We were lucky enough to spend 10 days this month exploring Dublin, Howth, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast and Carrickfergus (Northern Ireland) and Carlingford, Ireland. Here are some pictures of things that struck my fancy along the way. I was fascinated with the sheep for some reason, and the miles of stone fences dividing the fields. So much history, so many stories, such beautiful, lush green countryside … We found Dublin to be very expensive compared to the other places, and Edinburgh was our favourite city – the Portobello district is very like the Beaches in Toronto (but with much older houses/buildings). We encountered a few transplanted Canadians, including one woman who grew up in Montreal and had just opened Edinburgh’s first Montreal-style bagel cafe. I love to travel, but home is good, too:)

Dublin was pretty much shut down upon our arrival due to Hurricane Ophelia – more of a windy day than a hurricane, but schools, banks, etc. were closed for 2 days.

My best imitation of a book thief – behind me is a book cage in Marsh’s Library, the oldest public library in Ireland. They would lock people inside to prevent book thievery. Apparently Bram Stoker wrote part of Dracula in this ancient library.

Strawberry Fields Forever – the gate is in front of what used to be a Salvation Army children’s home. They’re now fundraising 10M pounds to recreate it as a training hub for young people with learning disabilities.

Arthur’s Seat (Edinburgh) – we climbed up the treacherous rocky side and went down the easy, grassy slopes.

And at the bottom, we chatted with this guy and his two imported Nova Scotia duck tollers – he told us his Canadian-born mother had four interviews before being allowed to purchase the first one as the breeders want to ensure the breed’s purity.

Vintage train station in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland (surely you know the song?)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PjZXZ1huZA (Performed here by Charlotte Church) The train/bus system is truly amazing.

Channelling my inner Heidi in Carlingford, Ireland, a charming medieval village, my favourite place on the trip.

“The Irish Lads” didn’t start playing until after the soccer match ended at 10:00 pm on a Tuesday night. Everyone sang along!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing those photos and your comments, Jan. It looks like a wonderful visit.
Hi, Rachel – thanks for saying hi! Hope you’re well and doing lots of writing these days!
Looks like you had a wonderful time, hitting so many great places. Don’t you just love the history? So cool that you visited Liverpool as well. I need to go to Ireland!
If we go back to the UK, we’ll stick to the villages – they’re always more interesting than the cities, it seems. But first time around, you feel like you have to see the highlights:)
My son is working in Ireland right now, but has sent no photos… Yours did nicely in his stead. 😉
Well, they’re not the most beautiful of pics, but strange things catch my eye sometimes. Maybe you’ll get to pay him a visit…
Some really great photos, Jan. I enjoyed seeing them. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip in December.
Well, what I can remember of it by then:)
Wow! Amazing scenery and history… I’m going to have add Ireland and Liverpool to my vacation wish list! Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Barbara – yup, so many interesting (and old) places to visit in the world! Good to have a wish list. I hope to go back and explore more of rural Scotland and Ireland one day.