FAMILY FUN IN ENNISTIMON - More Photos

The kids hanging out with some local asses.

ENNISTIMON, MUSIC, and PUB HOPPINB IN DOOLIN

Enjoyed a much-needed sleep-in at Tigh Amou last night.  This morning, we granted permission to the kids to head out collecting firewood while we enjoyed our tea and coffee. Yes, we allowed them to venture out on their own. After all, with more cows than human residents and CJ armed with his Bear Grylls hunting knife, we weren't really concerned about their safety. Later, we found our way to Ennistimon.  We walked to the River Hotel and around the stream and then grabbed some lunch at Teach Bia before grocery shopping at the SuperValu.  The kids befriended a stray dog and promptly named him Doug.  Returning back to the house in Doolin, we were ready for a night of venture.

We walked from the house into downtown Doolin visiting the shops along the way.  First stop was Gus O’Conner’s for a few pints.  As we moved to the next location, McGanns, the kids squeezed through a stone fence and live electric fence to run to the top of a "mountain," frightening some cows along the way. Chris encouraged the kids to experience the electric fence by suggesting, "It won't hurt. It will just be like...therapy!" They experimented with electric current via a blade of grass. That was the science lesson for the day. Next is a cultural immersion in local nightlife! 

Now, we have occupied a prime table in McGann's--right next to the band. Turns out our abundant electronics display is not acceptable so, after some ridicule, we put away our gear and focused solely on the musicians. The kids seemed to love it but, after a while, Abby, Claire, and CJ went outside for a change of scenery. When we all finally left, we found them dancing with the village idiot/drunk—something about a pirate dance and the cotton-eyed Joe.. We admit, a lesson in poor judgment on our part and it won't happen again even though CJ was packing a serious knife.

It must be noted that driving in Ireland is absolutely the hair-raising, white-knuckled adventure we were warned about. Imagine driving on the wrong side of a small, country road from the passenger's seat with full stone walls serving as guardrails. The roads are frighteningly narrow (Texans beware). We are thankful we took out the full insurance because clipping the roadside stones and brambles is unavoidable whilst dodging the tour buses careening down the other lane. 

This speaks for itself

Bar & Undertaker-one stop shop! Brilliant!

View of sea from Doolin

The kids roaming with the local cows (after the "science" experiment).

McGann's

Interesting conversation between Annie and Jackie regarding speaking other languages in America--Annie: "The Founders spoke English." Jackie: "But we are a melting pot and we should reflect that!" Annie: "I don't recall Fritz on the Mayflower." (And that was the history lesson of the day.)

DOOLIN

Upon arriving in Dublin to some colder than normal weather, we zipped 30 minutes north of the airport to Newgrange; a 5000 year old tomb/religious site where, during the winter solstice, the sun shines through a small opening to illuminate the interior spaces. Wild pagan stuff!

We tested Chris and Lee's driving skills on some wild, narrow, twisted roads on the way to Doolin. In fact, one of the roads is known as Corkscrew Hill. Good thing my narcolepsy was in full swing then.

Now we sit warmed by the fire at Fitzpatrick's, in Doolin, taking in the UEFA quarterfinal while enjoying some refreshing beers and dinner and pilfering some local wifi. The kids are sitting around the fire after their original request to play outside was denied.

While anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Fun Annie" on Holy Thursday, after a solid night's sleep and end to the Lenten fast, we overheard the littlest girls say, "We don't want to go pub hopping!" Yes, after the game, we're heading to the next pub for some local music. We'll see how long we last, exhaustion pending after the red-eye flight. We've promised the kids hot chocolate.

Newgrange

Newgrange

Tigh Amou-our "home" in Doolin

Tigh Amou front entrance



View from back of Tigh Amou

Kids returning from their hunt for firewood

Fitzpatrick's Pub

Packing and Cleaning

 

Packing clothes, cleaning house. Setting a play list from YouTube to listen to some Irish music.

Preparing!

The Arnold clan is in full preparations! The entire family is hanging out in the family room listening to a mix of U2, Clannad, Enya, The Corrs, Cranberries, John Whelan, The Pogues, Sinead O'Connor, and some Irish folk music while Lee is sipping Irish whiskey and the girls are...jigging.

Claire has been packing since early March. I am really looking forward to some rashers and Jackie is quite willing to try her first Guinness.

Thank you, Chris, for making our blog look so professional!