Seeing More of This Place I Call Home!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that my Aunt and Uncle came for a visit. At first I was concerned about the timing of their visit because I had just spent the week prior touring around Ireland with my parents. I was concerned about seeing all the same things over again just a week apart.  However, that was not really the case. Although we did visit a few of the same places, it was different company, and therefore a different experience. Of course we did manage to see several new and different sites. Ireland may be a small country but there is sooooooo much to see!

Here are a few of the places that were first time visits for me:

Spent one day and night on the Creaden Head Peninsula in Waterford which is in the South Eastern part of Ireland.

Hook Lighthouse, Co. Waterford

Brightly shining, as usual! ; )

At the top of the Hook Lighthouse.  It was windy!

I love the shadow the lighthouse is casting in the photo.

Headed Slightly North West to check out Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny

Then across to the West coast where we spent two days exploring the Dingle Peninsula.

Dingle Penisula, Co. Kerry

Dunbeg Fort a prehistoric fort on the cliff edge of the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry
If it were not such a cloudy day you could see the Ring of Kerry across the inlet behind me.

Dunbeg Fort

Beehive shaped huts like these dot the landscape all over the Dingle Peninsula.

Ancient ring forts like these can be found all over the hills and along the cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula. 

An ancient sundial.

The Galarus Oratory on the Dingle Peninsula.

Part of one of the many monastic settlements, the Gallarus Oratory is believed to have been built between the 6th and 9th century.

Lots of amazing scenery!

a mountain stream flows right across the road as you head out to the tip of the  peninsula.

Looking over the edge!

Hanging over the edge!

We spent the night in Tralee at Ballyseede Castle Hotel.  My favorite part of our stay was the four legged residents that love to hang out with the guests.  An Irish Wolf Hound named Arthur was possibly the most docile dog I've ever met. A mixed breed named Einstein entertained us by fetching rocks.  Yup, rocks! Really small pebbles.  He would carry around several pebbles at once and knew exactly how many he had at any given time.  Apparently his record is 23 pebbles at once!

Einstein guarding his pebbles.

Ballyseede Hotel

Aunt Jane with Arthur the Irish Wolf Hound.

Einstein and Arthur hanging on the hotel steps.

 And as usual no trip in the Irish countryside would be complete without getting up close and personal with some of the animals!

Adam thought this was so funny and wanted me to share. He is easily entertained.

So overall it was another wonderful week visiting with family. Thank you Jane and Jim for spending time with us exploring this beautiful country we are currently calling home!