We took the express bus from Dublin to Dundalk. Took an hour.
When we got to the Airbnb, we took a three-hour nap.
After our nap, we walked up to the Roma and had lunch. I got curry chicken and chips, and my dad had liver (😝).
After lunch, we walked to Tesco's and window shopped.
Then we walked to my aunt Lorraine’s house, but stopped at the Navvy Bank. What a beautiful view of the Cooley Mountains. It’s about a two-mile walk.
We chatted for an hour, then went to Burger King for dinner.
FRIDAY APRIL 11TH
I slept in until ten. Then Dad and I walked to the local mall, which is called the Marshes. In Penny’s, I tried on a couple of pants but ended up buying a neck pillow for my flight home.
Afterwards, we walked to the Europa for lunch. I got curry chicken and chips, and Dad got fish and chips. The Europa is my favorite restaurant in the town.
After lunch, we walked a little over two miles to the graveyard. My granny, grandad, and aunt Blondie are buried there.
Side note: I don’t believe in talking to people when they’re dead. But I do like to see where they’re buried.
Afterwards, we walked back home. A total of four miles. We relaxed.
SATURDAY APRIL 12TH
It was my first time at that restaurant. There were twelve of us at the table. Gareth, Neil, Ann, Philip, Rachel, Isabel, Lorraine, Eimear, Dad, David, Sophie, and I.
The garlic bread as the appetizer was yummy. I know you’re shocked, and I hope you’re sitting down when you read this. Yes, I had curry.
Five of us, including me, got creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert.
After dinner, we walked down the front where the bar area was and hung out. Dad and I hung out for an hour.
SUNDAY APRIL 13TH
In the morning, Dad and I attended the Dundalk Baptist Church service.
She dropped us off at Aunt Lorraine’s house. Only stayed there for a few minutes. Then all five of us drove to Neil’s house. He has a lovely home. It’s gorgeous inside. Plus, he has a lot of land in the backyard.
I got to play fetch with Cooper.
MONDAY APRIL 14TH
Dad and I walked through the town. I got some souvenirs and Cadbury chocolate.
We went to the Marshes and had KFC for lunch. I enjoyed the popcorn chicken, which is no longer hard to find in America.
Dad and I took the Bay Estate-bound bus to my Uncle Philip’s house.
Uncle Philip has two dogs, Willow and Rooney, who are very well behaved.
Uncle Philip, Aunt Anne, Dad, and I drove to Shore Road, where we walked the dogs while taking in the fantastic views. I even saw a pheasant.
Apparently, if you ask my uncle, he’ll tell you they’re stupid only because they choose when they want to fly.
After we walked the dogs, my uncle and I drove through Black Rock to pick up my cousin Isabel from Claire’s house.
I finally got to meet my friend Jessica. She gave me a big hug. She's like a cousin/friend in my eyes.
Isabel is a chatty little lady. You’d think she’s seven, but she’s only two.
Uncle Philip dropped Dad and me off at Aunt Lorraine’s house. We hung out for a little bit.
Then we took the bus back into the town. For my last meal in Dundalk, I had chicken curry from the Adelphi Jade.
PHOTOS FROM IRELAND
TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH
When we arrived in Holyhead, we rented a car and drove three hours to Birmingham.
Dad and I had McDonald’s for dinner and shopped in the local grocery store called Asda.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH
Dad and I took the scenic route to Cadbury World.
When we arrived, I got my special edition tote bag with free Cadbury bars inside.
First, we read some history about chocolate. Then, we saw a short film about the Cadbury Brothers. I definitely enjoyed all the insightful historical information.
After the film, Dad and I headed to see how this chocolate was made. We even got to try some melted Cadbury chocolate with any toppings of our choice. I had white buttons mixed with mine. It was delicious.
We waited in line to get the incredible drawing experience with melted chocolate. That was really fun.
Then we went outside and joined the queue to see a 4D film about chocolate. I love 4D films. They make you feel like you’re in the movie, which is amazing.
After the short movie, we saw how different Cadbury bars changed.
I remember when a mini packet of buttons had a riddle or a joke in the back for you to read. I miss those days.
Finally, we entered when I knew I was going to shout “OH HAPPY DAYS!” When I saw all the Cadbury chocolate I could ever dream of. Thankfully, my dad was with me, or I’d buy everything in the store (no joke)
That was a dream come true for me. A day I’ll never forget.
I did some window shopping and saw the famous Bull statue and an old church. Birmingham reminded me of London, with all the old-style buildings and lots of people. We took the train back and enjoyed a relaxing evening.
THURSDAY APRIL 17TH
Dad drove down memory lane as we walked around Corby.
We walked around a small town full of shops. I discovered my love for Poundland.
As we stood in his old neighborhood, he told me a story. Then a lady peeked out the window and asked if we were lost. Dad told her he used to live here.
The lady came outside, and it turned out she was his old neighbor from his childhood. If only you could see my dad's happiness to see her again. That made his day extra special.
Dad and I saw two football stadiums on our way back to the hotel. Nottingham Forest and Leicester
FRIDAY APRIL 18TH
We stopped at Tesco's to get a charger for the rental car. Then we drove two hours to Leeds.
When we got to Leeds, we saw their stadium, read historical facts, and took pictures.
Afterwards, we drove thirty minutes to a famous fish and chips shop in another town in Leeds.
Dad and I waited in the long line to get a table. It was well worth the wait cause the food was excellent.
Dad got a “big un" a giant battered fried fish with chips. I got chicken nuggets and chips. Side note: If you’re ever in Leeds, I highly recommend you eat at this restaurant.
After a late lunch, we drove an hour from Leeds to our hotel in Manchester.
After checking in, we walked to the outdoor shopping center. I bought Justhype perfume at TKMAXX.
I got a small late dinner at KFC. I’m a sucker for their popcorn chicken.
We walked back to the hotel, and I FaceTimed my mom. She’s the best mom ever.
SATURDAY APRIL 19TH
Today was an exciting day. I had the opportunity to visit Old Trafford, where Manchester United plays, with my dad. We did the museum and stadium tour.
Dad and I took photos of the statues and the giant stadium outside when we arrived.
Then we waited in line to get our tickets. I got a tour guide book.
Dad and I took more photos as we toured the museum and learned a lot of history.
We entered the Manchester United players' dressing room and walked down the players' tunnel. That was really cool.
Next, we got to stand on the field and sit in the manager's comfy padded seats.
The tour guide led us to the press conference room, where the media asked the managers questions.
Lastly, Dad and I got to shop at the Mega store. I bought my dad a jersey and treated myself to a bag and a jersey.
After taking in part one of the dream, we drove up to Liverpool to see their stadium. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find parking, but I did manage to take a picture.
After we drove back to the hotel to relax for an hour, we took the tram to Old Trafford to familiarize ourselves with the route.
We took the tram back to the hotel. Got our steps in for the day.
SUNDAY APRIL 20TH
Today was the day we’ve been waiting for. Dad and I took the tram to Old Trafford.
When the clock struck eleven, we entered the VIP line to head upstairs to the executive club.
Before entering the suite, we got our notable wrist bands and match day program.
The Academy Executive Club is a fancy suite that lets you hang out three hours before the game. You have access to unlimited hot food (chips, chicken, fish, pizza, mushy peas, and salad) and can purchase as many alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, Cadbury chocolate, and crisps as you want.
The food was delicious. Dad enjoyed his fish and chips, and I enjoyed my chicken and chips and a packet of buttons.
After relaxing in the suite, we made our way to our seats. Our seats were padded.
Unfortunately, we lost. But it was an excellent experience.
After the game, we headed back to the suite as we let the crowds clear up.
Dad and I took the train into the city center, walked around for a bit, and then made our way back to the hotel.
It was a fabulous day.
MONDAY APRIL 21ST
We drove back to Birmingham from Manchester in two hours and did some last-minute shopping at Cadbury World.
After lunch, I took a nap in the car as Dad drove to Holy Trinity to see where C.S. Lewis was buried.
Then we drove to our hotel in Cardiff, Wales.
Once settled into the hotel, we drove to a local chip shop in the city center.
As we sat in the park, we ate our dinner from Wellfield, which was delicious.
Dad and I drove back to the hotel and packed my suitcase.
PHOTOS FROM ENGLAND
