January 31st- Last day in Ireland

Dinner from the previous night with Bernadette, Graham, and Father Tom.

Stairs in the Foreign Service Ministry headquarters.

Taoiseach Office

 

 

Ballroom inside the Iveagh House

   On our final day we visited the Iveagh House, which is now the Foreign Service Ministry headquarters.  This property was owned and built by the Guinness family originally, and was then donated to the Irish government by Benjamin Guinness' grandson Rupert.  Many famous people who come to Ireland visit this building, including President JFK and Bill Clinton.  The architecture was beautiful inside and out.  We also were able to see where the Taoiseach's office is inside the building.         

      My journey has finally come to an end.  It was a weird feeling pulling back into the Ashling hotel because this was the first hotel that we stayed in, so there was a sad presence as we arrived at the hotel.  Whenever your in the middle of a trip it feels like it is never going to come to an end, and then when it is finally finished you wonder where all the time went.  I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ireland.  It was an experience of a life time to be able to visit the entire country and see every famous monument in Ireland over the course of one month.  Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me a never ending gift where I was able to connect with relatives, learn about my heritage and create amazing memories.  Also, thank you to all my relatives in Ireland for showing me a warm welcome and a great experience each night I spent with you.  Thanks to all my friends and family who followed my journey through Ireland.  I hope you enjoyed the photos and comments. 

"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built."- Eleanor Roosevelt