Dublin: The City of Beer

The last day-trip that was scheduled on the Ireland adventure, was a day trip to Dublin. Okay a little backstory about why I am so excited about this trip to Dublin: I was in Dublin in November, and the one thing that I didn’t get to do (because of food poisoning) was visit the Guinness Storehouse. So, when this trip to Dublin was an option for this trip, I jumped at the chance for Guinness redemption. 

After the long bus ride from Monaghan, we finally pulled up to the pearly black gates of the Guinness Brewery. Essentially, we made our beer pilgrimage and arrived in Mecca. (Hopefully that reference doesn’t get me into trouble) The group consisted of some avid drinkers, and we raced through the gates, our faces beaming like kids on Christmas. We got our tickets and started our beer adventure. 

We learned everything there is to know about Guinness; the history and founder, how it’s made, and how to properly taste a Guinness. The tour was probably the best tour I’ve been on since you got a free half pint taster beer and a free pint of beer. Yeah, best tour ever. We ended the tour at the Gravity Bar which overlooks all of Dublin out to the Wicklow Mountains. It a breathtaking bar and probably the nicest bar I’ve every had the privilege to drink a pint in. 

9,000 year long guinness storehouse lease 

learning to taste guinness 

After the Guinness Storehouse (which everyone was reluctant to leave) we headed to St. Patrick’s Church for a quick tour. I had been there in November so I didn’t really take many pictures. I did, however, take a picture of the amazing stained-glass in the church. 

We left the church a bit more knowledgeable, and maybe a bit more holy, and headed to a pub to get a quick lunch. Even though pub food isn’t the healthiest for you, it sure does taste amazing. After lunch we headed back to Monaghan, for our last night in Ireland. 

This trip has been one of the most amazing trips of my life, and I am extremely sad that it had to end. Hopefully, there will be more family reunions like this in the future, because I can get used to hanging around this crazy wonderful family of mine. Until next time!! xx

A Trip to The Mullen Family Farm

It has been a world-wind adventure since the American Mullens met the Irish Mullens in Monaghan. The first night we arrived in Monaghan, the Irish cousins arranged a small get together at a local pub....classic. We met and chatted with our new cousins in a classic Irish manor, which is over a pint. The night ended (pretty late I might add), and we went home to rest up for our trip to the family farm the next day. 

The Mullen family is from the country Armagh, in a little town called Turry. The day started with a trip to the family church to meet up with the cousins. The family church isn’t technically the Mullen’s, but it is where most of the family was baptized and married throughout the years. It only seemed fitting that this would be our meeting point. 

When we pulled up to the church and stepped off that bus to meet the cousins we had never met before, it was quite a surreal experience. To feel connected to someone you never knew existed is extremely strange. After the wave of hellos and name exchanges, we head into the church to get a blessing from the family priest. In that moment in the church, everyone felt so connected and like we had known each other our whole lives. 

After a few quick words from the priest we went outside to see where my great-great-great-uncle Owen Mullen was buried. (Hopefully I got that lineage correct) Even though this part is a bit morbid, it was nice to pay our respects to one of the founders of the Mullen clan. 

We jumped back on the bus and headed to the Mullen Family Farm which had been in our family for hundreds of years. One of the cousins Sean, told us that since we were on huge busses that we wouldn’t be able to drive up to the farm. However, we would be able to walk down the long road that our family had walked on to school and to town for years. (Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it) 

Walking up to the farm was amazing. It was a beautiful piece of land that was the homestead for our family for years. At the entrance of the farm the Irish Mullens decided to fly the Irish flag next to the American flag. It was a beautiful and memorable sight. We explored the farm for an hour and exchanged stories with our Irish cousins. After awhile, our cousin Julie thought of the idea to plant a tree while everyone was together. We gathered around while the little ones shoveled dirt planting the new symbol of familial bonds. 

Of course the kids would love this, the were told to play with dirt. It was nice seeing that next generation literally plant the seed to years of new bonds and family connections. We gathered around the tree and took a quick family picture.

leaving the farm

We headed from the farm to have some tea and scones at the court house and get a lesson in Mullen family history. It was amazing hearing how our family started and the story behind the Mullen name. When you really know where you come from, and have actually been to where your family started it’s a surreal experience. I am so thankful that our family was able to do this because it’s not something every family has the privilege of doing. 

After our history lesson we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the gala the Mullens were having that night. To give you an idea of how many people would be there, there were 52 American Mullens meeting up with more than 100 Irish Mullens. Needless to say it was an event. 

The entire event was amazing, and I’m very mad at myself that I didn’t take more pictures. So I apologize in advance so the lack of gala pictures. Cousin Sean, and mayor of Monaghan, opened the night with a few words thanking my mom for planning this event, and said that now there was no excuse for lost familial connections. We were then entertained by some Mullen family Irish dancers, which the little ones throughly enjoyed. 

look at all these mullens

the Mullen siblings 

orange dresses

The entire night was filled with family, drinks, and great stories. I can’t thank my mom enough for the time and effort she put into this (Also my cousin Maureen for helping her plan it) It was an amazing thing to see your entire family together. A bit overwhelming, but amazing nonetheless. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about this reunion. It was really something else to meet a side of the family you never knew you had, but feel as though you’ve known them forever. This trip is a memory I’ll have for my entire life, and for that I am eternally grateful. Irish Mullens if you’re reading this, know that next time I’m in Ireland, you better get the gust bedroom ready. Love all you crazy and wonderful Mullens and I am so lucky that you’re my family. 

Quick Trip To Galway

On our way to see the family farm and meet the Irish cousins, the American Mullens made a quick trip to Galway. We only had a few hours in town but, I could have stayed there for days. Galway is located right on the water and is filled with cute streets and shops that I could get absolutely lost in. 

We walked along the river admiring Galway’s beauty, and then made our way into town. Since Galway is home of the claddagh ring my mom and I decided that we just had to get one. We went to the oldest ring maker in town and picked out some new Irish jewelry. After this trip I am rocking some serious bling. 

After we had a quick lunch and a few pints and headed back on the bus to Monaghan to meet the long lost family. 

This post is as short as my time in Galway, but hopefully it got across the point of how lovely this city by the sea really is. Until next time!! Xxx