My hubby and I were in Ireland for the very first time right now 13 years ago.
It seems like yesterday and a million years ago all at the same time.
I was feeling a bit reminiscent this week and went through all of our honeymoon photos.
We were babes! I am sure many of you think we’re still babes now! Ha. Life is so relative isn’t it?
Now we’re traveling to Ireland with two kiddos in tow. Doesn’t seem quite real.
If I were to offer young Stephanie a bit of travel wisdom while she was planning her trip it would be “slow down child”! (Something I funnily enough say to Alexander all the time now…)
It didn’t take me long to figure out I had packed way too much to do in a week’s worth of time. As soon as we landed I realized I had been over ambitious.
It’s an easy first timer’s mistake. You can read more about our overly, um, shall we say energetic?, itinerary here.
Regardless of our zealousness, we fell in love with Ireland. And so I thought I’d share a few photos so you can share in the longing for Ireland with me.
If you’ve been to Ireland, once or a thousand times, I’d love to know what you long for the most.
Me? It’s probably a mountaintop above the sea with a little bit of chocolate and hubby in hand. :-)
My grandson is getting ,arrived in Donegal in November!
I fear we are doing to be rain-soaked
How should we pack for the weather that time of year? .
Hooray!! You’ll love Ireland in November. We were actually in Donegal late November a few years ago. I felt like we had the whole place to our selves. :-)
Honestly, I use this packing list for all our trips even in November. https://www.infiniteireland.com/the-ultimate-ireland-packing-list/
A couple things I would add: I would suggest wearing a heavier rain jacket than just a thin one (we did have a few moments of light snow–it was very beautiful!). I brought along a Columbia jacket very similar to this one: https://amzn.to/2zV6n03 (I couldn’t find the exact one as I’ve had it forever!). A pair of gloves and scarf are good editions too!
Enjoy every moment of your trip!!
I remember both of you very well…you were dashing off to Newgrange from Fanore..time does fly and we get older and a little wiser but Fanore has not really changed very much in the last 13 years
Regards to you and your happy family
Gill
Hi Gill! We think of you two at the Orchid House all of the time!
Fanore is such a special place and I am quite glad that it hasn’t changed. I still picture myself on the beach overlooking the islands.
Give my best to Pat! ❤️
Beautiful pictures Stephanie,places familiar,those green pastures and cows ,I loved it so green compared to California no rain & dry.
Thanks Heidi! Yes, so green and beautiful!!
Truly captures the ❤️.
What do I long for the most? Seeing all shades of green everywhere I go, and being 1 of 3 cars on a “N” road during “morning rush hour”!
My husband & I were visiting for the 1st time last October, and we hope to return in late September 2020!
Yessssssss!!! Morning rush hour is the best. :-) :-) Hooray for more trips coming soon!!
Hi Stephanie,
Your pics are beautiful, I have 12 days to go before I see for my self. My husband and I will celebrate our 36th anniversary while we will be there.
Have you been to Ireland in September, if so how is it at that time?
Denise
Congratulations on 36 years!! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate!!
September in Ireland may be my most favorite time. You’re going to love it then!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Congratulations on your anniversary!
I am truly missing Dingle and Galway, both of them my happy places. I just recently made a big life change, and the first thing I wanted to do was run away to Ireland for a break before the next adventure begins. But, no such luck, jet lag a day before I start the next chapter is not really a good idea. So, I dream of the green hills and blue seas and continue planning the next trip (to Northern Ireland) while I listen daily to my boyfriend’s sexy Irish accent (he’s a transplant from Dublin). ;-)
Thanks Jami!! I too want to run away to Ireland whenever things get tough. But good things come to those who wait, right? :-)
Congratulations on the big decision and best of luck in your new direction!!