It's a bird? It's a plane? No, it's a family of musicians rocking the Emerald Isle!

I've been slacking.  I'll take all the blame.  It's been a while since our last installment but don't judge me just yet.  Wait until you hear what has been keeping me busy and then you can decide.  But first a moment of awe:

Ireland.  All I can say is wow.  We are definitely coming back.  No questions.  Wow.  Oh, and in case you didn't hear it, WOW.

Travel tip #27
(Because writing travel tip #1 isn't quite as impressive.)

The best way to cure jet lag has been found!  Find a place where a lot of people are gathering, grab your instruments and start to play!  Just hours after arriving on solid ground, ShaeLaurel hit the streets determined to rock the Island and defeat the miserable drag of jet lag (rhyme unintentional, but it might have potential).  All I can say is:  Mission Accomplished!

Travel tip #28

Guinness.  If you've had it in the states, whether you've liked it or not, it is entirely different in Ireland and it's amazing.  It will also make you an instant favorite at the bar.  The Irish like nothing more than to see a customer order and enjoy a good Guinness!

Travel tip #29

With every closed door there is another open window.
Due to the language barrier (English and huh?) our show in Tullamore fell through.  Undaunted Dad walked into the nearest pub and asked if they wanted music tonight.  The owner welcomed us in, set us up with a couple of pints, and led us to the stage.  It was a Monday night and the pub was particularly empty, after a few songs though that quickly changed.  People who were enjoying the music called their friends and some even went from pub to pub throughout Tullamore to bring in more people.  A group of recent hurling champions whooped it up to the music (and gave us a very educational view of every level of drunk) while they passed around their huge champion cup filled with whiskey water to everyone.  Which leads us to our next travel tip:

Travel tip #30

Never try to out-drink the Irish.

Travel tip #31

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are a famous landmark that you must see.  If you find yourself there after it 'closes' (aka the visitor center is closed.) don't panic and definitely don't pay for parking.  Just pull up to  the entrance and park there.  After 6 you can watch the beautiful sunset from the cliffs.  If you have the chance, wait until sunset.  It's a magical experience.

Travel tip #32

There are 4 pubs in Doolin.  One of these is O'Conner's pub.  With amazing traditional music in a nice cozy setting (fire place included) it's definitely a must see!

Travel tip # 33

Dublin city wall = great place for a photo shoot.  Point, click timer button and run like mad.  The result?  See for yourself!

Travel tip #34

Traveling on your way from Doolin to Galway along the coast road make sure you take the opportunity to pull over near the smaller cliffs on the way out of town.  The raw power of the ocean is a sight to behold!

Travel tip #35

Americans are very good at the 'tourist experience', the Irish on the other hand are very good at pubs.  There are several interesting sights to see in Ireland but the real charm of the Island lives in the people that live there.  In your travels, take an opportunity to walk around the town or village you're staying in, talk to people, hang out at the local pubs and listen to the music alive in every beating heart.  The hills and valleys may be as green as emeralds, but the real gems are the people that make the Emerald Isle their home.

Sláinte!