Day two: Russborough house and Glendalough National Park

We started out the day refreshed after tons of sleep. Off we went to Russbourough house, which is a lame name for an amazing 18^th century mansion. It seems like the type of house for Pride and Prejudice, so obviously, I was off in imagination land, and Paul had to constantly keep me from running into people and stuff.

It was an awesome house to tour, and learn cool history and see old furniture. Then we went for a long walk along the gardens and grounds. Naturally, there were sheep on the premise. And old walls. I have a fondness for old walls…if only they could tell me the stories through their lives! Anywho, Paul waited patiently as I reverently touched walls, with both hands on them, eyes closed, and sometimes resting my forehead on them. <3 a="" by="" flummoxed="" having.="" he="" man="" nbsp="" nice="" o:p="" rain="" said="" that="" the="" was="" we="" were="">

After the wonders of Russborough, we went to our first airbnb to check in and drop off our stuff.

Then it was off to Glendalough National Park. On the way there, we took the Wicklow Gap, a pretty scenic route that went high up in the mountains. Naturally, we stopped along the way for amazing photos.

Glendalough was amazing! There’s an ancient Monastic site (aka more reverent wall-loving) as well as some lakes and hiking paths. We stayed there for a long time. Sadly fishing was not allowed.

On the way back, we took Sally Gap scenic route. This way was a bit scarier than Wicklow Gap, but WOW the views were stunning! Even though I was nervous for some parts, since I was right next to a steep cliff and Paul was on day two of crazy-European driving, it was totally worth it for those views! THIS was the way I pictured Ireland in my head.  The Top Gear guys would have added that road to their top 10 I’m sure, it was beautiful and full of curves and not nearly wide enough for two cars.

Random lesson of the day: Even though Argos looks like a weird tiny store with only a counter and 10 used xbox games for sale, if Google says that is where you can buy a fan, trust Google! We walked right past in disbelief, triple checked with Google and went in just to see what was true. Apparently, you go up the counter and tell them what you want, they get it from the store warehouse behind a door, and bring it to you. What a cool way to shop!