Croatia-Dubrovnik old town

My first big trip! I went to Croatia in august and instantly fell in love with the place! I stayed in a family run hostel (which was also their home) That was an adventure in itself. The old town of Dubrovnik was beautiful. Here are some of the photos. Once inside, you have no idea how big it really is or what hidden treasures you will find. Like this old monastery with the columns, complete with it's own citrus trees! It also contains the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Got 2 quick pics before i was told no pictures aloud. So glad i got them! The streets are lined with white marble and at night with the lights shining, it is a miracle to see!

Kilkenny

Went to the village of Kilkenny in August. It is just south of Dublin and is the Arts capital of Ireland. It was a long weekend and the streets were full of tourists and partyers! Wish i had my camera with me after i checked into my hostel. The streets were full of people and balloons every where. The ivy covered building is Butler House which is now a hotel. It belonged to the Butler family that had owned the castle at one point. The castle was amazing! About 30 years ago, it was sold to the city for 1€ and has been restored to it's former glory. When it was purchased, it was missing floors and most of the roof. I think it was built around 800AD. It was absolutely incredible. The cathedral was very interesting, especially since it had tombs right in the floor! I loved the arcitecture and had to take some photos. The round building is Kilkenny Arts. There is one also in Dublin and i love going there and seeing all the Irish artists. It is devoted 100% to the Irish arts. I have bought some of my jewelry there. Silver and Irish! What more could you ask for. I will go back to Kilkenny just to buy from some of the silversmiths there.

Glendalough

Glendalough, the valley of two lakes, is renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. This was my first place i just had to see in Ireland. I had read so many books on this place, it was magical to me. I stayed 2 nights in the hostel near by. Went for a run one morning around one of the lakes and literally ran into 3 wild mountain goats. Wished I'd had my camera with me then!

Dublin Scenes

Just a few shots in and around Dublin. The old, crumbling buildings are all over the place. Some right beside new places! It is really a city of old and new. The Hare sculptures are no longer on O'Connell street, they disappeared a few days after i took them. Glad i shot them when i did.