Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Howth

My parents visited me this weekend and I think they have really liked what they've seen of the country (except the literally freezing temperatures and winds we have had).

On Friday they walked around town while I was at work. We'd scheduled to meet up at Oneill's at 8pm, and thank god they were waiting for me outside because the pub was as packed as ever. We soon realized that every single restaurant and pub was extremely busy that night. We finally ate something at an Italian place on Dame st., trying to keep to their request of leaving the table by 9pm because they were booked up. It was good, though not excellent.


On Saturday we got up early to join a bus tour to Cliffs of Moher (images) and the Burren (images) with Paddy Wagon tours. I decided to book it with them because I'd read very good reviews of the several day-long trip. My parents enjoyed the trip and, although they don't speak English, they also liked our guide. I loved our guide (very knowledgeable and friendly) and the fact that I didn't have to drive, but I found the schedule a bit non-sensical: too little time in Burren, too much time on Cliffs of Moher (cliffsofmoher.ie), too many coffee/pee stops.


The cliffs are spectacular and, of course, I got better views going on the other side of the sign that alerts you of the danger of falling (some people have actually falling, but mostly those who died there had killed themselves jumping off of the cliffs).

After arriving in Dublin we went to the Christmas Market and strolled under the rain. We ate a very filling savory crêpe and walked back home along the Liffey.


On Sunday we went to Howth and we all loved it, but we all froze our *sses off. Temperature was 2º, I belief, but the wind was very strong and it felt like being up on the slopes, in the mountains, on one of those really cold days where skiing all day long is just not possible without a break to warm up with a hot chocolate in the cafeteria. In Howth we ate brunch, hiked a little bit into the trail along the coast of the peninsula, and came back to town. My dad had lots of fun taking pictures of the seals and I bought a piece of veggie quiche for myself (to take away for dinner) and two blueberry scones for my parents, since they've never tried that type of pastry.

Back into town on DART, Ringsend received us with clear skies and bright sunlight.