Well, we're back in the States, sitting at JFK and waiting to board our flight to Nashville. It's been a long day already from the city of Shannon to New York, and we're not home yet. Right now, we're tired and jet-lagged, ready to get home and sleep ... for a long time.

In the meantime, here are some pics from our final two days, the highlights of which were viewing the Cliffs of Moher and listening to some excellent traditional music at the pubs in the tiny town of Doolin. Our journey also took us through the rocky terrain of the Burren with a stop at the Poulnabrone dolmen, one of the best preserved portal tombs in the country. Known as a place where ancient Celts brought their dead, its name means "The hole of the sorrows."

For our final night in Ireland our Tread Light group attended "Traditional Irish Nights," a dinner show at Bunratty Castle. The food was excellent, and the show included a bit of Irish history and some traditional music and dancing. We closed the evening at Durty Nellie's, a famous pub that sits on the edge of the castle grounds.

It's been a wonderful trip with memorable experiences along the way. Perhaps when I'm home and rested, I'll try to reflect more on our adventure and offer more details. But right now, I am tired and ready to get home and sleep in my own bed. For now, enjoy my latest photo gallery (below) or check out the earlier posts on this blog.

Click on any photo in gallery for larger view. Photos © Diane Hughes.

Today we left Dingle and headed to Doolin by way of Conor Pass. It's a beautiful view from on top of the pass, but it's a cold, windy, rainy day. Though it's damp and blustery, we are warmed by the spirit of the Irish people and the rousing traditional music we've heard the last few days.

After arriving in Doolin late this afternoon, we enjoyed dinner at McGann's, followed by some trad music. Tomorrow we hope to hike along the Cliffs of Moher, weather permitting, and then take in the sights and shopping in this tiny town.

Click photos for larger view. All photos © Diane Hughes.

Things are rushed. So much to see, so much to do, so little time to write or post. Here are some more images!

Click photos for larger view. All photos © Diane Hughes.

Yesterday we drove from Cashel to Kenmare by way of Killarney, where we took in a 9-mile bike ride. Here's a quick photo gallery.

Click photos for larger view. Photos © Diane Hughes.

Our first day in Ireland included a tour of Dublin, with a visit to the Old Library and the Book of Kells at Trinity College, followed by dinner and a stroll through the Temple Bar District.

The Book of Kells is an amazing exhibit that includes the four gospels, hand-scribed in Latin with intricate and painstaking detail by Celtic monks circa 506. I would love to show you photos of them, but photography is strictly prohibited.

One of my favorite places on the planet is the Long Room, the upper chamber of the building that houses the Book of Kells. The Long Room is the Old Library at Trinity College. Built in the 1700s, it houses 200,000 of the library's oldest books, and its halls are lined with busts of great philosophers, including Socrates, Swift and Milton. For book lovers, the sight of the room -- and the smell of it! -- is heavenly. Again, I'd love to show you the stunning view of the spacious room, its sides lined with stacks of books ceiling high, but photography is not allowed. Google "Long Room," and you'll see what I mean.
 
Our next stop was Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a historic Anglican church in the heart of Dublin. The vast sanctuary has alcoves and hallways that seem to go on forever, each with interesting icons and visual treasures.  I've shared one image here looking down a hallway of the main sanctuary. Built to honor Ireland's patron saint, parts of the structure date to 1220. It is a beautiful and sacred place that I feel blessed to have visited.

And it wouldn't be a trip to Dublin without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where several of our group earned their certificates for learning to pour the perfect pint. I've included a photo of Michael about to enjoy the pint he poured himself.

Dinner at Gallagher's Boxty House included traditional Irish dishes and a round of cider, ginger beer, Guinness and other beverages. Our group of seven was missing one (Leslie) due to a delayed flight, so our team of intrepid travelers included me, Michael, Emily and Amy (sisters), Al and Virginia (husband and wife), Daniel and Susan.

After dinner, a few of us strolled around Dublin's Temple Bar area, taking photos and enjoying the last rays of sun and the city lights casting reflections on the Liffey. (Shown above.)

Today, we drove from Dublin to Glendalough, where we hiked the hills around the monastic ruins. Later, I'll try to include a mention of St. Kevin, a prominent character in the story of these grounds. A very peaceful place to walk and enjoy the ruins and the great outdoors.

Tonight, we sleep in Cashel. Tomorrow we visit the "Rock" and then take a bike ride in Killarney. Next we spend two days in Kenmare for sea kayaking and hiking. Lots of fun and adventures to come!

Click photos in gallery for larger view. All photos © Diane Hughes.

After a chaotic day of missed flights, phone snafus and other issues, I think we're finally ready to relax and have some fun. Here are a few pics from yesterday's jaunt through Dublin. The first is St. Patrick's Cathedral. The second is an evening shot of the River Liffey. The third is me enjoying a pint of Bulmer's! It's my favorite cider and not widely available in the U.S.

Today we're off to hike among the monastic ruins of the Wicklow Mountains in Glendalough. More to come!

Click photos for larger view. Photos © Diane Hughes & Michael Hughes.