Day 8--Dingle Peninsula

Wow...day 8? This trip can't be almost over. I feel like I've just gotten used to life here! (Small water glasses, crazy tourists...but also the beautiful scenery and pace of life). Nevertheless, we have still got a couple days of excitement left!

We had some excitement this morning, since we got a brand new bus that had some warning lights flashing and engine issues upon arrival. (Doesn't totally make sense...) but the good news was that we were on our way with a new driver, but still our old driver and guide, Con, our all time favorite Irish superstar on board. He's a father of 3, husband, and incredible presence on this pilgrimage. His knowledge of the areas we drive through and visit is astoundingly vast, and his cheery disposition make us oh so happy every minute we are on the bus to a new destination. We are happy to still have him with us, along with our trip leader Jim and new driver Danny. 

We drove to some incredible sights today, and spent a couple hours in Dingle Town, right on the Dingle peninsula, which is the westernmost point of Europe. 

We stopped first at Killarney national park: 

Then it was onward to the peninsula! We saw people surfing, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful day. 

Frob celebrated mass in a beautiful church on a hill in Dingle town. 

The walls were lined with posters in Gaelic written by children in Eucharist prep or confirmation prep about different saints. I found my name, St. Rebecca!

Then we had some free time to explore the town and we sure had fun! We went to the Dingle pub for some fried Brie, a pint of Bulmers, and good company. The bar owner was kind and hospitable, and we had a lowly lunch together before heading back towards the bus. 

We even found a memorial to the town's resident dolphin, Fungi! (Spelling?) He had lived in their harbor for over 30 years. Wow!

Then we were off to the rest of the peninsula and back to Killarney for a restful evening before our trek to Dublin tomorrow. We have a packed day tomorrow, and are all already so exhausted from being on the bus and doing so many wonderful things! I am excited to see what Dublin has to offer, and hope I can sleep on the bus tomorrow ;). 

Continued prayers are coming your way from all of us, and we hope you will pray for our continued safety and growth on this pilgrimage!