Off To Ireland- Day 1

Off to Ireland

Ireland has always been on our bucket list. A couple weeks ago John and I made a last minute decision to take the plunge.

We are now sitting at the gate at Hamilton International Airport waiting for our Play Airlines flight to Dublin via Iceland.

Play is a budget airline based out of Iceland. We fly to Iceland and then change over for a flight to Dublin.

Packing Tips

As with most budget airlines, besides a personal item you pay for all other luggage. John and I each bought a carry-on bag.

You really have to make good decisions when travelling for 16 days with only carry-on and a personal item… especially when the weather is expected to be cool and rainy.

I make the most of it by layering my heaviest sweater and cardigan under my down filled travel coat and topping it all off with a pashmina, (which seconds as a plane blanket).

As usual my best tip for getting in a few extra items is by stuffing them into a neck pillow. I sewed the case (bit larger than the average travel neck pillow) and instead of putting in foam, I’ve stuffed it with clothing. On this trip, I have stuffed it with two sweaters, a tshirt, eight pairs of socks, a pair of leggings, and a nightgown…. Woo Hoo!

With all that stuffing, the pillow is denser and heavier than the average neck pillow but I prefer it because it gives my head more support when sleeping….which also saves the embarrassment having my drowsy head slump onto my neighbour and inadvertently drooling on their shoulder.

The First Leg- Iceland

I love flying out of Hamilton Airport. It is small and very quick to check in. Also not much distance to walk to your gate.

The flight crew are seated across from us in the boarding area. The co-pilot looks very young. I am old enough to be his mother… horrifying thought. John comments that I am also old enough to have birthed any of the gorgeous, blond flight attendants as well. The pilot is closer in age to me. Thank God for small mercies

We quickly board for the first leg of our journey. Hamilton to Iceland is five hours and twenty minutes. To our surprise the flight leaves 45 minutes early! I guess the airline decided that as everyone checked-in with lots of time to spare why wait around.

I am one of the only people wearing a mask on the plane. The flight is full.

We take off at 6:05pm (instead of 6:50pm as scheduled) and fly above the heavy clouds which look like a blanket of snow, and into the golden glow of the setting sun.

Time to sleep.

Now landing in Iceland at 3:52am It’s dark outside. I slept through most of the flight, thankful for all my numerous layers of clothing because the plane is so cold. I may not look fashionable but I’m comfortable.

The Reykjavik Airport is another smaller, well organized airport. The video billboards make me want to come back and see more of the country than we did on our last visit…especially the puffins and northern lights.

Airport announcements are in both English and Icelandic, which has a melodic lilt to it. Quite pleasant to to the ear

After about an hour and a half, we board another packed plane to Dublin which is a short 2 1/4 hour flight. The captain warns us of expected turbulence after take-off due to strong winds.

Arrival in Dublin

The turbulence wasn’t too bad.

The sun is trying to shine through when we land in Dublin.

The immigration/border staff are cracking jokes. I think I’m going to like this place. We are processed quickly, then get our rental car and are ready to go. John immediately turns on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal but after that he is driving on the left side like an old pro.

Powerscourt House and Garden

Our first stop is Powerscourt House and Garden which is in County Wicklow. National Geographic listed this as #3 of the top 10 most beautiful gardens in the world. Started in 1731, it took 150 years to create the 47 acres of garden.

Powerscourt Waterfalls

Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s tallest waterfall, is just a ten minute drive down the road. It is a very pretty waterfall but I am not sure it is worth the 7 euro per person fee to get in.

On the Road to Sally Gap Drive

The highways here are fine for driving (not taking into account that you are driving on the left side) but the other roads are often very narrow which is a little off putting when cars or trucks are coming in the opposite direction. But John has driven many other hair raising roads and this isn’t so bad in comparison.

We drive through the winding roads of Sally Gap Drive and check out Lake Guinness.

I am starting to get tired.

Glendalough

Our final site seeing stop for the day is Glendalough Monastic City. This is one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites which was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century.
Highlights of the city are the 1,000 year old round tower, ruins of Glendalough cathedral (begun in the 10th century) and St Kevin’s Church (12th century).

The gravestones throughout the site give off the perfect vibe for the Halloween season.

We continue through the site to a pathway leading to both the lower and upper lakes.

Meadowbrook B&B

Totally exhausted, we head to Meadowbrook B&B which we booked through Airbnb but would probably be less expensive if booked directly through the host, Frances.

On Frances’s recommendation we head out to nearby Jacob’s Well Pub for supper and a Guinness. I have a locally sourced vegetarian stir fry and John has fish and chips. Both are delicious.

We return to our bed and breakfast for much needed R&R.

The little one room plus bathroom cottage is delightful. It is adorable and has a kitchenette which Frances stocked with lots of my favourite foods and drinks: hot chocolate with marshmallows, Lindor chocolates, kitkats, biscuits, home made soda bread, fresh fruit, eggs (laid by her own hen), cheese, crackers…there is even some beans for breakfast…and more. Yum, yum, yum. John accuses me of descending on the treats like a vulture to a fresh carcass.

Well a girl has to keep her energy up.

Costs

Powerscourt Gardens 12.50 EUR
Powerscourt Waterfall 7 EUR
Glendalough parking 4 EUR
Glendalough Monastic Site- free
Meadowbrook B&B Airbnb 145.00 CAD