(This is the last trip report about Faroe Islands and Ireland using 150,000 British Airways Avios points for a first class round trip “Travel Together” ticket, paying taxes/fees).

On the way to Ireland, we had a long layover in Copenhagen, so I went into the city and up the Church of our Saviour spire, climbing 400 steps for a 360 degree view of the city! They closed it just as I left because of wind conditions. I also went on a boat tour and then Nyhavn Street. It was a quick tour of the city, but better then sitting in an airport!

 

 

 

Ireland is a place I’ve always wanted to visit and the country exceeded my expectations! Here are my top five things I LOVED about Ireland!

1. Weather…it can be cold and rainy there, but we had glorious sunshine every single day! We started our trip headed from Dublin towards Dingle Peninsula, with a stop along the way at Bayly Farm B&B. It is a working farm, with wonderful hosts, and we wish we’d had more time there. I love the historic feel of these old homes. Which leads to number two…

2. Bed and Breakfast…we stayed at B&B’s throughout Ireland and I don’t think you can go wrong. The full Irish breakfast is fantastic (I was too hungry, so I never got a picture). We drove around the Ring of Kerry before heading to Dingle, which leads to number three…

3. SCENERY! The scenery was just amazing and pictures speak louder than words…

 

 

 

We drove the Gap of Dunloe, but waited until after 6:30 pm so we’d not be in the way of the horse carts.

 

 

 

This is the view from our B&B in Dingle! And after a full hearty Irish breakfast, we drove the Dingle Peninsula (more scenery)…

 

We took a ferry to save driving time, headed to the infamous Cliffs of Moher, which leads to number four…

4. Green– Ireland IS the “Emerald Isle” and I can understand why…even the sides of the cliffs are green! The Cliffs of Moher was crowded, and a bit touristy, but still one of my favorites.

 

 

We stopped in Galway for some shopping and a bite to eat on our way to Clifden…

…where we stayed in another restful B&B, Seafield House, on the Sky Road, with fabulous views!

 

We headed back towards Dublin, driving through Connemara National Park (more scenery) with a stop at number 5…

 

 

5. Castles…where you can take afternoon tea! We stopped at Ashford Castle for tea and if you ever go to Ireland, it’s a must!

 

 

 

 

Then we flew to London and waited in the Concorde Lounge for our first class “travel together” ticket on British Airways! We had another exceptional crew, with one of the top flight attendants in BA!

 

 

There is one thing I didn’t love about Ireland…their roads. They are narrow, some with high hedges or rock walls, AND you are driving on the wrong side of the road! BUT it was necessary to do and see all we did. Next up, my long summer trip…