Susanne spent the month of May with us. We kept her busy! Of course her first we started with a dinner at the local and her annual first half-pint of Guinness. The following night we strolled over and sat outside the RDS arena for a bit and listened to Bruce Springsteen’s sold out show (pic below is of Riley enjoying The Boss).
During her first week I took her on an AWCD-led hike in Killinthomas Wood out in County Kildare to admire the bluebells and the wild garlic (ramps). In addition to the beautiful flowers and peaceful wood, we enjoyed watching horses train at the Curragh and sheep graze the countyside. Susanne bonded with Noreen’s mom, another Energizer bunny-like mother.
The first weekend we did a day trip to Kilkenny City. We explored the town via the Medieval Mile tour, strolled around the castle grounds, picked through the beautiful artisan works at the Design Centre, and enjoyed a local lunch. Sally and I climbed to the top of St. Canace's round tower (apparently the tallest one that is open to the public in Ireland). Also Sally appreciated the artwork from "Wolfwalkers" - an independent cartoon set in Kilkenny (which they'd talked about and then watched in school!).
During the second week Susanne, Sally, and I did a tour of Dalkey Castle. This “live action” tour taught us loads about medieval times (boiling urine, anyone? Origin of the barber pole?) and provided us with gorgeous views of the Dublin Bay.
The end of that week we all met up for lunch at Pink in town, a restaurant that strives to make absolutely everything pink (guess who loves it there). Then Sally, Susanne, and I did some light shopping around Grafton Street and listened to the buskers.
Her second weekend we went to Switzerland (see other blog!).
The following week I took Susanne down to tour the Powerscourt House and Gardens (rated #3 gardens in the world). It was a spectacular day and we were thoroughly delighted by the spring blooms, especially the azalea! We followed up our walk with a delicious lunch (which inspired me to make my first ever nut roast - so easy and tasty) and some shopping (both for plants and other gift-type things).
That weekend we went to the Aviva to check out the ECPR final match - Glasgow vs. Toulon. Susanne had never watched rugby before, and I’ll take any excuse to watch it, so fun was had by all. The following day was Sally’s piano recital, where Sally bravely performed “Take Five” (Dave Brubeck), did a great job, and was delighted to receive a bouquet of pink roses from her Farmor. We finished up the weekend with a day trip to Waterford city and Curracloe beach. In Waterford we did the classic things - Waterford crystal factory tour, strolling the medieval streets, checking out Susanne’s viking roots.
The final week Susanne was kind enough to stay with Sally while David and I did a quick overnight date trip to Amsterdam. The Irish National Gallery had loaned out their Vermeer to the Rijksmuseum for a Vermeer exposition, and we were invited to attend as patrons of the Gallery. It was a beautifully curated exhibit (the largest gathering of Vermeer ever, and completely sold out!) with a wonderful introduction from the Irish National Gallery museum director Dr. Caroline Campbell. Then David and I enjoyed a delicious dinner in town and a lovely walk the following morning.
On Susanne’s final weekend we took the train to Howth and a ferry out to Ireland’s Eye. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we saw loads of adorable seagull chicks. We had hoped to see some puffins, who are nesting and having babies at this time of year, but they were either well-hidden or not on the Island. Regardless, it was a resplendent day and we enjoyed lunch and ice cream in Howth (along with seemingly everyone else!).
Finally, we enjoyed many walks together and spent the final Sunday heading over to, and enjoying the perfect weather at, Shellybanks Beach. We all had a wonderful time and look forward to her next visit already.
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