January 2003: Robin spent 2 weeks hitchhiking and backpacking in Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland. Imagine exploring 14th century castles (also the 12th, 15th and 16th century), the 660 foot Cliffs of Mohr and seeing the Aran Islands through the morning mist.  Then having a flock of sheep block the road while they are herded by sheep dogs to the next pasture.  

Hitchhiking is a great adventure, never knowing exactly where you will end up, who will give you a ride or where you will sleep that night.  Staying in youth hostels (no they don't have an age limit) and meeting travelers from all over the world, sharing stories, sharing dinner, then going to the local pub to listen to the live traditional Irish music and having a Guinness.  Totally different from the usual; flying to a city, taking the airport shuttle to the hotel and just watching TV by yourself.

Family Ties:  Just before Ireland's "great potato famine", Robin's maternal great grandparents left Armagh (Northern Ireland) to come to Canada.  He says he felt such a connection, visiting Armagh then again in Londonderry, passing under the same stone gate and onto the dock where his great grandparents had stood over 150 years before.  

Most Picturesque area: Galway and County Clare

Most interesting places: Belfast and Londonderry (Derry)

Easiest place to hitch a ride: Northern Ireland

Favourite hostels: Londonderry (Derry) and Galway (super cool people, right in the heart of the city and free breakfast)

Highest Cholesterol Meal: A Breakfast of fried eggs (actually deep fried), fried bread, fried potato bread (called farls), fried mushrooms, fried tomato, fried sausages, fried bacon, & fried ham.  Being a vegetarian, Robin skipped the meat portion.

Nicest Breakfast: Warm scones with a  cup of Bewley Tea in Dublin

Biggest Frustration: Trying to find a decent cup of coffee. (The Tea was of course, fantastic)

Oddest Site: A 15th century castle with a modern automatic gate.

Actual Conversation in a Dublin Pub

Robin " I've noticed you Irish always seem to answer a question, with a question?"

Older man in pub " ....Do we now?"