This long but rewarding detour was inspired by our older son, who had visited Belfast a few months earlier and strongly recommended the Black Cab “Troubles” tour, describing it as one of the most impactful experiences of his trip. Although the Troubles officially ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, their legacy still shapes daily life in Belfast. Physical barriers continue to separate Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods, with gates that close each evening.

Our first day in the Irish countryside involved a scenic drive from Dublin to Galway. Upon arriving in Galway, we took a delightful walking tour through Galway's Medieval Old Town, where the vibrant streets were filled with colorful shopfronts and lively street performers. After exploring the town, we treated ourselves to the best fish and chips of the whole trip. We next drove out to see Ireland's famous Cliffs of Moher. The dramatic cliffs, rising majestically over the Atla

Having heard so many great things about Ireland's countryside and tiny villages, we decided to stay just one day in Dublin. To make the most of our limited time in Dublin, we stayed within walking distance of Temple Bar and all the other sites we visited that day, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Marsh's library, and Dublin Castle. In the evening, we ordered pints and listened to live music - the first of many similar nights in this joyful country.

On the final day of our trip, we visited Galope Austral, a small, family-run horseback riding operation located about 30 minutes north of Puerto Natales, Chile, in the heart of Patagonia. As part of our return journey to El Calafate, Argentina, and then home, this half-day experience turned out to be a memorable highlight of the trip. The ride was private, well-organized, and tailored to each rider's experience level, with helmets, chaps, and horses selected accordingly.