The Rocky Road to Dublin

Monday, March 17, 2014 , 10 Comments

Shoppers on a pedestrian street in Dublin

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I would share a few pictures from my trip to Ireland last summer. After facing a lot of personal hardships the year before, this trip was a welcome distraction for my mom, my husband and me. It was one of those times in my life when I felt like I had to pinch myself because I couldn't believe I was really in Ireland. My mom and I had a lifelong dream of going to Ireland since some of our ancestors emigrated from Ireland. There's far too much to share it all in one post, so I'm gifting you a glimpse of Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. I hope you enjoy!

On the road from Belfast to Dublin

My great grandpa used to always talk about 'the Rocky Road to Dublin' so I wasn't quite sure what to expect as we headed down to Dublin. He must have got the phrase from this popular 19th Century song about the many trials and tribulations of an Irishman from a town near Belfast leaving his home in search of work in Liverpool.


On the Rocky Road to Dublin enjoying a vegan Rocky Road Halo Bar.

I loved the beautiful, ornate street lights.

The most photographed door in Georgian Dublin. It is actually Edwardian.

Bustling Dublin street

Chilling sculpture in memory of the victims of the Great Famine

Starving person carrying a child over their shoulders

The sculpture was gifted by Canada

One of many Beautiful Irish pubs in and around Dublin
This picture was taken from the top of the Guinness Storehouse, which is surrounded by glass walls. Under the description of Trinity College, you can actually see Trinity College in the distance.


The Book of Kells, circa 800 AD, is an illuminated manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin, based on a Vulgate text. No photographs of the text were allowed.

Trinity College Library

So many beautiful, old books. This place is like a dream come true.

11th Century Greek homiliary

Brilliant colors created naturally

St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, founded 1191

Beautiful street in downtown Dublin

The ornate glass canopy atop ornamental pillar and wrought iron stonework of the Olympia Theater reminiscent of a Victorian Music Hall

Tours of the Guinness Storehouse are open to the public

Guinness pints
Beer, beer, beer
They will teach you how to pull a perfect pint


The bar at the top of the Guinness Storehouse has the best view of Dublin

Outside the Guinness Storehouse

Yes, beer and whiskey all around

The Spire of Dublin (aka Monument of Light)
Pedestrian Street

There's something about Ireland that just makes you happy (and no, I'm not talking about the alcohol)





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Quick & Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Vegan)

If you think going vegan or giving up dairy means that you have to give up chocolate covered strawberries, or even desserts in general, you are so wrong! You can quickly, easily make inexpensive, dairy-free chocolate covered fruit at home in just a few minutes. You don't have to be a cook to make these and you can have the kids help out too.

Plus, these are way cheaper than the ones you buy at one of those chocolate stores in the mall or a restaurant. Who wants to spend $3 or more on one chocolate covered strawberry anyway? My local Kroger grocery store has 2 pound packs of strawberries on sale this week for $3.

Fast, Easy Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry Non-dairy


Ingredients:
Strawberries
Nondairy chocolate chips (usually the organic store brand ones, Enjoy Life, Ghirardeli semi-sweet are all nondairy)

Method:
1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stopping to stir them every 30 seconds or so so they do not burn OR melt them in a double boiler.
2. Dip your strawberries in the chocolate or twirl them and set on a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to dry.
3. Enjoy.

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