Never far from HOME: October 2015

Sunday - The Day After

We awoke feeling very seedy after the drinking and dancing. Leandra and MT (Marie-Therese) joined us for breakfast but soon had to head back home ready to work. We explored the town of Ennistymon in search of good coffee and marvelled at the historic buildings. Later in the day, we ventured to Lehinch where Cathy shrugged off her hangover to enjoy a run along the beach.

Everyone else was eating ice-cream - Fergus's favourite food.

Irish Car Pooling

The Falls Hotel

Saturday - The Big Day

What can we say - we love weddings! From the roar of the motorbikes escorting Serena to the church, to dancing that wore out our feet, it was a magical day. We'll save 1000 words by describing in pictures the marriage of two beautiful people we are glad to call our special friends.

And, at every wedding there is that annoying person who should be avoided.

Friday - Final Preparations

Fergus had the day off to ensure he was all ready for the big day. David agreed to assist by having ice-cream and Guiness at 10 in the morning on a chilly day. The girls headed off to get their nails and other bits done then raced around Galway picking up the final bits and pieces - assuming the boys were bonding over gokart driving. Only when we got home late for lunch did we discover that the Go Kart track was closed :(

It was back to where it all began for lunch. A first date at Tom Sheridan's pub had bloomed into true love. Rory and Emma had just flown in from Luton so joined us for a drink and more stories.
After some hasty packing for the honeymoon, the 3 of us left Fergus in the care of the best man and tackled the Galway evening peak hour to head to County Clare. Just as we reached the outskirts of town, we realised we'd left the veil behind!! After a second circle of the roundabout, we decided Deirdre, one of the bridesmaids, could bring it down on the wedding morning. Cathy only needed to stitch the comb around the correct way as the dressmaker had got it wrong.

Thursday - Wedding Preparation

With great anticipation, Cathy and Serena dropped David off in the city as they went to pick up the wedding dress at the appointed time of 11am. We were a few minutes early but were a little surprised that the bridalwear shop was closed. Over the next 15-20 minutes we tried calling every phone number, facebook messaging, talking to the staff at shops next door, checking with the delivery man who came to drop off a parcel and walking around the back to ensure she hadn't tripped and fallen on the way to open up. No signs of life so Serena began to ponder where one could get a wedding dress made in 2 days! Much to our relief, a shop assistant on her day off arrived to save the day. The gown still fitted and there was no need for any double brandies after all.

After a celebratory lunch at Cocos, we left David to snooze for the afternoon whilst the girls headed to Gortnagonella house to drop off the dress and see her parents and sister. Another 50km then to Falls Hotel to drop off other wedding goodies before heading back to Galway. Serena and Cathy enjoyed a long chat in the car before Cathy had to rest her eyes on the way home - the final effects of jet lag.

Back to Dublin (almost)

A day of traveling to complete an essential pre-wedding task. Serena and Fergus had a wedding guest board created by Niall O Loughlin (www.caricatures.ie). It looks sensational but we can't give anything away yet. Needless to say, Niall created an exceptional likeness of Serena, Fergus, Betty (their dog) and Serena's motorbike!!

From there we headed to the Newgrange prehistoric monument in County Meath. This consists of a large circular mound with a stone passageway and interior chambers. It was built around 3000 BC to 2500 BC (making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids). Unfortunately, the tours available did not suit, so we visited the interpretative centre.

Brigit's Garden

After an uneventful trip to Dublin via Dubai, we were met by an excited Serena and a sensible Fergus.
To commence the wedding week, we spent most of Tuesday at Brigit's Garden. These Celtic gardens have won multiple awards and are widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in Ireland. They are set within 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows.