30/40 Ireland: Dublin

Sunday was Steve's birthday and we headed back to Dublin.  Coffee, luggage, and ladies in the cab at the train station.

What a crew!

He's the birthday boy

A new favorite of me and my Geezer

 Jenna and her Old Man

We spent the afternoon and evening wandering around Dublin looking at shops and enjoying a pint (or 2) in pubs.

The Bank was one of my favorite stops early on

The original Temple Bar

Steve asking the bartender at the Dame where we should go for some live Irish music

O'Donoghue's was our next stop. The Guinness was great and so was the music!

The crowd sings Happy Birthday to Steve

A memorable night with great friends!

30/40 Ireland: Causeway Costal Route

Saturday's adventure took us along the Causeway Costal Route. Our first stop was Carrickfergus Castle just north of Belfast.

So much beautiful scenery along the Antrim Coast

Our next stop was Carrick-a-Rede to cross the famous rope bridge

 Chris conquered his fear of heights as he crossed the bridge

 What a way to spend Valentine's Day with my love!

 Jenna and Steve crossing the bridge back to the mainland

A little selfie with nervous Chris behind me

I can't help but giggling :)

 
This is what we crossed...

 
Steve, Jenna, and Chris showing off their certificates for making the trek across the bridge

 Lunch at the Old Bushmills Distillery

 Our last stop on the tour was Giant's Causeway. The unique rock formations were beautiful!

A pint at the Nook

One last photo before getting on the bus

Back in Belfast, enjoying some after dinner pints at Fibber Magee

30/40 Ireland: Belfast

Not only was Chris celebrating a milestone birthday this month, but our good friend, Steve, was turning 30.  During one of our many afternoons lounging by the pool last summer, we decided Ireland would be the perfect place to celebrate 30/40.

 We flew out of Rome on my birthday. I had a wonderful day being spoiled by family, friends, and my students.  I wanted one birthday beer on the 20th anniversary of my Sweet 16, so we found some Heineken at the airport. 

We rolled through customs in Dublin just before midnight, so getting a stamp in my passport with my birth date on it was a great end to the day!

 After a few hours sleep and a Starbucks fix, we boarded the train to Belfast.  Family Feud card game is the perfect way to stay entertained as the Irish countryside passes by.

 The inaugural Guinness of the trip

We at lunch at an amazing Build-a-Burger restaurant and then found the nearest pub (this was actually a hotel lounge) for a pint.

We took a Black Cab tour around Falls and Shankill Roads learning about the history of Belfast. The murals on the end of the row houses are an important part of this neighborhood.

 Peace wall between the Nationalists (Catholics) and Loyalists (Protestants) 

 Stevie G. was a fantastic tour guide!

After our tour, we were ready for a little pub crawl. Stevie G. dropped us off at one of Belfast's most famous pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon. We enjoyed a pint in one of the great little snugs (booths). 

Next stop:  Robinsons

We feasted on some delicious Indian food for dinner. On the way back to the hotel, we found  Filthy McNastys. Yes, we stopped for a pint. :)