Ireland

3 Day Southern Ireland Tour

Did an awesome 3 day South tour with Paddywagon. Joe was our driver and although appeared scary at the start, had great humor and was lovely. The tour group was great. We all got along famously from the get go, dined together of an evening and then hit the pubs and clubs together. The Irish people really make Ireland - They are the friendliest characters I have met - Great people and I can't wait to return and explore more of this great country.

The tour hightlights were seeing and walking along the world famous Cliffs of Moher, Clonmacnoise and kissing the magical Blarney Stone 9see picture - belly up). We stayed is great places - First in Killarney and then had an action-packed night in Galway - Ireland’s seaside Party Town! It was such a gorgoues town - really lively!

Tour Itinerary Summary:

Day 1: Dublin to Killarney - Left Dublin's Paddy Palace at 8am and began the adventure, drivng through amazing landscape. We stayed overnight in Killarney, ate Irish stew and had a few Bulmers!

Day 2: Dublin to Galway: The morning started with a refreshing Horse led ride through the National Park on the world famous Jaunting Cars. We then drove across the Cork & Kerry Mountains and then I kissed the Blarney Stone. Had lunch in a traditional pub - sampling the seafood chowder and then had a guided tour of Cahir Castle in Tipperary before exploring wonderful Galway and staying the night. Hit the pubs and clubs and was upset to learn that they don't really like Caffrey's here - The bar tender said it's like our fosters - get's sold overseas more!!! They didn't even have it on tap at any bar I went to!!! So instead I tried a pint of Guiness - I really enjoyed it!!!

Day 3: Galway to Dublin . After leaving Galway, we drove along the atlantic ocean, cruising down the West Coast of Ireland. Drove around great Burren landscape before gazing in awe at the gorgeous cliffs of moher (when windy can be very dangerous - apparently 7 people lose there lifes walking along them each year!). Finished the tour with a walk and a quick soccer match in Phoenix Park, Europes largest! Which supposidly has 5,000 Red Deer running wild - I didn't see one deer on this tour, however I ate Venison Stew! (poor bambie). Saw the large Papal Cross and Aras an Uachtarain (the home of our beloved President Mary).

After the tour I walked the main shopping streets in Dublin and then headed for the Hotel to meet Ben and Joel for a night out in Dublin. We headed into the Temple Bar area. The next day watched the International rules match - 2nd Test Australia v Ireland at Croke Park - Great stadium!

Dublin - Australia v Ireland International Rules Match - Sunday, November 5th 2006

After losing the first test of the International Rules series in Galway last week, Australia hit back at Ireland and hit back hard to claim the Cormac McAnallen Cup on aggregate score after a crushing 38-point win at Dublin's Croke Park stadium.

With 82,000 in attendance, the Stadium had a great atmosphere. Fights were a plenty in the first quarter making it very exciting. Got invloved the the mexican wave and then sang our national anthem proudly. The game had an exciting first half, however the the Aussies had a huge 3rd quarter to pull away and then it was a white wash - The excitement in the crowds decreased as the Irish fans began to leave early on in the final quarter. A easy win was had by the Aussie woth the match and also the fights!

MATCH STATS

Australia 3.15.6 (69) defeated Ireland 0.7.10 (31)

Captain: Barry Hall

Goals Australia: Brent Stanton, Brendan Goddard, Ryan Crowley Overs Australia: Barry Hall 4, Justin Sherman 3, Ryan O'Keefe 2, Danyle Pearce 2, Chance Bateman, Aaron Davey, Nick Davis, Brendan Goddard

Best Australia: Danyle Pearce, Barry Hall, Justin Sherman, Dustin Fletcher, Aaron Davey

Yellow Cards Australia: Nick Davis, Barry Hall, Brett Peake, Chance Bateman, Adam Selwood