Last full day in Ireland! As it goes, we wanted to make the best of it. We were out the door before 7:00 AM for a morning walk. The thought was we’d enjoy the quietest part of the day, and head across the River Corrib to frequent the quays, park, beaches, and a stroll out to Mutton Island. Basically, hanging with the joggers and dog walkers 😉. The saunter was perfect, with lots to look at along an overcast Galway Bay. 10,000 steps in before 9:00 AM (excellent to have on a travel day) and a week where we’ve been averaging over 20,000 steps daily. Upon completion we stopped for coffees at the conveniently located Gourmet Tart Co. for a good cup and treat! Super start to the day.
While settled and prepping for Check-Out (with good wireless) we took the opportunity to look after some house keeping items. Firstly, we completed the WestJet online Check-In to make our trip through Dublin Airport more efficient. Check ✅! Further to that, we both filled out ArriveCAN information in the App downloaded at home. Check ✅! Lastly, the owner at Peter’s Pub had given Janie a post card when he left on Saturday evening for home. Janie wrote it up and we were on the hunt for stamps to mail. After near misses, we got that accomplished at the nearest Post Office. Check ✅!
Then Check-Out and the 10 minute walk to Galway Ceannt Station. This time (after a brief panic) I finally got all the details right… including the ticket collection machine, seat selection, and names over seats! BINGO! The journey on the train worked out well today and by the time we’d ended our trip a plan and arrangements were in place for arrival in Dublin.
The Galway Ceannt to Heuston Station train arrived slightly ahead of schedule. We hit the ground running, choosing to hike across the river to Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park) where we explored the southern portion of the park. Huge monument there, the Wellington Testimonial, built to commemorate the victories of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. One can feel the tension release from the body as the din of the city fades and the sights and smells of the park take hold.
From here we made our way to the Stoneybatter area to follow up on our discussion with the Clohessy family on Hanlon’s / Doyle’s Corners (our Mother’s Maiden names). Sure enough, we visited pubs with both these names located not a km apart! We raised a glass to each and were glad to have connected the dots.
And, of course no trip to a new country is complete without a graveyard visit! Next up, a peek behind the castle-like walls that surround Glasnevin… Ireland’s National Cemetery. Amazing, expansive space and home to some of Ireland’s most important burial sites… including Michael Collins, Kevin Barry and Countess Markievics to name just a few we’ve learned about. Perhaps most interesting, however, was how many of the family names we recognized and found repeated in our own communities. Definitely worth a look for history buffs! We ended our visit there strolling the National Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the cemetery.
Tip: Go to the grocery store! Look for what’s there (or not). Check out pricing. Grab a few light, healthy snacks & water to stuff in your day bag (keeps the ”hangry” away). Or, even better, plan a picnic lunch for the park. Meet people on the ground where they live everyday. You won’t regret it!
The evening wound down with a suppertime Check-In at the Dublin Skylon Hotel (only 15 minutes from Dublin Airport) and grub at the The Ivy House located conveniently across the street. We finally settled the ”Fish & Chips” craving… servings and taste were spot on! Our last evening in Dublin was a relaxed, thoughtful one feeling happy to have been able to visit and link the present with the past in our own families/communities.