May 6, 2013, depart Dulles Airport Flight UA126 10:00 p.m.
May 7, 2013, arrive Dublin, Ireland Airport at 10:25 a.m.

Dublin Airport

The flight over was a bit long, but really I was so excited and filled with such anticipation, that, forgive the pun...time flew.  The seats are a little snug, especially when the person in front of you decides to lay their seat back, but hey…we’re on our way to Ireland…it’s all good!  Dinner was served at 10:30 or so,  and breakfast at 7:30 a.m.  I honestly can't remember what we ate, so it must have been edible.  The third person on our row was a young college gal who was travelling with her brother and his friend.  They intend to backpack through Ireland, staying at “Hostels” and what was interesting was they have no reservations anywhere.  They’ll just wing it….she is really delightful and Wayne and I enjoyed our short time spent with her. 

Landing is very smooth and I was surprised how easily we were able to exit the plane. A quick glance around and we make our way through the airport to collect our luggage and then try to figure out where to catch the bus to Cork.  The plan is to meet Jerry and Olga who will be parked at the Quay Car Park across from Bus Eireann Station.   Bus Eireann is the bus we intended to take, but getting a little turned around at the airport, we purchase bus tickets for Air Coach.  This bus will take us in the same general area,  over the river and just about a block away. 
 Wayne finds a phone to contact Jerry of our bus change and...

Speaking of change, we haven't changed our US dollars to Euros yet, so I keep watch over the baggage while Wayne dashes over to the Airport Exchange.  Need some Euros for the bus and the phone. The exchange rate is 1.30 Euro for 1.00 US dollars. He's back fairly quick and good thing because the bus is departing at 10:45 a.m.  Got to hustle now and we make it down the ramp, catch the bus and at 10:49 a.m., we depart the bus station enroute to Cork.  Our bus ticket for the two adult tickets, on the Dublin Airport to Cork Express is 36 Euros.

Shew we...after a long flight didn't think I'd want to sit for a bit, but I'm glad to settle in for a ride…a three hour ride, that's ok though, the seats are quite comfy and we have considerably more leg room than on the plane.  Dublin appears to be a major city, we'll check it out before returning to the US.  Entering the highway, I'd guess it's as big as our interstates.  Once out of the city,  the view of the countryside is beautiful...a hilly little island we have come to.

Air Coach Bus
 

The highway sign says "Cork" so we're here and yep...I see him...out the window I spy Jerry, standing in the rain.  Because of course, we’re in Ireland, and it’s always raining.  

 Next we are greeted by Olga, who welcomes us to Ireland, handing me a bouquet of flowers.  She’s so thoughtful!!  We begin our block and a half walk to the car park, stow our baggage in their car, a cute lil’ buggy they picked up in France.  Off we head to find the Old Oak Pub and…no such luck.

Hey…that’s ok, we duck into the “Guiness Pub” and enjoy a toast of friendship,  as the four of us  begin our awesome adventure in Ireland. 

 As we walk out of the Guiness Pub, Jerry sees the Old Oak Pub, so we take the time to dash in for another “brew” before heading back to the car park.  

 

What a beautiful, rainy drive from Cork to Clonakilty.

Making our way through the small villages, we arrive out in the country, pass a dairy farm (our neighbors) and here we are...our Irish home called "Do No More."  The most beautiful site, a lovely home perched on a cliff overlooking the Celtic Sea, Clonakilty Bay. 

"Do No More" is the name
 on the plaque