The Hammond Family is back on the road- or rather, the sea – for another international journey! This time, we’re starting in Dublin, Ireland, before setting sail on a cruise that will take us to the remote beauty of the Faroe Islands and the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. With everyone flying in from different cities, this trip is already an adventure in logistics!
Kelsey joined us in Connecticut from Atlanta for the trip, Lindsey flew out from Chicago, and we were excited to welcome two new additions to the crew: Kelsey’s British boyfriend, Ed, and Lindsey’s boyfriend, Malik. Although we’ve shared holidays and weekend visits before, this will be our first extended trip all together.
We kicked things off in Dublin. After overnight flights (with Ed arriving fresh from Manchester), we met up at the airport. Kelsey, Karen, and I were the first to land and started the day with our first Irish breakfast.
Once Ed arrived, we headed to the Leonardo Hotel, dropped our bags, and hit the streets determined to stay moving and fight off jet lag. Our first destination: Trinity College, one of Ireland’s most prestigious and storied institutions.
We joined a Trinity Trails walking tour, which gave us an insightful overview of the college, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. The tour wrapped up at the stunning Old Library, where we got to see the iconic Long Room which is usually filled with centuries-old books. Trinity is currently undertaking a massive preservation effort, so we were lucky to see the room and some of the collection before the library is temporarily closed for conservation. We capped off the visit with the Book of Kells Experience, a fascinating look at one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures, an intricately illuminated manuscript over 1,200 years old.
Lunch was at the campus pub, where Lindsey and Malik joined the group after arriving from Chicago. With the full family together, we continued exploring the city on a Free Walking Tour, a two-hour deep dive into Irish history, culture, and the path to independence. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging.
After a quick refresh at the hotel, we ventured into Temple Bar District for dinner at Bouef and Frites, known for its unlimited garlic bread and fries served with your choice of steak or chicken with profiteroles for dessert. The fast, friendly service made it an ideal first-night stop.
Determined not to crash too early, we pushed on to The Wild Duck, where the guys enjoyed their first Guinness in Ireland and the ladies tried some local cocktails. The bar’s atmosphere was… eclectic. Think dim lighting, clowns, and vintage dolls. It might not be for the faint of heart, but it made for some good laughs.
We ended the night on a high note at P. Kearney’s Bar, enjoying some live music, another round of Guinness, and the warm, welcoming pub culture that Ireland is famous for.
It was a long day, but the perfect kickoff to our cruise adventure. Tomorrow, we explore more of Dublin before setting sail northward. Stay tuned!
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