Our recent trip to Wicklow and Wexford
We took advantage of the Monday bank holiday in early May and headed to beautiful Wicklow and Wexford county. After Emmie’s soccer training session, we headed to Arklow to visit with the McCormack clan. As usual a fun visit with everyone.
The following day we drove to beautiful Hook Head Lighthouse.
Incredible!
Coast around Hook Head
Scott and Emmie checking out the sea life…
Hook Head – moss carpet
So many edges to explore
Em liked the spongy ground
On to New Ross, Wexford County to tour the Dunbrody, Emigrant Ship. The reconstructed tall ship from 1845 used to transport emigrants to the U.S. & Canada during the time of Great Famine was quite an interesting tour.
Listening to the tour & the bell from the original ship!
One of our tickets was a McDonald- we found the name on the bunk.
Some Lawlors crossing as well.
Learning about the need for the potato
In the cafe at the visitor center % of population with Irish heritage.
Kilkenny Bound– we poked around the town, the castle grounds where we watched a dog agility demonstration, and naturally thought of our beloved Phoebe.
Kilkenny Castle
This dog is happy to run
On lookers
After a realization that adding Kilkenny to the tour, it would be silly to drive south again for our B & B. We scrambled a bit but found a lovely spot in Kildare, Castle View Farm.
Kilkenny has a very strong hurling tradition and an excellent team- just as we were departing we were confronted with our unlucky timing. Yes, the hurling match was over. (Kilkenny was victorious!)
Castle View Farm: Cows in the back. We got to watch, Ned milk several of them and bring in the fresh eggs from the hens.
Our lovely host, Liz encouraged us to explore the church ruins just down the road.
Lackagh Church
We walked a bit more…
Grace taking in the view (A bit grainy of a photo, still love it-)
Something was stirring- we had to take a look
Good morning!
Another highlight was visiting Garvan de Bruir’s studio. We had seen his work at the Merrion Square Pop- up Christmas market where his mom was showcasing some of his work. I accidentally picked up her purse to admire it, one of his designs. He is an incredible artist and genuinely nice guy. Grace and Emmie loved playing with his family dog and having go on the swing. Wish I remembered its name.
Enjoying the tummy rub!
- Such talent and passion for his work!
A Year in Ireland 