A Northern Path ~ Prologue

(Privately shared on October 3, 2023 with a select group of friends). More photos can be found here.

Hi Friends ~

I can’t believe it’s been eleven days since I’ve returned from my Irish Adventure!  As you may know, I really had a difficult time deciding if I should return to Ireland in 2023, mainly due to finances, but I’m so glad I didn’t put it off.  This year has given me so many reminders about how short life is and how important it is to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.  I knew if I didn’t return this year, I would regret it.  I promised Elliot and Eleanor that their extravagant lifestyle will not be interrupted, but I may be feasting on Ramen noodles and PB&J sammies for the rest of the year and well into 2024!  Still, I wouldn’t trade my experiences or the opportunity to travel for anything.

Last year, I shared my travel journal and photography from my Irish Adventure and I plan on doing the same this year.  I have about 2000 photos to go through between my camera and my phones and started editing them.  I hope to share a chapter of my travels and photos once a week so be on the lookout.  I’m calling this year’s adventure A Northern Path – An Irish Adventure Continues.

Once again, I planned this trip all on my own.  I made a few adjustments from last year’s trip and felt more confident traveling alone this year.  I flew Delta again and rented a car.  This year I stayed in hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, and TWO castles!

I’ve attached two maps of my adventures.  The first map helped me plan my itinerary, and the second map is what and where I actually visited.   For some reason, I couldn’t map out my road trips, so just imagine me skirting the coastline from Dublin, up to Belfast, then along the coast to Bushmills, then down the northwest coast of Ireland, before cutting across back to Dublin, all on back roads. Between this year and last year’s more Southern route, I’ve covered a lot of ground in Ireland but still feel like there is so much more to see.  And yes, I’m already plotting a return!

Irish Adventure 2023 Itinerary 

The Northern Path

I’ve also included a photo of my new friend, Ewe-anne.  She came home with me and likes to sit by my computer to gently remind me to work on my photos!

Thanks for letting me share my newest adventure with you!  Stay tuned!

~Kelly