The journey across went effortlessly.....not much time between flights but oh well! Met up with Eric at SFO and away we went to our first destination of Shannon, Ireland. The flight seemed very quick and we were energetic when we arrived on the Green Isle. We picked up our crossover (Irish for small SUV in which five adults will barely fit) and alowed the gentleman to talk us into renting a GPS.....a decision we were thankful for over and over again during the duration of our adventure! We made it to Galway around nine that night and raced to the nearest appealing restaurant which was at The Park Hotel, which turned out to be a delightful surprise and fitting way to begin our trip. Elegant in an old world way yet homey with fantastic service and lovely food. We were five happy travelers at that point devouring local rack of lamb and Toblerone cheesecake for a tasty finish. We spent two nights in a little home which was comfortable despite the spotty electrical system which collapsed at midnight! Fortunately we were all so tired we slept through the burglar alarm!