Firstly, my apologies to our wonderful hosts, Carolyn and Cathal. Apparently, I am not so quick on my responses!! Hard to believe that it has been ove...
Read More...Firstly, my apologies to our wonderful hosts, Carolyn and Cathal. Apparently, I am not so quick on my responses!! Hard to believe that it has been over a year since we exchanged homes and I am wishing we were there again. We received a warm Irish welcome from our hosts with both food and drink left for us. Their home is a modern, amply equipped and well maintained one in a newer area of Castleknock. Importantly, it is conveniently close to public transportation into Dublin centre as well as providing an inviting and quiet home to return to. There were several comfortable sleeping and entertainment areas, but we of course, chose the top master suite with ensuite bath and relegated our accompanying friends to the second level. No hardship there. We spent many an enjoyable evening in their enclosed and private back yard with its outdoor shed and plentiful beer in the outside fridge. We discovered our local, the Halfway House which was within easy walking distance of their home and enjoyed the food, atmosphere and outside seating many times during our stay. We also took almost daily bus treks into Dublin Centre to take in the sights and pubs of this exciting and colourful city. We obtained bus passes which made it easier and more convenient to catch the bus with the stop right outside the complex gates. Not having rented a car, we also took advantage of the efficient rail system to take in Galway, Howth, Sword, Malahide, the Aran islands and a several day stay in the city of Belfast. Close to the gates of their complex there is the large and expansive Phoenix Park with the Victorian Gardens, Ashtown castle, walking trails, bike rentals, the Phoenix zoo and Farmleigh House, a former home to the Guinness family and open for tours. If you are a walker, all of these are again within walking distance. We also discovered into our trip what a Londis is and that it was very close to our house with an easy trek to get food, drink and all else! We did our major shops at
Blanchardstown Centre with the Aldi and Marks and Spencers being the main ones. Lots of other retail stores here as well if you are a shopper like I am. All in all, we would highly recommend Carolyn and Cathal as home exchange partners and choosing their home was the best decision for us and our couple friend to celebrate our 50th mutual wedding anniversaries. Thanks Carolyn and Cathal and again, my apologies for such a lengthy delay in signing your guest book. No excuses. Slainte, Cheryl and Dean
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