19th June – St. David’s – Home
Travelled home – 5 hours.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Summer Holiday
18th June – Rosslare – St. David’s
Up early at 06:30 to catch the ferry. Slept terribly.
Arrived at ferry port around 07:30 and rolled on to ferry a little after 8, then straight up to the restaurant for a cooked breakfast and toast. Txtd Dan who was at T5 waiting to go off to Boston.
Uneventful crossing but took longer than scheduled due to tides and we docked about 13:00 and then disembarked heading for St. David’s. En route stopped off at Scovla [?] for lunch a beautiful harbour in a valley and had a very nice meal at ‘The Old Pharmacy’ Tina had lasagne and the most wonderful chips whilst I had roasted vegetables and tagliatelle – delicious – all that was missing was a nice glass of wine.
Spoke with Al, all is well and told him that we would more than likely be home tomorrow. [Friday]
Reached St. David’s and visited the Cathedral – very odd mix of architecture and structural very off centre the floors were sloping and all the pillars seemed off perpendicular, however as there were no guided tours we are none the wiser as to why this is so. [Note to self look up on internet on return.]
Left St. David’s and headed for campsite down narrower and narrower roads forcing an elderly gent to reverse his Volvo back 50 yards to allow us to pass. Entered the wrong campsite and after realising this almost collided with some youngsters careering around in a VW, said youths looked thoroughly bemused when Tina responded to their wave with the ‘finger’.
Campsite is a level field with lots and lots of people – this is supposed to be the quiet season and I am already missing the small, ‘bijou’ campsites of Ireland.
Up early at 06:30 to catch the ferry. Slept terribly.
Arrived at ferry port around 07:30 and rolled on to ferry a little after 8, then straight up to the restaurant for a cooked breakfast and toast. Txtd Dan who was at T5 waiting to go off to Boston.
Uneventful crossing but took longer than scheduled due to tides and we docked about 13:00 and then disembarked heading for St. David’s. En route stopped off at Scovla [?] for lunch a beautiful harbour in a valley and had a very nice meal at ‘The Old Pharmacy’ Tina had lasagne and the most wonderful chips whilst I had roasted vegetables and tagliatelle – delicious – all that was missing was a nice glass of wine.
Spoke with Al, all is well and told him that we would more than likely be home tomorrow. [Friday]
Reached St. David’s and visited the Cathedral – very odd mix of architecture and structural very off centre the floors were sloping and all the pillars seemed off perpendicular, however as there were no guided tours we are none the wiser as to why this is so. [Note to self look up on internet on return.]
Left St. David’s and headed for campsite down narrower and narrower roads forcing an elderly gent to reverse his Volvo back 50 yards to allow us to pass. Entered the wrong campsite and after realising this almost collided with some youngsters careering around in a VW, said youths looked thoroughly bemused when Tina responded to their wave with the ‘finger’.
Campsite is a level field with lots and lots of people – this is supposed to be the quiet season and I am already missing the small, ‘bijou’ campsites of Ireland.
Summer Holiday
17th June – Kilkenny – Rosslare
Torrential rain during the night but had a lie in nonetheless.
Still raining when we left Kilkenny and headed for New Ross and then on to Rosslare and our final night in Ireland at St. Margaret’s.
Had lunch at the Lobster Pot – award winning seafood restaurant although at lunchtime they had no cooked seafood available so we made do with lobster chowder and fried brie.
Arrived at campsite for a relaxed afternoon watching the final episodes of Lost in Austen.
Torrential rain during the night but had a lie in nonetheless.
Still raining when we left Kilkenny and headed for New Ross and then on to Rosslare and our final night in Ireland at St. Margaret’s.
Had lunch at the Lobster Pot – award winning seafood restaurant although at lunchtime they had no cooked seafood available so we made do with lobster chowder and fried brie.
Arrived at campsite for a relaxed afternoon watching the final episodes of Lost in Austen.
Summer Holiday
16th June – Glen of Aherlow – Michelstown Caves – Kilkenny
Again a leisurely morning and then set off for a drive round the mountains to the Michelstown caves, which we had seen on the campsite notice board. What a find, down a very narrow road we ended up at a private house that just happened to have a fantastic cave in its back garden.
These had to be the best calcite formations we have seen: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains the works.
Headed for Kilkenny afterwards and arrived fairly easily but had a bit of difficulty finding the campsite, but we did in the end and shortly after arrival got on our bikes and road into Kilkenny along the river.
First pub we tried was a little short staffed and in the end we gave up waiting and headed back out into the hot streets of Kilkenny. For a moment we might have cut our noses to spite our face is we then wandered around for 10 minutes trying to find somewhere suitable to eat. In the end we went into a shop and asked and were recommended Kytlers just round the corner, which worked out quite well as it was a nice pub and we had a couple of pints of Bulmer’s – very refreshing and hot lamb sandwiches and a bowl of chips.
Bought a cream slice afterwards from the bakers and as we were walking back to the bikes Tina fell again and really twisted her ankle as she ended up in tears – immediate thoughts were a broken bone, ambulance etc. But after a short recovery Tina made it to her feet but was clearly in some pain and discomfort but hobbled back to our bikes and bravely rode back.
Weather remained pleasant so we cadac’d: BBQ Chicken drumsticks with boiled tats and salad. Then an evening in watching the first two episodes of Lost in Austen.
Again a leisurely morning and then set off for a drive round the mountains to the Michelstown caves, which we had seen on the campsite notice board. What a find, down a very narrow road we ended up at a private house that just happened to have a fantastic cave in its back garden.
These had to be the best calcite formations we have seen: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains the works.
Headed for Kilkenny afterwards and arrived fairly easily but had a bit of difficulty finding the campsite, but we did in the end and shortly after arrival got on our bikes and road into Kilkenny along the river.
First pub we tried was a little short staffed and in the end we gave up waiting and headed back out into the hot streets of Kilkenny. For a moment we might have cut our noses to spite our face is we then wandered around for 10 minutes trying to find somewhere suitable to eat. In the end we went into a shop and asked and were recommended Kytlers just round the corner, which worked out quite well as it was a nice pub and we had a couple of pints of Bulmer’s – very refreshing and hot lamb sandwiches and a bowl of chips.
Bought a cream slice afterwards from the bakers and as we were walking back to the bikes Tina fell again and really twisted her ankle as she ended up in tears – immediate thoughts were a broken bone, ambulance etc. But after a short recovery Tina made it to her feet but was clearly in some pain and discomfort but hobbled back to our bikes and bravely rode back.
Weather remained pleasant so we cadac’d: BBQ Chicken drumsticks with boiled tats and salad. Then an evening in watching the first two episodes of Lost in Austen.
Summer Holiday
15th June – Adare – Glen of Aherlow via Cashel
Leisurely morning leaving Adare around 10:00 for the Rock of Cashel.
Despite the inclement weather, the first time it really rained whilst we were doing something the visit to the Rock of Cashel was very good as we had a proper guided tour.
Found a ‘homely’ and very popular place for lunch and whilst we intended only having a light lunch in view of our aim to eat at the restaurant at the campsite tonight we ended up having lasagne and chips (me) and a burger and mashed potato and veg (T) not so good tho’ the warmed carrot cake made up for it, a little bit anyway.
Left Cashel heading back to Tipperary and then turned off for the Glen of Aherlow, which is where Ballinacourty House Caravan and Camping park is. Headed up into the hills and came over a peak and were met with this spectacular view (see photo). Every geography teacher’s fantasy!
Arrived at the campsite, which has an award winning restaurant and was nestled at the foot of aforementioned mountains.
After a cup of tea I went for a very long walk up into the forest behind us whilst Tina had a little kip as she had a headache and was tieid.
Leisurely morning leaving Adare around 10:00 for the Rock of Cashel.
Despite the inclement weather, the first time it really rained whilst we were doing something the visit to the Rock of Cashel was very good as we had a proper guided tour.
Found a ‘homely’ and very popular place for lunch and whilst we intended only having a light lunch in view of our aim to eat at the restaurant at the campsite tonight we ended up having lasagne and chips (me) and a burger and mashed potato and veg (T) not so good tho’ the warmed carrot cake made up for it, a little bit anyway.
Left Cashel heading back to Tipperary and then turned off for the Glen of Aherlow, which is where Ballinacourty House Caravan and Camping park is. Headed up into the hills and came over a peak and were met with this spectacular view (see photo). Every geography teacher’s fantasy!
Arrived at the campsite, which has an award winning restaurant and was nestled at the foot of aforementioned mountains.
After a cup of tea I went for a very long walk up into the forest behind us whilst Tina had a little kip as she had a headache and was tieid.
Summer Holiday
14th June - Doolin – Adare via Bunratty
Leave a beautiful Doolin bay and head across country towards Limerick and take in Bunratty castle and folk museum on the way. Less impressive than expected and it rained – the first time whilst we were out visiting somewhere.
Head off for Adare and do a quick shop on route at the ‘spawn of Satan’ otherwise known as Tesco – gosh things are expensive here.
Through Limerick and arrive at Adare and park up and have some lunch at the ‘Blue Room’ restaurant that seemed very popular with Americans – needless to say we had a very pleasant lunch. (Tina lasagne and chips and I had a very yummy Caesar salad)
Arrived at the campsite just outside of the village, in a nice quiet and secluded spot but very expensive - €26 for the night. Anyhow spent the reminder of the afternoon leisurely reading the paper.
Fridge shelf broke.
Leave a beautiful Doolin bay and head across country towards Limerick and take in Bunratty castle and folk museum on the way. Less impressive than expected and it rained – the first time whilst we were out visiting somewhere.
Head off for Adare and do a quick shop on route at the ‘spawn of Satan’ otherwise known as Tesco – gosh things are expensive here.
Through Limerick and arrive at Adare and park up and have some lunch at the ‘Blue Room’ restaurant that seemed very popular with Americans – needless to say we had a very pleasant lunch. (Tina lasagne and chips and I had a very yummy Caesar salad)
Arrived at the campsite just outside of the village, in a nice quiet and secluded spot but very expensive - €26 for the night. Anyhow spent the reminder of the afternoon leisurely reading the paper.
Fridge shelf broke.
Summer Holiday
13th June – Doolin
Another sunny day in Ireland – taking it easy this morning allowing Tina to recover from her migraine. We have a lie in and then undertake Tina’s favourite activity – yes washing. Tina always feels better keeping on top of the holiday washing.
Once this is up straight we can carry on with the holiday so we stroll down to the pier and after Tina takes a stumble we book the midday boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher – we think it will be much better seeing them from the water as if we were to go to the top of them all you would see would be the sea!
It’s lovely out on the water quite sunny and relatively calm, though we do hit a few waves but all in all a very pleasant hour.
Return to the campsite and drive off to O’Connor’s pub for lunch and whilst we have a very un-Irish welcome we enjoy a very nice Irish stew.
Then it’s off a short distance down the road to the Doolin cave. We are a small group (5) and two of us are French plus their translator.
The Doolin caves have a very famous stalactite – like an elaborate chandelier – only trouble was I didn’t take a camera so unless I can download something off the internet we’ll jus have to remember how fantastic it was.
Back to the campsite and sit out as it’s a glorious afternoon – cup of tea enjoying the summer. We have been very fortunate with the weather as we have had some spectacularly sunny evenings – not roasting but sufficiently warm to sit outside provided you stay out of the breeze.
Just after six we have a G&T and nibbles – it really doesn’t get much better.
Another sunny day in Ireland – taking it easy this morning allowing Tina to recover from her migraine. We have a lie in and then undertake Tina’s favourite activity – yes washing. Tina always feels better keeping on top of the holiday washing.
Once this is up straight we can carry on with the holiday so we stroll down to the pier and after Tina takes a stumble we book the midday boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher – we think it will be much better seeing them from the water as if we were to go to the top of them all you would see would be the sea!
It’s lovely out on the water quite sunny and relatively calm, though we do hit a few waves but all in all a very pleasant hour.
Return to the campsite and drive off to O’Connor’s pub for lunch and whilst we have a very un-Irish welcome we enjoy a very nice Irish stew.
Then it’s off a short distance down the road to the Doolin cave. We are a small group (5) and two of us are French plus their translator.
The Doolin caves have a very famous stalactite – like an elaborate chandelier – only trouble was I didn’t take a camera so unless I can download something off the internet we’ll jus have to remember how fantastic it was.
Back to the campsite and sit out as it’s a glorious afternoon – cup of tea enjoying the summer. We have been very fortunate with the weather as we have had some spectacularly sunny evenings – not roasting but sufficiently warm to sit outside provided you stay out of the breeze.
Just after six we have a G&T and nibbles – it really doesn’t get much better.
Summer Holiday
12th June – Roscommon to Clonmacnoise – Ailwee to Doolin
Despite a night of torrential rain we slept relatively well. Awoke and had the quickest shower known to man – it’s this token system; we had two tokens, which only lasted 4 minutes each and whilst we shared it ran cold for nearly a minute and as Tina was washing her hair she needs quite a bit of time to rinse it and condition it.
Anyway left about 09:30 and stopped for fuel on our way to Clonmacnoise – a 7th century monastic site – St. Ciaran who established it in 645 and subsequently became a significant religious site given its location on the Shannon and mid way between Galway and Dublin.
We then head west for the Ailwee caves and continued to take our life in our hands on these very treacherous roads – they’re terrible but fortunately fairly quiet.
The journey across The Burren to the Ailwee caves provided some fantastic scenery and when we arrived we visited the Bird of Prey centre and I got to hold a Harris Hawk – yay go me.
Went up to the caves, which supposedly were the ‘Irish Show caves’ but were a little disappointing. Leave to head for Doolin right on the west coast.
Back to the notorious Irish roads, whilst battling to keep Hymie on the roads and out of the potholes some eejit in a transit van doesn’t slow down and clips (effing well) knocks my wing mirror back – first close shave and doesn’t do either of us any good – Tina already has a head ache and I’m quite stressed driving Hymie down these terrible roads.
Tina has been fighting a headache all afternoon and when we arrive at Doolin around 17:30 it has turned into a humdinger and unfortunately she is ill.
We have mixed weather – rain and then brilliant sunshine – it’s a very popular campsite with a real mix of caravans, tents and motor homes.
Site is right on the coast and you can see the Cliffs of Moher in the distance.
Despite a night of torrential rain we slept relatively well. Awoke and had the quickest shower known to man – it’s this token system; we had two tokens, which only lasted 4 minutes each and whilst we shared it ran cold for nearly a minute and as Tina was washing her hair she needs quite a bit of time to rinse it and condition it.
Anyway left about 09:30 and stopped for fuel on our way to Clonmacnoise – a 7th century monastic site – St. Ciaran who established it in 645 and subsequently became a significant religious site given its location on the Shannon and mid way between Galway and Dublin.
We then head west for the Ailwee caves and continued to take our life in our hands on these very treacherous roads – they’re terrible but fortunately fairly quiet.
The journey across The Burren to the Ailwee caves provided some fantastic scenery and when we arrived we visited the Bird of Prey centre and I got to hold a Harris Hawk – yay go me.
Went up to the caves, which supposedly were the ‘Irish Show caves’ but were a little disappointing. Leave to head for Doolin right on the west coast.
Back to the notorious Irish roads, whilst battling to keep Hymie on the roads and out of the potholes some eejit in a transit van doesn’t slow down and clips (effing well) knocks my wing mirror back – first close shave and doesn’t do either of us any good – Tina already has a head ache and I’m quite stressed driving Hymie down these terrible roads.
Tina has been fighting a headache all afternoon and when we arrive at Doolin around 17:30 it has turned into a humdinger and unfortunately she is ill.
We have mixed weather – rain and then brilliant sunshine – it’s a very popular campsite with a real mix of caravans, tents and motor homes.
Site is right on the coast and you can see the Cliffs of Moher in the distance.
Summer Holiday
11th June – Dublin to Newgrange to Roscommon
Depart Dublin after a pretty crap nights sleep but fortunately the ‘bikers’ were as good as gold. After they had set up their tents they went off and we didn’t hear them return, though they were up bright and early as we were.
Head round the M50 and then up to Slane as Newgrange is not on the sat nav.
Find Newgrange relatively easily and park in the coach park.
There is a nice new visitor centre and we decide to do both Newgrange and Knowth – two separate megalithic monuments – [http://www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm].
These are impressive monuments especially the rising sun effect in Newgrange – very impressive. But they do have a very bizarre bus system to take you from the visitor centre out to each of the monuments – they go at set times and are very strict about this and you have to go to one monument and then back to the visitor centre before catching another bus at the prescribed time to the other one.
Have some lunch as it is now about 14:00, we’ve been here over three hours so it looks like we will have to give Clonmacnoise a miss today and head straight to the campsite at Lough Ree.
Gosh the roads in Ireland are dreadful and it’s quite a trek to the first option campsite by which time Tina has a headache – not quite a migraine but she is suffering. We decide that we don’t like the looks of the first campsite and plug the next one in to the sat nav and head off. The second one (Hodson Bay) is just past a lovely hotel, golf course and water sports centre but is closed! What are we going to do? Perhaps stay at the hotel?
We have one more campsite to try and head off – we find this down a long stretch of road and great it’s open and they have some spare pitches – it is also in a fantastic location right by the Lough shores and very peaceful – until it appears that every youngster in the area likes to drive down this road to the shore, ‘dump a body’ hang around for a short while and then wheel spin off – it really is quite odd there must have been half a dozen or more cars drive down to this complete dead end, spend a few minutes there and head back.
Anyway we have a lovely evening sitting out in the sun, no breeze, pleasantly warm
Cook dinner, quiche, fried tats, shallots and bacon and a small glass of wine.
Tina has recovered enough to enjoy dinner.
It’s a beautiful evening, only spoilt by the tooing and froing of cars down to the waters edge.
Depart Dublin after a pretty crap nights sleep but fortunately the ‘bikers’ were as good as gold. After they had set up their tents they went off and we didn’t hear them return, though they were up bright and early as we were.
Head round the M50 and then up to Slane as Newgrange is not on the sat nav.
Find Newgrange relatively easily and park in the coach park.
There is a nice new visitor centre and we decide to do both Newgrange and Knowth – two separate megalithic monuments – [http://www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm].
These are impressive monuments especially the rising sun effect in Newgrange – very impressive. But they do have a very bizarre bus system to take you from the visitor centre out to each of the monuments – they go at set times and are very strict about this and you have to go to one monument and then back to the visitor centre before catching another bus at the prescribed time to the other one.
Have some lunch as it is now about 14:00, we’ve been here over three hours so it looks like we will have to give Clonmacnoise a miss today and head straight to the campsite at Lough Ree.
Gosh the roads in Ireland are dreadful and it’s quite a trek to the first option campsite by which time Tina has a headache – not quite a migraine but she is suffering. We decide that we don’t like the looks of the first campsite and plug the next one in to the sat nav and head off. The second one (Hodson Bay) is just past a lovely hotel, golf course and water sports centre but is closed! What are we going to do? Perhaps stay at the hotel?
We have one more campsite to try and head off – we find this down a long stretch of road and great it’s open and they have some spare pitches – it is also in a fantastic location right by the Lough shores and very peaceful – until it appears that every youngster in the area likes to drive down this road to the shore, ‘dump a body’ hang around for a short while and then wheel spin off – it really is quite odd there must have been half a dozen or more cars drive down to this complete dead end, spend a few minutes there and head back.
Anyway we have a lovely evening sitting out in the sun, no breeze, pleasantly warm
Cook dinner, quiche, fried tats, shallots and bacon and a small glass of wine.
Tina has recovered enough to enjoy dinner.
It’s a beautiful evening, only spoilt by the tooing and froing of cars down to the waters edge.
Summer Holiday
10th June - Dublin
Tina is kept awake by dogs barking in the night so didn’t sleep well.
Up at 07:30 and share a shower as they are token operated and only last about 8 minutes, still ended up using two tokens.
Wait for the tour bus to take us in to Dublin, which arrives late but the driver was very nice and dropped us off near to Christchurch (one of Dublin’s cathedrals). First though we try and find Fishamble street as this has a large reptile shop on it – ask two ladies who don’t seem to know where it is but think it’s the one with the ‘corporation’ building on it – council offices. Anyway we find it but it is closed so we go for a coffee and raspberry scone.
Back to the reptile shop but it is still closed so go to the cathedral – very grey and quite small. Spend about an hour there and then go back to the reptile shop, which is now open – huge range of snakes and lizids but the animal husbandry isn’t particularly good with several vivs uncleaned and containing four or even five big snakes.
After a short while we head off for lunch and take quite a long walk in the very warm sun to Merrion Row and find Hugo’s and have a very nice, leisurely lunch – duck and apple salad followed by duck and mashed potato (T) and poached eggs in red wine with lardoons and small onions followed by calamari and a ratatouille sans courgettes. A nice bottle of Muscadet plus dessert – berry crumble and warm apple pie with salted caramel.
Stagger off feeling very full back into the sun and start to head back to the bus stop via M&S – very expensive – get some provisions and then mooch around a few more shops before getting back to the bus stop.
Get back to the campsite around 5 and attempt to sit out with a cup of tea but it has started to get cold and then later (18:30), whilst we are trying to have a nap it begins to chuck it down – well it is Ireland and we have been fortunate with the weather during our stay in Dublin.
Five Dutch ‘bikers’ turn up about 20:00 and set up an encampment of tents near to us – could be a sleepless night if they start to get rowdy.
Fortunately it has stopped raining so they get their tents up without getting soaking – there are four Harley’s and a BMW and all the bikers are quite old, so maybe they won’t be too riotous.
Tina is kept awake by dogs barking in the night so didn’t sleep well.
Up at 07:30 and share a shower as they are token operated and only last about 8 minutes, still ended up using two tokens.
Wait for the tour bus to take us in to Dublin, which arrives late but the driver was very nice and dropped us off near to Christchurch (one of Dublin’s cathedrals). First though we try and find Fishamble street as this has a large reptile shop on it – ask two ladies who don’t seem to know where it is but think it’s the one with the ‘corporation’ building on it – council offices. Anyway we find it but it is closed so we go for a coffee and raspberry scone.
Back to the reptile shop but it is still closed so go to the cathedral – very grey and quite small. Spend about an hour there and then go back to the reptile shop, which is now open – huge range of snakes and lizids but the animal husbandry isn’t particularly good with several vivs uncleaned and containing four or even five big snakes.
After a short while we head off for lunch and take quite a long walk in the very warm sun to Merrion Row and find Hugo’s and have a very nice, leisurely lunch – duck and apple salad followed by duck and mashed potato (T) and poached eggs in red wine with lardoons and small onions followed by calamari and a ratatouille sans courgettes. A nice bottle of Muscadet plus dessert – berry crumble and warm apple pie with salted caramel.
Stagger off feeling very full back into the sun and start to head back to the bus stop via M&S – very expensive – get some provisions and then mooch around a few more shops before getting back to the bus stop.
Get back to the campsite around 5 and attempt to sit out with a cup of tea but it has started to get cold and then later (18:30), whilst we are trying to have a nap it begins to chuck it down – well it is Ireland and we have been fortunate with the weather during our stay in Dublin.
Five Dutch ‘bikers’ turn up about 20:00 and set up an encampment of tents near to us – could be a sleepless night if they start to get rowdy.
Fortunately it has stopped raining so they get their tents up without getting soaking – there are four Harley’s and a BMW and all the bikers are quite old, so maybe they won’t be too riotous.
Summer Holiday
9th June - Rosslare – Dublin
It rained all night, which meant I slept intermittently – yay.
Up early – alarm at 07:00 to make the most of the day as we have about 2 hours driving to Powerscourt House.
Reasonable drive to Powerscourt though the roads are atrocious. Wicklow Mountains are picturesque.
Slight confusion with the road signs leading to Powerscourt but we arrive mid morning and go for a coffee and a cake – wow what a feast of cakes they had: baked cheesecake, banoffee pie, passion fruit tart, chocolate brownie and pecan pie – but they weren’t cheap - €15 for a tea, a coffee and two cakes. Anyway we sit outside and eat them overlooking the Italian gardens.
We then walked round the gardens, through the woodland walk, down to the Japanese Garden, then up through the walled garden but we decline the walk up to the waterfall as it is something like 6 or 9 kilometres.
The house has very little to see so we don’t actually spend too long here and head off to Dublin. Finding Camac is not particularly easy as it is on several different roads and we don’t know exactly where. In the end we use the GPS co-ordinates and hey presto they lead us directly to it.
Find a pitch – plenty to choose from and then catch the bus into Dublin – an hour! It supposedly takes an hour to get from the campsite into Dublin, the bus turns up about five minutes late and whilst it does take a very circuitous route it only takes about 45 minutes. We alight at Aston Quay and go over the River Liffey and stroll down O’Donnell Street looking for either a place to eat or the Tourist Information – find the Tourist Information and get a local guide. Still cannot find anywhere suitable to eat so we head back to the interesting areas (Temple Bar) but first check to make sure we know where to catch the bus from. Find the bus stop and then sneak up a little side alley and find Quays – which was one of the ‘Irish’ restaurants that I had earmarked – we go in and have a Guinness and four starters – smoked salmon, Boxty (spring onion, bacon fried cake), deep fried brie and fried calamari – makes a nice selection and the all come with decent side salads and dips.
Afterwards we wander around in the sunshine and stroll over the Liffey and sit on a bench overlooking the river for about 30 minutes whilst we wait for the bus.
Walk back to the bus stop via the ice cream parlour and then wait in the hot sun for the bus, which is quite busy as it is 17:25 and full of people going home from work.
Back at the camp site we brave the cool breeze and sit outside with a Gin & Tonic and olives but soon go and sit indoors as it is a bit too chilly.
Later on I walk up to the reception with the laptop and get on the free internet to find out where the reptile shop is in Dublin and lo and behold it is near to Christchurch, which is where we are going tomorrow so we’ll have a fix of snakes.
Received a text from Alex to let us know that Nutmeg has shed.
It rained all night, which meant I slept intermittently – yay.
Up early – alarm at 07:00 to make the most of the day as we have about 2 hours driving to Powerscourt House.
Reasonable drive to Powerscourt though the roads are atrocious. Wicklow Mountains are picturesque.
Slight confusion with the road signs leading to Powerscourt but we arrive mid morning and go for a coffee and a cake – wow what a feast of cakes they had: baked cheesecake, banoffee pie, passion fruit tart, chocolate brownie and pecan pie – but they weren’t cheap - €15 for a tea, a coffee and two cakes. Anyway we sit outside and eat them overlooking the Italian gardens.
We then walked round the gardens, through the woodland walk, down to the Japanese Garden, then up through the walled garden but we decline the walk up to the waterfall as it is something like 6 or 9 kilometres.
The house has very little to see so we don’t actually spend too long here and head off to Dublin. Finding Camac is not particularly easy as it is on several different roads and we don’t know exactly where. In the end we use the GPS co-ordinates and hey presto they lead us directly to it.
Find a pitch – plenty to choose from and then catch the bus into Dublin – an hour! It supposedly takes an hour to get from the campsite into Dublin, the bus turns up about five minutes late and whilst it does take a very circuitous route it only takes about 45 minutes. We alight at Aston Quay and go over the River Liffey and stroll down O’Donnell Street looking for either a place to eat or the Tourist Information – find the Tourist Information and get a local guide. Still cannot find anywhere suitable to eat so we head back to the interesting areas (Temple Bar) but first check to make sure we know where to catch the bus from. Find the bus stop and then sneak up a little side alley and find Quays – which was one of the ‘Irish’ restaurants that I had earmarked – we go in and have a Guinness and four starters – smoked salmon, Boxty (spring onion, bacon fried cake), deep fried brie and fried calamari – makes a nice selection and the all come with decent side salads and dips.
Afterwards we wander around in the sunshine and stroll over the Liffey and sit on a bench overlooking the river for about 30 minutes whilst we wait for the bus.
Walk back to the bus stop via the ice cream parlour and then wait in the hot sun for the bus, which is quite busy as it is 17:25 and full of people going home from work.
Back at the camp site we brave the cool breeze and sit outside with a Gin & Tonic and olives but soon go and sit indoors as it is a bit too chilly.
Later on I walk up to the reception with the laptop and get on the free internet to find out where the reptile shop is in Dublin and lo and behold it is near to Christchurch, which is where we are going tomorrow so we’ll have a fix of snakes.
Received a text from Alex to let us know that Nutmeg has shed.
Summer Holiday
8th June – Pembroke to Rosslare
Ended up going to bed at 21:45 as we were both falling asleep – obviously the walk and sea air.
Slept amazingly well as someone clearly muffled the sheep that had been bleating all evening.
Tina got her lie in; well till 08:15 anyway, but as we went to bed so early I think that was pretty good.
Had porridge for breakfast and spent a leisurely morning reading and pottering around before departing for the ferry port.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Panic, as we reached the top of the hill from the campsite we both received texts to say Alex had locked himself out of the house – immediate thought is that we will have to head home and let him back in.
Telephone him and he’s just got back in having spent the night at Tom’s and phoned a locksmith who managed to open the door without damaging it but nonetheless charging him £63 – that’ll teach him. Panic over.
Head for Pembroke docks for the ferry and get there just after twelve for a 14:30 sailing – so I go and buy a paper and end up walking to Asda over a mile away & get seduced by the promotional offer on fruit scones (50p) but then need to buy extra thick cream and jam – only went for the paper and OK – why are we so focussed on celebrities?
Get back to the docks and shortly afterwards we go through to the ‘staging area’ and then board. Head straight for the restaurant for lunch and have sandwiches and chips – great chips. Then laze around for three and a bit hours until we arrive in Rosslare, on the way we debated how far is the horizon away and is there a range of distances dependent on the curvature of the earth – gosh we know how to have fun on holiday – but a really interesting thought when you are half way across the Irish Sea.
Arrive at Rosslare and the sat nav GPS co-ordinates don’t work, nor does typing in POI – Camping so we resort to the directions and it seems that they have long kilometres in Ireland; anyway find the campsite, ahead of about 4 others and just as we settle on our pitch the heavens open – Tina was right it’s Ireland and it’s going to rain a lot.
Ended up going to bed at 21:45 as we were both falling asleep – obviously the walk and sea air.
Slept amazingly well as someone clearly muffled the sheep that had been bleating all evening.
Tina got her lie in; well till 08:15 anyway, but as we went to bed so early I think that was pretty good.
Had porridge for breakfast and spent a leisurely morning reading and pottering around before departing for the ferry port.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Panic, as we reached the top of the hill from the campsite we both received texts to say Alex had locked himself out of the house – immediate thought is that we will have to head home and let him back in.
Telephone him and he’s just got back in having spent the night at Tom’s and phoned a locksmith who managed to open the door without damaging it but nonetheless charging him £63 – that’ll teach him. Panic over.
Head for Pembroke docks for the ferry and get there just after twelve for a 14:30 sailing – so I go and buy a paper and end up walking to Asda over a mile away & get seduced by the promotional offer on fruit scones (50p) but then need to buy extra thick cream and jam – only went for the paper and OK – why are we so focussed on celebrities?
Get back to the docks and shortly afterwards we go through to the ‘staging area’ and then board. Head straight for the restaurant for lunch and have sandwiches and chips – great chips. Then laze around for three and a bit hours until we arrive in Rosslare, on the way we debated how far is the horizon away and is there a range of distances dependent on the curvature of the earth – gosh we know how to have fun on holiday – but a really interesting thought when you are half way across the Irish Sea.
Arrive at Rosslare and the sat nav GPS co-ordinates don’t work, nor does typing in POI – Camping so we resort to the directions and it seems that they have long kilometres in Ireland; anyway find the campsite, ahead of about 4 others and just as we settle on our pitch the heavens open – Tina was right it’s Ireland and it’s going to rain a lot.
Summer Holiday
7th June - Southampton to Pembroke
Set off around ten, after getting Hymie ready: water, thetford, usual list of items to pack – we’re getting quite expert at this.
First stop petrol and just as I’m pulling away from the pump some dozy git reverses into the pump in front of me and makes it really difficult for me to get out.
Anyhoo – pretty uneventful 4 and a bit hour journey to Wales – over the Severn Bridge and we could be paying £10.90 or even £19 but the lady charges us for a car and we end up paying only £5.40.
Go past Newport and Cardiff and carry on the M4 until it runs out; then it’s the A40 and then another road until we turn off left down a ‘single’ file road, whilst there’s only about a mile and a half to go it’s pretty tense – worried about scraping Hymie and avoiding oncoming cars.
Eventually arrive but have to queue to get in to the campsite as you are only allowed to go in to the office if you are at the front of the queue – why is it that everyone else took ages to check in but I only took 3 minutes!!
Set up pitch and we have a break in the weather and sit outside with a cup of tea before taking a walk down to the beach – see photo’s.
After a very pleasant walk we return just in time for a G&T and olives.
Tina quickly finishes her G&T and is straight on to the wine, only the wine goblin comes along and knocks her glass over – losing a lot of wine – soon replenished and Tina is quite tipsy and getting hungry so we start to prepare dinner – fried onions, shrooms, toms and rib eye steak with boiled new tats and coleslaw – delish.
Relaxing evening reading the paper and then to bed.
Set off around ten, after getting Hymie ready: water, thetford, usual list of items to pack – we’re getting quite expert at this.
First stop petrol and just as I’m pulling away from the pump some dozy git reverses into the pump in front of me and makes it really difficult for me to get out.
Anyhoo – pretty uneventful 4 and a bit hour journey to Wales – over the Severn Bridge and we could be paying £10.90 or even £19 but the lady charges us for a car and we end up paying only £5.40.
Go past Newport and Cardiff and carry on the M4 until it runs out; then it’s the A40 and then another road until we turn off left down a ‘single’ file road, whilst there’s only about a mile and a half to go it’s pretty tense – worried about scraping Hymie and avoiding oncoming cars.
Eventually arrive but have to queue to get in to the campsite as you are only allowed to go in to the office if you are at the front of the queue – why is it that everyone else took ages to check in but I only took 3 minutes!!
Set up pitch and we have a break in the weather and sit outside with a cup of tea before taking a walk down to the beach – see photo’s.
After a very pleasant walk we return just in time for a G&T and olives.
Tina quickly finishes her G&T and is straight on to the wine, only the wine goblin comes along and knocks her glass over – losing a lot of wine – soon replenished and Tina is quite tipsy and getting hungry so we start to prepare dinner – fried onions, shrooms, toms and rib eye steak with boiled new tats and coleslaw – delish.
Relaxing evening reading the paper and then to bed.
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