Kilkenny to Dublin...

Last few days in Ireland..

Hugo and I are both very quiet on our way to Dublin, more because we know our Irish holiday is coming to an end, more so than the fact we are both very very seedy after last nights celebrations. Lots of laughs but we are definitely paying for that today.

Arrived in Dublin after having to stop in a park in Wicklow, yep we took a detour to the east coast to check it out... to clean the car out and get everything that has accumulated in the car, Back into our suitcases.. No mean feat.

Arrived back to Avis, caught a cab into the city, thanking our lucky stars that we didn't have to drive into this crazy place. Even the cabbie got lost..

Found our accommodation eventually and discovered it was a door. Just a sleek shiny black door... Right beside an adult fetish store, hmmm, needless to say I am very nervous about lies ahead.. But this place is stunning. Biggest room, comfiest bed, hottest shower, most stylish demo oration and in the most fantastic spot in Dublin. Right in Temple Bar. Opposite a night club but with double window glazing, there was no noise to be heard last night. It's right I. The centre of the action, but with not the noise that goes along with it. 

I'm in love with Ireland. Dublin has not the charm of the Wild Atlantic Way nor the North, but it has a charm all of its own... If you can look beyond the American's..they're everywhere...

Killarney to Kilkenny via Cashel

Another gorgeous day weather wise. Breakfast in the BnB this morning was delicious and set us up for he rest of the day.

Off to the Rock of Cashel.. Which I had only read about on trip advisor, and to be honest I'm wishing we had more time there because it's an incredible sight. The shops were all closing early because of the Grand Final Replay between Tipperary and Kilkennyin the Hurling.. It's a replay due to a draw a fortnight ago.. Blue and yellow streamers and bunting is everywhere here.

The Rock of Cashel itself was a church ruin in the process of being restored but it is breathtaking. The cemetery and farmland that surrounds it, coupled with the brilliant blue skies made for fabulous photos.

I got caught laying on a 16th century sarcophagus, oops.. Lucky it was just some American Tourists and not the guards.

We travelled onto Kilkenny, and settled into Butler House, a very very grand Accommodation attached to Kilkenny Castle, with veiws of the castle and gardens. 

After a walk around town, we settled into Lanigans Hotel to watch the Hurling GF, barracking of course for Kilkenny. After numerous pints, I worked the rules out ( there aren't any) and enjoyed the close win with the locals. Much dancing, drinking, singing and celebrations followed.. And the walk back to the castle seemed to take a very long time...

Killarney.. Ring of Kerry

What a smashing day today!

Absolute cracker of a day weather wise, guest house served fantastic breakfast, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

We set out today to drive the Ring of Kerry. We dropped down into Kells Bay. Small harbour with a couple of brightly coloured boats, blue sky against the greenest hills! Picture postcard perfect.

After watching the car ferry travel back and forth to Valentia Island, we set off again to detour into Portmagee. Discovering a bridge, we soon found ourselves on the island, visiting Bray Head, and Knights Town before stopping for some fresh fish for lunch. Driving into the same car ferry, we found ourselves back at the same place, we'd been hours ago. 

Off we went again, stopping at Waterville and Sneem before cutting back through Black Valley to Molls Gap. With the weather being so beautiful, we were able to stop and take photos through the Valley and of all the lakes, fisherman included. I climbed rocks and fell down some castle ruins, all for the benefit of a great photo. 

We hiked through the Killarney National Park, and checked out the Torc Waterfall. We took great photos, only to discover we've lost all but half of the ones today. Dunno how that happened, one minute they were there, next minute gone.. Bugger.

Slowly made our way back into town, dinner and music at a local pub.... Holed up in bed, me blogging, Hugo web searching how to recover the SD card. A few photos of this afternoon... Bugger all the fabulous scenery was this morning! Lol

Dingle to Killarney

Hugo after being with me in the car for a week... 

Set off from Dingle,n the fog and the rain, but as usual, the weather cleared for us into a beautiful day. Drive via Killorgin to the Gap of Dunloe. Stunning gorge with fabulous veiws of the lakes. We did relent and go via the Pony Trap, but the prices are exorbitant and walking the 8 kilometres would have been a more financially smart decision. Gong via the trap allowed us to take the Gap in, in just an hour so freed up the rest of the day for sightseeing in Kenmare and Killarney.

Found a pub with music and settled in for the evening, came across some Australians of course and discovered we had a shared friend from Deni.

Needless to say we didn't upload any photos last night, after getting home very late. Discovered this afternoon, that we have somehow managed to loose all our photos up until this afternoon, which saddens me greatly as it's all the beautiful scenery from the Gap of Dunloe, the stunning scenery from today's visit to the Ring of Kerry, the Skellif Island etc.

 

Never mind, it's not life threatening, but a small glitch in the holiday. 

Dingle Peninsula

After spending the night at the Irish Trad Music last night, we had a slow start to the day.. Left Adare and made our way to Tralee for breakfast, much needed food after too many Smithwicks Pale Ales last night.

We found the Connor Pass and were stunned at the beauty of it. Ireland is an island of many surprises, it appears like the landscape changes with each days travel.

After stopping to take photos at the Pass, we made our way into the seaside town of Dingle, had a fantastic feed of fresh fish before heading off to do the Slag Head ring route. I'm so glad we did. Photos cannot capture the raw beauty of this coast line, it was pristine, with very few tourists.

It was a quieter day, a calm catch up after much frivolity last night. But beauty abounds.

I feckin' love this place. 

Galway to Adare

Breathtaking. That's all I have. The scenery around the west coast of Ireland is rugged, wild and truly beautiful.

We left Galway early for a breakfast on the run, a quick stop by a random castle, a chat with a New Zealand lady in the sidewalk, and another chance encounter with an Irishman who has lived and worked in Emerald, at the Cliffs of Moher.

Hugo and I were happy to be out of the car so chose to walk both directions at the Cliffs. The photos do not do this justice. I loved it. It was warm, but very windy, and the wind picked up the music being played by the buskers.. 

After spending the morning, we headed off to Adare, reknown as being  the prettiest village in Ireland. And again, the stories I had heard didn't disappoint. Thatched roofs on houses, pubs on every corner, music playing and happy people everywhere.

If ever you travel to Ireland remember to stay in Sean Collins BnB, which is beside his hotel. Room was spacious and clean, with the best shower we had come across in Ireland. Bridie and Sean were fabulous hosts and we left this morning after warm hugs from these lovely people.

We are heading to Dingle, Bridie has given us strict instructions to drive through the Connor Pass, we will have to try to find this on our map..

Wish us luck..

Coolloney to Galway

After spending the afternoon drinking pints of Guiness n Smithwicks whilst watching the All Ireland Footy Finals (Kerry beat Donegal by 2 points), inside a Castle that dates back to the 1600's, we are off around the Coast to Galway today.  Our occupation of the Markree Castle has ended. It is a glorious old castle, set in acres of garden and wooded lands, quiet and a welcome interlude in the middle of our week.

It was a leisurely drive today, stopping at Westport and Clifden then into Galway via the Connemarra Nafional Park it was really interesting to see the change in landscapes as we turned to travel along the west coast, the wild Atlantic Way. The contrasting colours from the trees, the rocks, the windflowers, the loughs.. Makes for some beautifully rugged landscapes. 

Arrived into Galway and once again lucked our way into finding the hotel. Checked in and walked into town having dinner in the Italian Quarter, having being served by a lovely Aussie girl from Hepburn Springs in Victoria.

Westport and Clifden have some incredible local crafts shops that featured jewellery, artwork and glass ware that you'll not see anywhere else. I'm already kicking myself for not purchasing some things there. Galway is the beginning of the tourist trail, every second shop is a souvenir store, all quite over priced and mass produced. 

Once again the weather is beautiful, the Irish are out in droves, walking their dogs, playing ball with their kids in the glorious sunshine. Hugo and I walked along the bay, and spent some time watching the boats arrive home.

Off to Adare tomorrow via the Cliffs of Moher. 

The battle of Markee Castle

We, the Scottish and the French contingent head off from Belfast in the early hours of this morning, To begin our onslaught of the West Country.

After stopping for spiritual guidance at Armagah we ventured onwards through Loch Mac Neav.  We travelled via the west coastal country, paying our respects at the Carrowmore Passage Graves. There were no troops in this vicinity, so onwards we ventured toward the west. Stopping in Sligo town for refreshments, the beach beckoned. It was a beautiful day, reminiscent of an Australian autumn day, sunny and warm. The seaside was packed with local troops who were more focused on enjoying this weather than defending their county.

We travelled further, without resistance to the Castle. We took the castle from the front, one mere wee woman held the front area, we were able to secure a stong hold into the castle without any resistance at all.

May I present to you all, the Castle Macdonald Camden Quenault. 

Spending the day in Belfast.

Awake early after sleeping in the tallest, biggest bed, I've ever slept in! I almost need a stool to climb in. Never mind, it's comfortable, quiet and in a nice area of Town. The hotel is opposite the Parliment House, Stormaont Castle and Estate. Beautiful wooded parkland area.

Caught the 4a bus into the City Centre this morning, and after wondering around at 8 looking for breakfast, my suspicions that most Irish are not early risers are coming true. If the.ancients Kings of England just rolled on up here early in the morning, they probably would have been able to conquer this place quite easily. All day bus ticket, unlimited was £3.70, much much cheaper than the Hop in Hop off Tours I saw advertised today for £30! The public transport system is very easy, pay the driver and away you go.

Breakfast was at Oscars Champagne Bar, which was one of the very very few places open at 8 ish. It was a home cooked Irish breakfast which really hit the spot. Off to St George's Market.. Again, the latest opening market I've ever seen, it started at 9.. With a lot of the traders still setting up at 9.30am.

Amazing crafts, I wish I could have taken photos, the jewellery, handcrafts and photography was incredible. There was also a local fresh food market with delicious looking cakes, fresh vegetables and fruit, olives, breads, pasta and seafood, a feast for the eyes. One cheeky butcher told me the reason the crabs were so docile, was because he had hypnotised them, and if I bought a special lead, I could walk them home with me.. Another young fellow selling his mothers home baked goods, offered me two extra because of my accent. We got to talking to a fellow selling jewellery made from 7000 year old peat big wood and silver, and turns out he created the vine trusses for EVERGREEN farms in Emerald. Small. Small, world.

We wandering about the city centre, taking in the sights, watching buskers, visiting local churches and people watching. One wee lad brought me to tears with his rendition of Amazing grace on the bagpipes. There was a band playing in a park, activities in City Hall grounds and a Cultural festival going on. There's a great vibe to this place. Belfast is all relatively new in comparision to some if the other places we have visited, and unfortunately make really bad coffee. 

We made our way back to the hotel in time to meet our Black Cab for the Political Mural Tour this afternoon. Because I've always been an avid reader, I've always been aware of 'the troubles' that go in here, but I was unaware that there is still segregation. Still a wall between the two areas of town. We saw evidence of bombing, we saw memorial gardens, hears stories that Mike told of his own growing up, as a kid running down to the wall at knock off time to see if his Dad came back through the wall alive at the end of the working day. We watched kids on either side of the wall play amongst the rubble, behind the fences and behind the bars. We saw political murals and we signed the peace wall. We finished the tour with a renewed with a gratefulness for the ability to live in a peaceful world, where kids can play together, regardless of race or religion. 

In saying that the troubles are clearly evident still, is not saying that we felt threatened at any time. The people are friendly, warm and welcoming, and even when we were in the 'wrong neighbourhoods' we did not feel at all nervous.

We got dropped off in the Titanic Quarter, and after wandering about the docklands, worked our way back into the city centre to catch the bus again home, after a walk through the gardens of Stormont estate. 

Dinner, and a great cup of Irish tea before preparing for the big trip to the west coast tomorrow. 

Coast Road to Belfast.

Up at 7 today for a glorious, relaxing drive down the coat to Belfast.

Today proved to me that I really do love the Irish. From the elderly man that came to tell me his brother was a Dr in Victoria to the 3 men who helped this Aussies damsel in distress to the man in Carrickfergus that offered us his parking ticket for free. They are just lovely people, friendly, and super helpful. The people in our accommodations are like family, welcoming and warm. I met three lovely men this afternoon when we were unsure if we were on the right road, turns out Hugo and I had more idea than the three of them combined. 

We travelled from Bushmills to Belfast via the Irish Sea coast. We stopped at Ballycastle, and Larne for coffee and lunch. We stopped at so many twists and turns to check the scenery or the fishing.

It's a fabulous part of the world, and I'm feeling almost saddened to have finally reached Belfast. The  coastline is incredible, the people friendly, the scenery breathtaking. Part of me wishes I could live here, but then I remember its summer.. 

Belfast safely by about 3 o'clock, and although our room wasn't ready till 5, we got to experience a free coffee then a free drink or two in the bR whilst we waited.

Tomorrow brings Belfast City, wish us luck!

Day four - Northern Ireland

What a fantastic day we have had! I will apologise in advance for any non sensical  words as I've been to a whiskey tasting at Bushmilla distillery so I'm having troubling focusing tonight.. Lol.

Left Drogheda this morning early to commence the drive to Northern Ireland , we had a map, I'm am navigator, my glasses are in Emerald... Hmmmm,, not.a great start.. ah, what the hell, we will just wing it. 

 

Guess what? We made it. 

Not only did we make it safe, we also managed to call by a small village called  Clough.. We had found a fellow in our cemetery visits in Central Qld, that was born in tullykittah, so we had taken a photo of his grave to bring to any of his family geneologists that I could find. 

We found the Presbyterian Parish leader that promised me he would take the photos to a member of the family. He was a lovely man, took me to the local play group centre to introduce me to another Tullykittah local and also offered to open the local Presbyterian  church to show us. 

Off to the Giants Causeway we go! What a fantastic day that was! Hugo spent all day trying to take photos without anyone else in it! The coast line is indescribable. Incredibly beautiful, clear water, and from there I could see the land of my ancestors! Hexagonal rock columns riding hundreds of metres in the air, surrounding by clear oven and pristine coastline. 

We took a drive by Carrick a rede rope bride, and despite my fear of heights.. I did it! I walked the rope bridge twice! It was much fun. Hugo and I spent some time enjoying the scenery before making our way back up the hill to the car. 

Found our BnB in Bushmills and snuck into the local shops, the craft here is amazing! I'm cross already about my luggage limits and its only day 4! Off to the Bushmill Irish Whisky Distillery for a tasting. They had run out of 12 and 16 year old Whisky so offered a 6 year old and two glasses of 21 year old instead. Divine. 

Dinner tonight was at a restaurant recommended by the BnB owner. Tartine. OMG, and to think I was worried about the food here being plain and stodgy. The dinner tonight would rival any food we are in France. Seafood was local and fresh, gammon well cooked and tender! I'm so glad we took his advice. 

All in all, a very Tiring day with lots of walking, hill and stair climbing, but one Ill remember for a very long time. .