Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My First International Trip: Ireland!!

I've always dreamed of traveling out of the country, but have never had the opportunity. I've stayed a bit mum about some exciting news, simply because I wanted to make sure it was positively going to happen, but I'm happy to share that for 11 days in April and May, Sean and I are joining my incredible in-laws on a trip to the motherland — IRELAND!

I love to imagine I'll get to travel the world in my lifetime, but if I could only visit a couple places, Ireland is at the top of my list. My mother-in-law's parents came to America from the Dingle Peninsula, and she graciously invited us to join her and father-in-law when they go to visit this spring. We're still footing our travel costs, but without their help, it wouldn't be possible. I feel very lucky and blessed. 

Now that I know it's for real going to happen (and I have a passport!), I'm starting to research things to do in some of the places we'll visit, including:

 Belfast (photo from here.

 Dingle Peninsula (photo from here)

 Donegal (photo from here).

and of course, Dublin. (photo from here.)

Sean's been lucky enough to go to Ireland a few times, but I have no idea what to expect. Have any of you ever been? What was your favorite part of your trip? What surprised you the most? What should I be sure to pack, and what should I be sure to bring back with me? Please share!

P.S., when I picture visiting Ireland, I picture myself dressed like this Marc by Marc Jacobs outfit:

A girl can dream, can't she?

2 comments:

Laura R. said...

I'm so excited for you!! Ireland is fantastic. You'll have to pop into TopShop and Marks and Spencers on Grafton Street in Dublin. I would stroll through Trinity College (I stayed there when I studied abroad). It's a beautiful campus and there are lots of weddings held there. You MUST go to the Bagel Bar for an inexpensive but fantastic sandwich. There's one across from Trinity on Nassau St. but they have them everywhere.

EmilyO said...

Hi Amber! I'm excited for you and your trip! The first thing that popped into my head is that you should get ready for some crazy driving adventures. I have fond memories of really getting to know my Aunt Margaret in Ireland as she fired off f-bombs while trying to drive stick left handed. Driving along the winding country roads was terrifying, half the time you felt like you were going to fall off a cliff. We also got a flat tire in the middle of Dublin going the wrong way down a one-way road. So, you should buckle up!

I remember really enjoying wandering around Dingle. Visiting Anascaul where our Grandparents grew up was really magical too. There were all these beautiful overlooks we went to. It's gaaaargeous as my Dad would say. One random thing: I really loved these sweet little breakfast sausages they had in Ireland.

Finally I would say wear lots of layers and pack many different types of clothes. It could be nice, but there's always potential for things to turn chilly and wet.