Off to the Emerald Isle!

Departing Orlando International Airport shortly on an overnight non-stop flight to Ireland for 21-days. Thanks to Auntie Elsie, and friend Rose, for delivering me safe and sound right to Aer Lingus at MCO terminal! I will spend my first three nights at Trinity College in Dublin where my maternal grandfather studied over 100-years ago!

Tomorrow, once settled I will visit the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells, which is at Trinity College, contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a text which St Jerome completed in 384AD. The manuscript’s celebrity derives largely from the impact of its lavish decoration, the extent and artistry of which is incomparable. Abstract decoration and images of plant, animal and human ornament punctuate the text with the aim of glorifying Jesus’ life and message, and keeping his attributes and symbols constantly in the eye of the reader.

After taking in the many the sights and sounds of Dublin for three days I will self drive the coast of the Emerald Isle for another 2 1/2 weeks.

Emerald Isle is the poetic name for Ireland due to its green countryside, first referred to in print by William Drennan in his poem "When Erin first rose". The modern Irish Éire evolved from the Old Irish word Ériu, which was the name of a Gaelic goddess.

Ériu is generally believed to have been the matron goddess of Ireland, a goddess of sovereignty, or simply a goddess of the land. I hope she keeps me on the left side of the roads and on land!

My itinerary:
08/08-08/11 Dublin, County Dublin
08/11-08/12 Rosslare Harbour, County Wexford
08/12-08/14 Kinsale, County Cork
08/14-08/15 Bantry, County Cork
08/15-08/16 Killarney, County Kerry
08/16-08/17 Tralee, County Kerry
08/17-08/19 Tarbert, County Kerry
08/19-08/21 Kilkee, County Clare
08/21-08/23 Bayyyvaughn - The Burren
08/23-08/25 Galway, County Galway
08/25-08/26 Glenfame, County Leitrim
08/26-08/27 Athlone, County Westmeath
08/27-08/28 Dublin
08/28 Home to Lake Placid...(maybe)

I will be staying in, and/or visiting, at least 16 of the Republic's 26 Counties. This diary will include photos, a record of my travels throughout Ireland, and exploration of my maternal family history.

The top graphic on the right is my general route going from Dublin south and back again. The bottom graphic illustrates the size of the Republic of Ireland in comparison to the State of Florida. The waters along the coasts of Ireland are a hell of a lot cleaner than Florida's!