Ireland!

In August 2005 Kylie and Michael toured Ireland. They arrived in Shannon early in the morning to meet Tim Nulty for a multi day sailing trip through Lough Derg. They witnessed Ireland the way it was meant to – by boat. Stopping off at Portumna, Dromineer, and Killaloe. They then toured Ireland’s Shannon River through Clanmacnoise to Athlone.

They then abandoned the water for a train ride into Dublin to meet up with Leslie, Tim’s wife, and some of their Irish friends. They all stayed with Jack and Ita Gannon – 2 Dubliners who proved to be wonderful hosts. Michael and Kylie really enjoyed Dublin visiting Trinity college and the book of Kells, original texts by Newton and Darwin. They took a day trip to Glendalough – a very scenic landscape of sharp mountains, cold lakes and ancient grave sites.

Kylie and Michael headed out on their own to the north of Ireland to Sligo and Donegal in hopes of meeting up with more family. In Donegal they successfully found Mab, Larry, Brennan and Sara Sutin/Vance. They enjoyed driving through even more country side stopping only for food and dolphin spotting in Ballymastocker Bay.

They again went on separated from family headed back to Dublin to meet up with their relations in Ballyjamesduff. They had the thrill of meeting their relations still in Ireland. The biggest thrill for them was seeing the old homestead shelter to several generations of Nulty’s. Abandoned but still standing the tiny two room structure was as remarkable to see as any monument Ireland had to offer.

Ireland was a fantastic experience for Kylie and Michael, one they will never forget.