Competent Crew

Susan took a weeklong sailing class to become certified "Competent Crew" through the Irish Sailing Association. The class was taught in Carlingford, County Louth on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The weather was typical Irish...rain, sun, wind, and waves! One day the wind was blowing 40 knots and the waves were 3 metres!!! We were wearing all of our foul weather gear as well as our safety harnesses. We learned a lot about heavy weather sailing!! The pictures show only sunny weather, however, because during the 40 knot winds it was impossible to hold onto anything except the boat, let alone a camera!

Susan Sailing in Carlingford Lough

The Crew: Thomas, Brid, Maurice & Susan

Sights along the way

The Boat: Elan 36

Our Captain and Instructor: Michael

Hill Walking Ireland

I recently joined a hill walking group. I went on my first hike to Djouce Woods in the Wicklow Mountains. There are many, many places to walk within only a few kilometers of Dublin.

Djouce Woods

Kevin & Lynne Visit Ireland

We had two weeks of fun and adventure! A boat trip down the Shannon River, Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, and many of the Dublin sights. We saw more churches and castles than we ever thought possible. We even visited a few pubs! Kevin classified our village visits into fingers or toes nights...meaning we visiting enough pubs to count on your fingers or toes! Ireland life is truly based on pub culture. One day we were surrounded by a family celebrating their daughter's first communion with a party in a pub. Multiple generations of a family get together in the pubs. On Sunday afternoons many families go to the pub for their after church meal. Keep scrolling down for pictures of our trip.

First things first...Guinness!

Guinness Tour "Kevin Style"

Boat Trip on the Shannon River

We chartered a boat in Portumna to investigate the Shannon River and Lough Derg. It was a wonderful way to see the small villages of Ireland. Our weather was typical Ireland; a bit of sun, wind, and rain.

Shannon River

Here we go!

Killaloe

A combination of the old and new

Lynne found she could override the steering!

The Boys Playing

Irish Countryside

Kilkenny & Cat Laughs

After a week of cruising the Shannon we returned the boat, picked up our car and drove 2 hours south to Kilkenny. Cat Laughs is a 5 day comedy festival that sells out every year on the day the acts are announced. Comedians come from all over the world to participate.

Cat Laughs