Drive to Wicklow

On Saturday: A lovely evening in, as a rainstorm is descending on Dun Laoghaire. We watched the blue skies fade as the dark cloud came over us and it was really very peaceful to watch the rain start. Norah is busying herself in her toy baskets and we're listening to the Fleet Foxes.  

And then on Sunday, our friend Loren was very gracious and let us borrow his car for the day. It was a beautiful, sunny, Spring day (here's hoping for Spring...). We decided to drive south to Wicklow which is only about 35 minutes from us, but far enough that it really feels as if you've 'gotten away'. We were so thankful to Loren for the use of his car because it feels so amazing to get out of the city. We've been carless now for over 2 months (well, actually since November when we sold both of our cars, back in Seattle). This has been great in many ways but we also fail to realize how claustrophobic it has made us feel, as well. We don't realize it until we're in a car, by ourselves, with no timetables, and no constraints. Then we realize how confined we have actually felt in Dublin. I do like not having a car and being so active in our transportation, but it is hard. No doubt about that. It's hard to walk with a 1 1/2 year old to train stations and bus stops. It's hard to inevitably wait 10-15 minutes for the train or bus, then spend the time in transport, only to spend more time walking to your final destination, upon arrival. I romanticized this, and I do still want to 'stick it out' but mannnnn, does it feel good to have the freedom of driving in a car.  So, Loren, if you happen to read this, we're immensely thankful that you afforded us that freedom for a day. It's much more than the simple favor of borrowing the vehicle.

We stopped in at the Mount Usher Gardens for a coffee and a treat.

Annnd, unfortunately, it wasn't until after having our coffee and treats, and walking through the courtyard that we saw this sign: "Gardens are Closed until March 2012". Norah was NOT amused by this. Maybe they could put this sign outside in the parking lot before you drive through to the 'overflow lot', walk through the stores, and buy your coffees. Oh wait, that would defeat the purpose wouldn't it? Better to put a small sign, on the tiny gate, deep in the courtyard, affffter you've been enchanted by the Avoca market and cakes.

We continued driving South to Wicklow and at the edge of town was this beautiful golf course overlooking the ocean.

Golfing with Irish sheep on the countryside and the ocean below - not too shabby.

"NOTICE: Because of the danger of falling debris, this beach is unsafe to use until further notice"

Sooo... naturally, here we are on the beach. As Loren told us later "The best way to get an Irishman to do something is to tell him it's not allowed". So, turns out, we ARE Irish. (It was worth it)

In the town of Wicklow looking back toward Dublin.

Wicklow

Ruins of the Black Castle - built in 1170 AD. This was destroyed in 1640 and has remained a ruin here, ever since.

Driving up into the Wicklow Mountains.

This road us juuusssst wide enough for two cars to pass each other but your mirrors are nearly touching. It can be a bit terrifying.

The Wicklow Mountains put on a show for us...