Project 365, Week 19

Family Vacation 2026. Back in January we started dreaming up crazy vacation ideas and this one stuck. London, England with a stop in Dublin, Ireland. We are not seasoned international travelers but two factors in particular made us think maybe we could pull it off. The fact that English is spoken and it's relatively close. Our local airport runs an affordable direct flight from Hartford to Dublin. 

Ahead of time, we set the expectation that this would be a travel trip, meaning there would be an agenda each day with scheduled times and full days (not to be confused with a vacation trip, which is a minimal agenda, relaxing, not doing much. Thank you, Melody for helping make that important distinction!)

Overall we had an amazing trip. The logistics went like clockwork and though we prepared for rain, we had sunshine and not-too-hot temps every day of the trip. Going early May also meant we beat the crowds. 

Alas, we were together for a week, so we had our fair share of family togetherness going a bit sideways. This was a transition year for us, vacationing with children who are married and who are adults. It was also (happily!) the last time for a long time we will do family vacation without a little one(s). 

What we loved about Dublin...in the area where we stayed, much of the roads were closed off to traffic, making it very walkable and giving it a 'come, stay awhile' vibe at the restaurants and pubs. It was a very friendly place and felt quite safe. 

May 2

Our plane took off from CT at 6 PM and after a 6-hour flight we landed at 5AM local time. We watched the sun come up while we were all desperate to go to bed for the night. 

Beforehand, I shared the expert advise for jetlag and closely followed all of the recommendations, including, resisting the desire for a nap and instead putting your body on local time right away.

Jetlag advise be darned...the girls immediately crawled into bed and fell fast asleep.

The rest of us set out on foot to explore the sleeping city.

Dublin Castle

Eventually, businesses started to open and Shaun found the perfect place down a side street that was bustling on a Saturday morning, clearly a local favorite. We were happy for coffee and sustenance.

Back at our hotel, the boys succumbed to sleep as well.

After a bit everyone rallied and we were off again.

Dublin Castle, dating back to a Viking's settlement in the 13th century.

And behind it, Dubh Linn Garden

Dinner was at an former church, with live music and step dancing. We appreciated the local flair!

May 3

The next morning I spent some time in the gym trying to talk my body into doing another day of walking. Dumbbells just aren't as impressive in the metric system.

Everyday of the trip I walked somewhere in the 6-8 mile range. It was an absolute miracle that I was able to get around that much. God's grace, good meds and a determination to be in the mix.

These two were awake, so we went back to the same breakfast place so Avery could experience the atmosphere and the yummy-ness first hand.

We met up with a local tour guide who gave us a fantastic view of the city from a historical standpoint. He was a wealth of knowledge and had a good sense of humor.

The iconic O'Connell Bridge. We crossed it several times during our stay on the nice wide sidewalks.

Christ Church Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral

The tour was about 15 minutes longer than the kids cared for, apparently.

We stopped for rest and refreshment in the form of gelato.

Then we walked through the campus of Trinity College, which dates back to the 16th century!

The Temple Bar Square.

After games at the hotel, we headed back to another sidestreet restaurant. Since Dublin is home to the Guiness brewery (factory?), Aiden wanted to try it. At least of the non-alchohol version, he was not a fan.

May 4

Ready and waiting for our taxi to the airport to catch the one-hour flight from Dublin to London

We ate and played games at the airport, waiting for check-in time at our flat.

After a cozy cab ride, we got settled into our four-bedroom flat, within walking distance of restaurants, grocery store, and the tube (subway) entrance around the corner.

to be continued...