Visiting the Emerald Isle





We arrived in Ireland after an overnight flight, but decided to get right out there and take advantage of pleasant weather.  Our first stop was a lightly-visited archaeological site at Loughcrew.  Here Amanda stands before green grass and gray clouds.




At the hilltop was this chamber flanked by large inscribed stones.  It was constructed centuries ago to allow sunlight to enter on the spring and fall equinoxes.




Our next stop was this castle at the village of Trim.





From the top of the castle, we could look down and see where the old ramparts meet the modern town.




Looking toward the river from the top of the castle.




The third and final stop on our big first day was the seaside town of Bray.  From there we took a coastal hike, paralleling a railroad.




We took a higher path on the way back to Bray.  Amanda and the views over the town and beach.




For the next few days, Amanda's sister Erica joined us for a few days in the Wicklow Mountains, in and around Glendalough.  The hiking included this narrow, verdant waterfall...




...and open vistas like this one.  A plank trail leads along hills that tower over the slender lake.  




The only other hikers I met along this drizzly path were three feral goats. 




Glendalough is also known for the ruins of a monastic site.  The tower seen here had an entrance accessible only by ladder, to defend against viking raids.




We took an afternoon trip to the village of Avoca, where one of Amanda and Erica's ancestors once dwelled.  This view takes in most of the town.




Avoca is mainly known for its restored woolen mill, which now sells blankets, hats, and sweaters across Ireland.




Driving up over mountains, we paused to take in a waterfall at the top of this pretty valley.




Our last countryside stop was at the gardens of Powerscourt Estate, which includes this view toward a peak called Sugar Loaf. 




Some of the wide variety of plants to be found growing there.  




An exceptional passion fruit tart at the garden-side cafe.




I took this vertigo-inducing shot from the upper level of the Dublin Convention Centre, during the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution conference.




Strolling around Dublin - here's a street in the popular Temple Bar district.  




Away from the main crowds, we found a pub with lively music courtesy of a rotating cast of performers.