On September 2nd, 2016 we got the opportunity to walk Irish Wolf Hounds on the grounds of Ashford Castle and the surrounding forests. The black dog’s name was Cronan, and the white dog’s name was Garbin. They were two and...
Sunday in Dublin: A Church, a Cat and a Rat, and a Roast
Christ Church, Dublin On Sunday, Sept 11, 2016 our family went to worship at Christ Church, Dublin. The stone facade of the building houses an equality beautiful church where faithful worshippers gather each week. This Anglican church...
Trinity College, Dublin
We took a tour with a Trinity College student who had just finished his course work. The student guides were wearing traditional black scholars robes that were worn until the 1970s. He told us about college life and...
Hope’s Animal Adventures: Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle, Ireland
On September 1st, 2016 our family went on a two hour “Hawk Walk” with Ireland’s School of Falconry at Ashford Castle. This was one of the highlights of our Animal Adventures so far! Here are Hope’s reflections on the day:...
Fairy Tree: Christian Women Behaving Badly
You’ve probably heard in history classes that religious sites tend to be built on top of each other over time. There is an element of sacred space and land that people try to honor through this practice. However, there is also...
Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
There is something so beautiful about Kylemore Abbey! When Ryan and I first saw it 16 years ago, I was awed by the pastoral setting, the gorgeous architecture, and the glassy lake reflecting the whole thing perfectly. I knew...
Titanic Belfast: “Two Pennies to Rub Together”
As we prepared to go to Belfast in Northern Ireland for the first time in our lives, we consulted the wise travel sage, Rick Steves, for his recommendations. We learned that the famous Titanic was built in the Belfast...