ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND MY 21ST BIRTHDAY IN IRELAND

I can happily check that off my bucket list

I can’t even begin to put my thoughts into words on how I feel about this trip. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. Through all the stress and anxiety that has overcome me throughout the past few weeks, this trip to Ireland made it all disappear. I spent my St. Patrick’s Day AND my 21stbirthday in Ireland…WHAT?? It was a week ago and I still can’t believe it happened. I can’t wait to tell you all about one of my new favorite countries and the trip of a lifetime with my favorite people.

Honestly, before I talk about the sights, food and music (Galway Girl ALWAYS), I have to mention the people. Ireland had hands down the nicest people I have yet to encounter on my journey abroad. If I could sit and talk to each of my cab drivers for hours, I would. Each person we met was just as nice as the one before and seemed genuinely interested in our trip, it was quite refreshing to say the least. Also, every single person seemed to be gorgeous, so that’s something to keep in mind too! …on the look for a husband or wife???? Go to Ireland.

Now for the most beautiful sights that I constantly find myself flipping through my camera roll to relive…the Irish countryside. Our first day trip was FILLED with beautiful sights including windy stunning terrain, mountain ranges, rivers and most importantly sheep. The sheep make my heart melt and if I could buy a plot of land and start my own sheep farm, I WOULD. Anyway, we started our day in Kilkenny, the sweetest, quaintest town with amazing views. It was home to the Kilkenny Castle that fulfilled all my princess dreams. We then drove into the mountains, and I mean HIGH in the mountains, to reach the most breathtaking (and windy) lookout. It was definitely one of the funniest parts of our trip but you’ll notice later in our trip that wind was a recurring theme.

After our Leap Year and P.S. I Love You fantasies were fulfilled during our drive through the Wicklow mountains, we reached our third stop: Glendalough. This was quite literally where dreams are made. The river backdrop lined with our favorite yellow flower was as dreamy as it gets. I can’t say enough good things about Glendalough…I guess you’ll have to see it for yourself (seriously, GO see it). The end of the day brought the most joyous experience: holding baby sheep. Our last stop of the day was to a sheep farm in the mountains of the Irish countryside. We learned all about the yearly routine of sheep farmers and even saw the most adorable sheep dog do his job. Again, if anyone is selling a plot of land in the Irish countryside, please let me know.

Day two checked off one of my bucket list items, and for that, I am still pleasantly in shock. Our early bus (VERY early) took us to the Cliffs of Moher and once again I was speechless. The beauty of the cliffs simply took my breath away. I have seen countless pictures of the Cliffs but nothing compared to the blue water and crashing waves juxtaposed to the green grass and valley that surrounded them. I could have sat and watched the waves all day.

On our way to Galway, we stopped for a little Game of Thrones fix because who doesn’t love GOT? We stopped on the side of the road to what is known as the Iron Islands. It was everything I never knew I needed to see and this iconic picture was taken so I call it a win. Next stop was Galway where my dream of becoming a Galway Girl originated. It was everything people said it would be and more. I now listen to Galway Girl by the Kilkenny’s once a day, so thank you for that, Ireland.

Day 3…St. Patrick’s Day. Whoever said Irish people don’t take it seriously has never been to Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day. The streets were lined with balloons and the most festive, happy people you could imagine. We, somehow, got into Temple Bar and lived our best lives singing and drinking (I had one sip) Guinness. The true Irish experience. Then, my favorite part of our entire trip happened: we stumbled upon a free concert by a Josh Lucas doppelganger with the voice of an angel. I rewatch my videos of him singing the greatest hits of all time every day, so thank you for that as well, Ireland.

Sadly, that was the end of my trip but I came away from it with memories I will have for a lifetime and another phenomenal country under my belt. I still have no clue how this is my life and what I did to deserve it, but I do know how incredibly thankful I am.

Travel the world, take chances, go into random bars with a solo singer playing an acoustic guitar singing love songs and always be kind…you never know what might happen.

XOXO,

Simply Complicated