We’ve done it! We’ve reached the finish line of this vacation! Bahahahaha!
Today is the SEVENTH and final installment of our trip to Scotland & Ireland. #andeveryonesaidamen
We wrap things up today just in time for me to come home from another trip (I’m there now!) and do another recap (I promise to keep it to one post!).
Before we begin, don’t forget this…
…every day this week, I’m giving away a $500 Nordstrom Gift Card!! On Friday morning, I’m going to announce all four winners, so hopefully, you’ve been entering (I already wiped them clean and we’ve started over) will enter today (it’s the last day!). You enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post! To see my picks from this year’s sale, click HERE.
Now, if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen my other recaps…
Part One: Edinburgh
Part Two: St. Andrews
Part Three: Edinburgh and our flight to Dublin
Part Four: Dublin Day 1
Part Five: More Dublin
Part Six: Dromoland Castle
…catch those before we start today’s final post 🙂 .
Thanks for letting me recap, friends! These are memories the Shull six want to keep forever!!
We woke up on this day in Dromoland Castle ready to make the quick 30 minute drive to the Cliffs of Moher. This is something Andrew and I have always wanted to see!
They were just as spectacular in person as we imagined. You know…sometimes you go to see something amazing and it lets you down. This did not. This was as captivating in person as all the pictures and movies I’ve seen it in.
STUNNING!
So, there are a lot of ways to do the Cliffs. Everyone drives in and parks in this one parking area (you buy your tickets here) and then from there, it’s your journey. You can hike, you can go to the visitors center, you can eat out there, you can stay 10 minutes or 10 hours…it’s up to you.
We decided with the four kids, hiking wasn’t in our plans, so we wandered around a bit and just took it all in.
We looked through telescopes…
…and peered over the the edge a bit (obviously, not too close!).
We loved it.
Miss Madeley thought it was pretty too!
After awhile, we entered the visitors center (free of charge) and the kids did the interactive things that explained the cliffs and their history. This was a fun spot for us to visit!
Around lunchtime, we decided to head out and drive to…
…Ennis, Ireland! Oh my goodness! We loved Ennis! This little town was only about 10 minutes away from both Dromoland and the cliffs, so it was super convenient.
The town was charming! We walked up and down the streets and popped into shops. We ate at a little place there too.
This place though, was our favorite. I have never in all my travels been inside such a HUGE antique store. It was filled to the brim with treasures. We were in there over an hour and bought a painting and a piece from a china collection that I collect. The man who owned it was charming too. It was such a fun stop!
Seeing Ennis with my boy! Who…
…lost a tooth while we were standing there! Ha! The tooth fairy had to fly all the way to Ireland!
After Ennis, we drove back to Dromoland for the day. Miss Madeley was a sweaty mess, but she was HAPPY!
Prior to leaving that morning, we had made 3 o’clock tea reservations. This was our first formal tea. The girls were so excited!! (And even the boys were too!)
Tea at Dromoland is a big deal!
Everyone got tea except for Madeley…she opted for milk.
My kids drink tea at home, so they were super excited!
And then…they started bringing out the goodies! Look at all of that!! Each kiddo got one of those trays with finger sandwiches, puddings and more. There was so much food! Mine and Andrew’s plates were equally as impressive. Ours even had shrimp, roast beef, homemade scones with clotted cream. It was all DIVINE!
After all of that tea, we needed to burn off some energy…
…so the kids asked if we could play on these! They were so much fun!
It’s hard to drive when your legs are short…
…so daddy picked her up and let her ride with him.
We walked the property more when we were finished. It was gorgeous!
Later that night, we had dinner at another restaurant on property.
Fancy mocktails for the win to start!
And then, Miss Madeley started getting sleepy…
…and then, she fell asleep.
After dinner, we perked back up just in time to see this…
…Andrew and the big kids rented a boat and went fishing 🙂 . The little girls didn’t want to go, so we watched from the shore.
It was the most magical way to end our stay at Dromoland Castle.
Love them so much!
The next morning, we slept late (the first time all trip!), ordered room service for breakfast and took our time leaving Dromoland Castle. Here we are pulling out. It was such a lovely place! We will absolutely be going back some day.
We drove back to Dublin (for our flight home the next day) a different way than we came so that we could catch a few more spots.
First stop, Limerick.
This was a pretty big city, so we hopped out of the giant van and started strolling. We heard that this was one of the BEST places to eat there, so we headed there for lunch…
…it did NOT disappoint! We sat outside and ate our burgers right by the water and I counted my blessings.
It was just a special way to spend our stop in Limerick. (Pssssst: my top is HERE!)
After Limerick, we drove waaaaaaay back over to Dublin and stopped at the CUTEST little coastal town called Howth.
I told Andrew that I could have spent several days here in Howth. When we got out of the car, the air smelled light salt water and sea birds were everywhere. Two of my favorite things.
After 3 hours in the car, we were ready for a stroll…
…and a crepe!
When you love your sister soooooo much!
Nutella crepes for the win!
There was a great public playground right by the water, so we ate our crepes and let the kids play.
Happy face!
They had such a good time!
How cool is it that out of all the kids in this whole wide world, I get to be these four kids’ mom?
Smith is such a good “only” boy 🙂 . He loves his sisters.
Having fun in Howth!
Thanks to Trip Advisor, we decided to eat here for dinner before we left…
The Abbey Tavern.
The Fish Chowder was like the BEST I’ve ever had. I shared a bowl with my little two and then enjoyed…
Corned beef 🙂 . Oh Irish food, you are so good!
Since it was the last night of our vacation, we ended with ice cream…
…and the playground 🙂 .
We drove the 15 minutes back to Dublin and stayed at an airport hotel that night. We checked in around 8:30 and then went to sleep for our early morning flight (hello, 4:00 am wakeup call!). Guys, we had such a good vacation. Best part? All the alone time with my little family.
Whew! We’re done!
Before we wrap things up, don’t forget, if your family is interested in a vacation like this one, you should email me. My travel agency would love to help you with something like this too! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.
Today’s the last day to enter to win this…
…woohoo!! Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter below!!
If you’re not on social media, you can still enter by signing up for my daily emails. To do that, click HERE.
Tomorrow, I’m announcing the four winners! See you back here! xo
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Okay, after reading your post, the Cliffs of Moher are officially on my bucket list. Just look at how blue the sky is! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Shay! 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Holly Breton @ Pink Lady says
What a beautiful trip! Everything looks so green 🙂 Hope you are enjoying your time in Nantucket- my favorite place!
Elspeth Mizner says
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. After any trip you go on as a family, do your children have get tired of spending 100 percent of their time together and ever need a break from each other when you come back from a trip? I’ve experienced this before and didn’t know if you have too?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ha! Maybe a little. I actually find that they come home and still want me to entertain them 24/7…and I’m all “I have to do laundry, go play!”.
Elspeth Mizner says
Haha!!! I know the feeling! Enjoy your special vacation with your hubby!!
Sheaffer Sims says
Well, now I want to go to that antique store! And I want to see that painting!
Beth Dunham Swindig says
Loved all of these posts! Definitely adding these places to our travel bucket list! My husband and I are working on planning future travel and I was wondering what resources you use for researching your vacation destinations? Also, how have you found apartments/condos when traveling outside of the US? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use my travel network through my travel agency!
Anna says
I love how y’all had ice cream every single day! That’s how you know you’re onnvacation lol. I know you said you pack suitcases by day…did you do this when it was just you and Andrew? I’m not sure how to pack for my husband and I for a 3 week trip
Mix and Match Mama says
No, we only took one medium-sized suitcase to share and then each have a carry on (where I put a few outfits in case that bag was lost!).
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
So glad to hear the Cliff’s of Moher lived up to their beauty. I can’t wait to visit one day. I love how you guys take the kids to local parks on all your vacations. Enjoy Nantucket!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Madeline says
I’m headed to Ireland in September so i loved all your blog posts on your vacation! Thanks for all the great ideas!
Beth Knecht says
The desserts at the castle looked divine! So much fun!
Elizabeth says
I think this final post may be my favorite recap of yours from this trip! Cliffs of Moher are on my bucket list and I am hoping to make it there some day soon! Those little towns you guys stopped in look SO cute. It looks like you had an amazing vacation!
kellie carrara says
Wow! Thanks for letting me tag along! I love seeing all the places you go! It’s tough to travel with littles, and I love that you seek out fun things for THEM to do — like playgrounds. We always find a library…a nice chill place to relax, play with stuffed animals, engage in a program with other kids or just sit and read. That totally helps!
DANIELLE K RIGG says
SO jealous, this trip looked so magical. Thank you for always sharing your family with us!!!
Lauren Trujillo says
I would be so nervous to drive long distances in a foreign country. How did you navigate from town to town? Did you use your phone for gps, an actual map….?
Mix and Match Mama says
We used GPS that we rented with the van 🙂 .
Kathy Lang says
The Cliffs of Moher look amazing, as well as all the little towns you visited in Ireland! Can’t wait to get over there someday!
Madison says
I am just curious if you worry about Ashby and blood clotting on flights or what your plan of action is for that.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ashby gets blood clots for different reasons…she gets them because she has too much blood pumping through too many knotted veins…so, we’ve been told, flying doesn’t affect that.
Narci Dreffs says
Those cliffs are just amazing! How gorgeous! This was my favorite recap, I think! Love it all!
Amy St.Hilaire says
Thanks for sharing your trip with us! It looks like you all had a fabulous time! Question… how many days were you gone? And how many suitcases did you bring? I try to pack two suitcases for my family of 3, but we often have to do laundry at some point to get us through. Wondering how you manage that! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We brought four large suitcases and did laundry a little bit to make it last.
Erin says
Ahh! I went to Ireland when I was 17 for two weeks – my grandma was born in Charleville (County Cork) and moved back there after my grandpa died and lived with my mom, aunt and uncles for 5-6 years before moving back here again. So I got to see a lot of Ireland, family I never met, where my mom lived and went to high school, and eat all the corned beef and cabbage! We went to the Cliffs, and it was such a peaceful place! I can’t wait to go back and take my husband and children! Thank you for sharing!
Kayla says
The pictures of you and Smith and Andrew and Madeley are the sweetest!! Your family is just darling!!
Rachel Tran says
We were in Ireland a couple weeks before you and saw many of the same things! My dad was brave a drove a stick shift in Ireland! Their roads are so tiny and getting use to driving on the left made the whole experience memorable! One of my favorite things was how laid back and friendly the Irish people were…oh and their big signs for the “toilet”. Thanks for sharing pics!
Cassidy says
It looks like your older two are at the “bunny ears” phase of life!! Love it!! Your pictures are so wonderful and I’m glad you guys had the best time. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine Cramer says
What an amazing trip! My family values travel too and it created such sweet memories for me as a child and young adult. My family’s favorite place is Switzerland. We always stay in the cutest bed and breakfast in the middle of the Alps, the best food is in Luzerne and adventure activities your kids would love in Interlaken. I couldn’t help but reminisce all about it reading your posts and I think your family would LOVE it!! I feel like we’re friends and I love your blog!
Ralinn says
The Cliffs of Moher looks like an amazing place to visit. I would love to stay at Dromoland Castle and visit all of the quaint towns. There are so many beautiful places in Ireland I would love to visit. We need to stop talking about going and just do it. I love to read and see pictures of where you have been.
Lindsay D says
We stayed in Ennis when we were in Ireland! It was such a cute town!! We were the only tourist in the pub one night. Such a great memory!!
Kate says
Thanks for the review! I did Ireland and Scotland same time as you and your family, but we did Ireland first! We had very similar itineraries, so I have to ask…which one did you like more?! Or, which country would you go back to first? My husband and I have differing opinions on which was our favorite! Both were great to us.
Mix and Match Mama says
Next time, we want to do more of Scotland. We want to visit the Highlands!
Elizabeth Smith says
I apologize if you’ve answered this before. Do you bring a camera or are all of the pictures taken on your phone? Thanks! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
All with my iPhone!
mary says
Thanks for taking the time to blog in as much detail as you did about your trip. I learn so much from them, and it makes me excited for my own travels. 🙂
Kristin Bannister says
Your family vacation looks magical- thanks so much for sharing it with everyone! And that tea… looks heavenly. Tea is my favorite!! Bella and I used to go frequently in VA… do you know of anywhere in TX that does a full tea experience? I loved seeing all of your pics and favorite things on this trip! Xo
Angela Ellingson says
This might be my favorite part of the whole vacation, which is obviously saying something!!! I so want to visit the Dromoland Castle!
Katie says
LOVE the recaps from this trip! Moving these places up on my Vacation Destinations List!!
& that GiftCard would be so awesome! Been a rough couple months over here – a little retail fun would be a nice reprieve 🙂
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Those little towns and those cliffs!!! I think maybe this was my favorite post! Such an amazing trip!!
That Inspired Chick
Vivian G says
What kind of tea do you drink with your kids at home Shay?
Viviana G says
What kind of tea do you usually have with your kids at home Shay?
Mix and Match Mama says
Harney & sons!
Stephanie says
This was my favorite recap too. Thanks for sharing. Where is your top from that you’re wearing at the Cliffs of Moher? It’s the black print underneath your jean jacket.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a romper from H&M!
Stephanie says
Thanks!
Keisha Dawson says
I loved seeing all of your adventures. Thank you for sharing your vacation with your readers! I hope you and Andrew are having a marvelous time in Nantucket too!
Rebecca Jo says
I now want to do a proper tea myself if it comes with all that yummy goodness!!!
I love you travel the world, but the kids always find playgrounds & just have the best time being kids.
Gail Young says
Now that you have been to Ireland and Scotland you need to add two authors to your reading lists if you haven’t already. That would be Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher. All about village and city life and the characters are so charming. My personal favorite is Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher. I read it every year right after Thanksgiving and it jump starts me into the Christmas season.
Loved reading your posts of this vacation and seeing how your kids are happy doing simple things like going to the park and poking around shops and just being together enjoying life!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love Maeve Binchy!!!
Michelle says
Visiting Scotland and Ireland are definitely on my bucket list!
Also, my hubby and I are becoming foster parents, and the gift card would help us purchase some much needed baby items!
DANIELLE K RIGG says
One quick question..not from todays blog, I need a new iphone case. Any suggestions???
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine is from Amazon!
Vivian G says
Just curious Shay, what kinda of tea do you drink with your kiddos? I love tea but my boys are not very interested ?
Mix and Match Mama says
They love all sorts! At home, we drink Harney & Sons!
Liz Thorson says
Shay, what a fabulous set of pictures of gorgeous scenery, quaint neighborhoods, delicious food and adorable, happy children! I love the picture of you and Andrew, too! You look so pretty and Andrew, so handsome! I love your twin dimples! Love the little girls blue and white sundresses, too! My goodness you had fabulous weather on this trip! Thanks for sharing! Ennis looks amazing!❤️
Chelsea Yoo says
We went to Dublin a few years ago and LOVED Howth! You can take the regular city train to Howth and it is perfect if you are only in Dublin for a short time, but want to experience a different scenery than the city.
Heidi says
Ennis is my favorite little town! I was just at the A Honan Antique store in June and the owner was amazing. He even showed us his private shop across the way because he knew I was looking for an antique grandfather clock! What a small world!
Maryellen Azarian says
When I was reading and looking at all your beautiful photos – it came to mind and I teared up how magnificent a life Ashby and Madeley are experiencing. Such a miracle for them. A long way from an orphanage. Its just beautiful to watch.
Tish Ferry says
I loved following your trip! You mentioned sleeping in only one day. How early do you and Andrew and the kids get up each morning on vacation? We are leaving next week with our four kids and have already been discussing this about what time we want to start our days! I’m an early riser! haha! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We got up around 7 each day and out the door 🙂 .
Mary Jane McNeill says
So while you were at the Cliffs, did you experience the unisex toilets in the visitor’s center? That was a new one for me, standing in line with men to wait on a stall. 🙂
And I’m glad to see you had good weather. When I was there, it was clear as could be. When my niece, went, it was totally socked in and she couldn’t see a thing!
Carrie Burke says
I adore limerick. We actually were there on St. Patrick’s Day. Such a sweet town. I can’t wait to go back and explore the southern parts of Ireland.
Caroline says
Aaahhh I’m from Limerick! I can’t believe you visited my town. The Lock bar is the best spot for lunch good choice
Jaren says
What an amazing trip!! As always, your travel posts are my favorite, so I was totally cool with ALL OF THEM! And the whole apartment thing for a family of 6 is brilliant! Such a great option for big families! I cannot wait to send you an email one day to book a European trip for our family!!
Amanda says
I’ve loved following along on your vacation recaps! Looks like you guys lucked out with the weather in Ireland. Wha time did the sun set?
Mix and Match Mama says
Like 10:30!
Lisa Jones says
Ahhh such a dream trip! Thanks for recapping allll of it! I can’t get over how much food y’all consume! My family is big eaters & extremely active and I can’t ever find room to fit all the restaurants, coffee/ice cream/candy/pastry shops I want to try when on vacation ha! What first world problems lol! Glad y’all had a lovely time.
Breanna Bannister says
Hi Shay! I’ve been reading your travel posts and have a couple of questions.
Have you been to Europe in the fall or winter months? (Oct/early November or March/early April) my husband and I are considering going to London or Rome and id like your opinion on traveling during those months. I know most people prefer to travel in the spring summer because of the weather and school schedules.
Also I’ve noticed your husband is really tall! My husband is 6’4 and I was wondering if Andrew has any tips on getting comfortable on the plane?!
Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have been in the fall! I totally recommend it! The weather is beautiful and it’s less crowded! Poor Andrew…he just makes do. Andrew isn’t one to get comfy enough to sleep on a plane, so he watches a lot of movies and just deals with being on board.