Life is certainly full of twists and turns.
The day before we were due to leave for Galway and the west coast (a 5-day trip including work and lecture for Miles at National University of Ireland, Galway) on Sept. 21st, Miles' dad, Ben, fell yet again and landed in the hospital. Miles' sister, Lorrie, came down to Florida from Virginia to be at his side. Ben's condition was very poor and his system was shutting down. With a very heavy heart, we decided to go ahead with our road trip and Miles was in frequent communication with his sister.
Lorrie was able to bring Ben back to his home and have hospice care. Sadly, but not unexpectedly, Ben passed away a day later on the September 23rd. We cut our road trip short and Miles left today, the 26th, for D.C. where the funeral will be held later this week.
Despite this sad situation, life does go on.
Our road trip:
We stopped in Athlone, about an hour west of Dublin. The day was rainy, but we managed a short walk around the little town.
Athlone is famous for its castle...
Athlone has a beautiful river and many canals.
The weather cleared and after a quick scone break, we continued to Galway. After checking into our B&B, we drove north along the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal road along the western coast of Ireland. Sometimes the road went inland and we found the narrower the road, the prettier the view.
The day before we were due to leave for Galway and the west coast (a 5-day trip including work and lecture for Miles at National University of Ireland, Galway) on Sept. 21st, Miles' dad, Ben, fell yet again and landed in the hospital. Miles' sister, Lorrie, came down to Florida from Virginia to be at his side. Ben's condition was very poor and his system was shutting down. With a very heavy heart, we decided to go ahead with our road trip and Miles was in frequent communication with his sister.
Lorrie was able to bring Ben back to his home and have hospice care. Sadly, but not unexpectedly, Ben passed away a day later on the September 23rd. We cut our road trip short and Miles left today, the 26th, for D.C. where the funeral will be held later this week.
Despite this sad situation, life does go on.
Our road trip:
We stopped in Athlone, about an hour west of Dublin. The day was rainy, but we managed a short walk around the little town.
Athlone is famous for its castle...
...but more importantly, Sean's Pub which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland dating back to 900 A.D. In 2004 Guinness World Records listed Sean's Bar as the oldest pub in Europe.
Sean's Pub entrance
Back view--lots of kegs
Drinking is really a national sport in Ireland
Drinking is really a national sport in Ireland
At 10am, too early for a pint
Athlone has a beautiful river and many canals.
Lakes...
rocks...
stone fences...
a little of everything...
...and finally the Atlantic Ocean
Water, Water Everywhere...and plenty to drink! Neat that you were able to experience the ambience of Sean's Pub, even without partaking in a pint.
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