I’ve just returned from my first trip in Europe outside of London, and it was amazing. I along with three other girls from the U.S. traveled to Scotland and Ireland, we stayed in Glasgow while in Scotland but took a day trip to Edinburgh and in Dublin while in Ireland with a day trip to Howth. When we left on this incredible journey, I hhad only met two of the other girls one time, when we were planning our trip, and I am so glad that I got this chance to get to know them.Both of them are incredible people, and I could not have asked for better traveling companions. The trip was memorable for many reasons, but the best part was making these new friends which I’m sure will last a life time.
I am also so glad that we chose to go to Scotland and Ireland. The people in both places were so friendly, and always wanted to help. However, my favorite day of the trip was the last. We took a train a half hour from Dublin to a small fishing village called Howth, but pronounced more like Howt. The town had a very beachy feel to it, had only two atms in the entire town, and the ‘shopping center’ was actually a small grocery store and pharmacy. As it was situated on a peninsula, we walked along the cliffs nearly all the way around the outer edge looking at the turquoise water all along the way. At one point, we came across an overlook that looked down at a deserted but picturesque beach, and discovered a small gate leading down to it, though the stairs were a bit perilous. However, what we found at the bottom was more than worth it.
Along one side of shore, there were sheer rock cliffs, but below them there were smaller rocks in the water. I, feeling adventurous, climbed along them until I got to a small cutout, a mini cave, in the wall of the cliff. The rocks along the walls were cavelike, and it felt very surreal with the water all around. Just before we left, I stripped off my socks and boots rolled up my pant legs and stepped ankle deep in the freezing water long enough for my friend to snap a picture and then jumped out and quickly stuffed my feet back into my incredibly warm socks and shoes.
The whole trip was wonderful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better last day. I will forever be grateful for the new friends this trip gave me and the wonderful experience and I can’t wait to travel more in the months to come.
All of the pictures below are from the breathtaking Howth.
