUCH better in Ireland”), and not-so-subtle product placement (Lonely Planet Ireland by Dad’s spot on the couch and brand new Victorinox luggage for my parents for Christmas) to reach the day when my dad finally looked up from the paper, took a sip from his “I ♥ DUBLIN” mug and said “I’ve got an idea, why don’t we go to Ireland as a family?”
I had nailed it.
After months of careful planning with PFTO travel consultant Rochelle, who has been to Ireland herself, we headed across the pond. Our mission: drive the perimeter of the country in 2 weeks and ABSORB it. We started in Dublin, made 13 major stops (all breathtaking, all somehow the definition of the word “marvelous” in their own right) and wound up back in Dublin for a few days before returning home.
My most vivid mental snapshots are those of my dad’s smiling eyes as he peaked over the rim of his first “real” Guinness, in a pub in Killarney; and, the peaceful sense of joy settled around my mom as she strolled down the cobblestone streets in the Port of Kinsale, photographing the sailboats and the beautiful, uniquely-hued pastel buildings. The best, though, was watching my sister recount her brief solo exploration of the Temple Bar in Dublin where she came across a street vendor who thought she was extremely graceful (which is hilarious if you’ve ever met her). He insisted she allow him to sketch her- free of charge- so she sat down (gracefully) and got to know him while he worked.
It’s been my experience that the truly priceless moments of travel are usually fleeting, but for me somehow this entire trip was priceless. To say “I can’t wait to get back” would be cliché and inaccurate. I know I’m going back, because I love the country and somehow feel an overwhelming sense of coming home every minute I’m there. –Jess, Ireland summer 2013 (Jess is an employee at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters and an intrepid traveler who just returned from an adventure in Budapest and Prague)
FOUR ROAMING IRELAND
In 2010 I simply knew I had to get to Ireland. Not only have both sides of my family traced significant lineage there, I just felt the pull. So I took two friends and went. Zero planning. Hostels all the way. It was what it needed to be: spontaneous, adventurous, and hysterical. But by day two of five, I knew I would be back- my family had to see this.
My Mom, Dad and sister had never left the US and were not comfortable with the idea. Therefore, rather than blatantly suggesting we go to Ireland it took three years of careful thought, strategic side comments (“oh yea, Guinness is MUCH better in Ireland”), and not-so-subtle product placement (Lonely Planet Ireland by Dad’s spot on the couch and brand new Victorinox luggage for my parents for Christmas) to reach the day when my dad finally looked up from the paper, took a sip from his “I ♥ DUBLIN” mug and said “I’ve got an idea, why don’t we go to Ireland as a family?”
I had nailed it.
After months of careful planning with PFTO travel consultant Rochelle, who has been to Ireland herself, we headed across the pond. Our mission: drive the perimeter of the country in 2 weeks and ABSORB it. We started in Dublin, made 13 major stops (all breathtaking, all somehow the definition of the word “marvelous” in their own right) and wound up back in Dublin for a few days before returning home.
My most vivid mental snapshots are those of my dad’s smiling eyes as he peaked over the rim of his first “real” Guinness, in a pub in Killarney; and, the peaceful sense of joy settled around my mom as she strolled down the cobblestone streets in the Port of Kinsale, photographing the sailboats and the beautiful, uniquely-hued pastel buildings. The best, though, was watching my sister recount her brief solo exploration of the Temple Bar in Dublin where she came across a street vendor who thought she was extremely graceful (which is hilarious if you’ve ever met her). He insisted she allow him to sketch her- free of charge- so she sat down (gracefully) and got to know him while he worked.
It’s been my experience that the truly priceless moments of travel are usually fleeting, but for me somehow this entire trip was priceless. To say “I can’t wait to get back” would be cliché and inaccurate. I know I’m going back, because I love the country and somehow feel an overwhelming sense of coming home every minute I’m there. –Jess, Ireland summer 2013 (Jess is an employee at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters and an intrepid traveler who just returned from an adventure in Budapest and Prague)