We took a Wild Wicklow tour that lasted all day and was only 25€, it was perfect. Tracey and I had found it online and all of the reviews were nothing but positives. We both really wanted to see the countryside of Ireland and we figured this was our best bet, not to mention the price was extremely appealing.
So the day after St. Patty's Day, we hopped on the bus around 9:30am and headed on our tour.
(here's the tour map from the wild wicklow tour website, this image is not owned by me, http://wildwicklow.ie/Fun_Route.html)
Our first stop was just outside of the city and it was amazing. Tracey and I were already so happy that we did this tour, i.e. the smiles.
Unfortunately the weather was typical Ireland to say the least. Our tour guide kept saying that no one comes to Ireland for the weather. We then stopped at Avoca Handweavers, where Tracey and I both wished that we had more money. Our tour guide then drove us up into the countryside where the bogs are and told some really interesting stories. The bogs are so unique because they preserve everything. Some scientists had found entire bodies within the bogs, along with all of the person's belonging. Back in the day, a rich person would sacrifice themselves for the sake of their community because he would be one less mouth to feed. So when scientists found some of these bodies they found jewels, gold, basically a real treasure box.
During our drive through the bogs we drove over the bridge that was used in the movie, "P.S. I love you." I wish we could have stopped there to take pictures, but there were too many guys on the bus rolling their eyes.
The point where we got out was land owned by Guinness that overlooked a lake. Unfortunately, the weather was absolutely terrible, I thought Tracey was going to blow away it was that breezy.
Our next stop was lunch at an Irish pub, Lynam's, and although it was a little expensive, it was definitely worth it. The food was so good, I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Our last and final stop was Glendalough, where there were ruins, grave stones and a lake that was about a twenty minute walk. Tracey and I took the walk and discovered this really great lake that would have been perfect for a weekend.
Our tour then dropped us off right in front of Trinity College around 5pm we were not only soaking wet and dirty from the walk, but ready for some food. Tracey and I met up with Mattie, and after some souvenir hunting we found Ireland's version of TGIFriday's and had more excellent food. All in all, it was the perfect trip to Dublin, Ireland.
Friday morning started off a little early. We had a flight to catch out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, which I'm claiming is yet another country that I've been to. So we caught a train from Dublin to Belfast which was only a couple hours and the more picturesque scenery we could have asked for. We arrived at the Belfast airport, after loving the two hours we had seen of Belfast, and were a little disappointed that we didn't have the opportunity to spend more time there. Either way, we were on our way to Scotland.
We arrived in Glasgow, Scotland a little after 4pm and immediately went to our hotel...excuse me, hostel. During the entire time we had been in Europe, none of us had stayed in a hostel, and although I only stayed in hostels in Ecuador, I was a little out of my element. We had two bunk beds, pillows, sheets and blankets were on the bed, minus the towels. It was definitely a good thing I showered the night before. We rested for a little bit, made some calls about reservations and then headed out for dinner. It just so happened that the weekend we were in Glasgow was also during their comedy week. We took advantage of this and grabbed up some seats.
Our stomachs, and ads in our maps led us to an Indian restaurant, Kama Sutra. The food was delicious and the restaurant was worth the price of the food. They took our coats at the door and we were all shocked that we had stumbled upon this amazing restaurant. A big step up from the hostel.
Our next stop was the comedy show. And since we enjoyed our food a little bit longer than we should have, and we had the wrong directions we had to take a cab to the comedy show. So, we all rode in the really cool cabs of the UK, which I could definitely get used to.
The comedy show was great to say the least. Drinks were cheap and we had a table close to the stage. The only downfall was that the scottish accent was a little bit harder to understand than we had anticipated. Either way, we had a good time.
The next morning we woke up and hopped on a train to Edinburgh, Scotland, and we had an amazing time. We ran into some friends of mine from Etown in the train station, it's a smaller world than you or I would ever believe, and they pointed us in the right direction.
We ended up spending the majority of the day walking up and down the Royal Mile, the touristy street of Edinburgh. There were kilts, bag pipes and some of the best street performers I've seen.
(Tracey got in on the action)
(this little girl was a riot, any time the performer made a bad joke and the crowd didn't laugh, she would burst out laughing, it was hilarious)
At the top of the Royal Mile was the castle of Edinburgh. It was so crazy to see a real castle. We had arrived just as the castle was closing, so we weren't able to go inside, not to mention it was £12, which none of us wanted to pay. The views from the castle were amazing, I wish we could have spent the entire day at the castle.
During the day, we had stumbled upon a flyer: "The birthplace of Harry Potter." I had completely forgot that J.K. Rowling had written Harry Potter in Edinburgh. So, of course we had to go.
The Elephant House was great! From the tea, coffee, snacks, ambience, we all understood why J.K. spent all those days writing Harry Potter there.
Unfortunately we had to leave the Elephant House because we had a Ghost Boat Tour to catch. It was Ghost-Fest in Edinburgh when we were there and we had to take advantage of it. We found a tour that was a boat ride for £20 that also provided wine...and dinner. It was a winner.
The Ghost Boat tour was great, and we heard some really spooky stories about Edinburgh.
We then decided it was time to head back to Glasgow and to our hostel. I think we were all a little disappointed that we had to leave Edinburgh.
The next morning started off with free breakfast at the hostel and then a train to Newcastle, England. Tracey had to head back to Barcelona because she had a class early Monday morning, but I don't have class until 6pm on Monday's, so Mattie and I took the train from Glasgow to Newcastle. One of my good friends from Etown is studying there, and since we were only a two hour train ride, I couldn't say no.
It was so much fun to see Kate, not to mention a friendly face. I have made some really great friends in Barcelona, but there's something about your friends from home.
She showed us around Newcastle, and by request, took us to the castle of Newcastle. It was kind of a let down, but still enjoyable.
Kate then took us to her favorite shopping place in all of Newcastle. There, they sell "delicacies," as Kate calls them. Chocolate covered grasshoppers. Chocolate covered scorpions. Weasel coffee. Moose pate. The list goes on, but I'll stop there.
We then went to a sushi place for dinner and had a really great meal filled with lots of laughs and Etown stories for Mattie. After dinner we walked back to Kate's campus and entered the trivia game at the bar on campus. That's right, the BAR ON CAMPUS. I know I picked the wrong place to study abroad. We were team "American$," and unfortunately we did not win. Next time...
It was really great to see Kate and we left early Monday morning for Barcelona.
So far, this was probably my favorite trip. Ireland was perfect, Scotland was beautiful, and England was nothing but laughs.
A lot hotels looks like ancient designs and decors but most of them are modernized.
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