Ireland2018

Last few days We visited the two tourist attractions in Cahir, both lastly owned by the Butler family. Cahir castle is the best preserved medieval castle in Ireland and we arrived in time for a guided tour then had time to explore on our

First grass roads The Rock of Cashel is illuminated by night, although we didn't notice at 2 am on Friday! Tonight on the way back to the campsite we can appreciate the sight. We are moving on today to Cahir, the scenic route. We

Another hot day. We understand this warm weather is very unusual for Ireland, and we say we'll take it back with us on Tuesday. A late night last night. After an ok meal and suspect music in one pub, we visited a second with

County hunting. We were trying to visit every Irish County, so had to do a bit of a trek as we missed Laois on the way north. But the was also a workhouse museum to visit. We are now at Cashel to see the

Cork We booked into Blarney campsite last night for a couple of nights so that we could visit Cork town today. In Cork we found a barbers shop with these wonderful posters in the window. The English market was interesting but we didn't buy

Leaving school. Actually, leaving Schull on the coast, a lovely small town with a marina and a campsite in the owners garden. As we have travelled around Ireland we have seen many of these signs. Japanese Knotweed is a real problem as it only

Mizen Head Having parked on the marina at Bantry last night we had a lovely view of the sunset. We were pleasantly surprised that after a walk round town we were only charged €6 for the overnight stay in the car park. Our destination

Even more stunning scenery. This morning's swimmers in the river. Plus some Martins to fast to photo. Some unexpected flowers in the hedgerows. And some of the scenery today in the Cork and Kerry mountains, on the Beara peninsular, and no whisky jars in

Still not many tourists. Because it's bank holiday here, well a Whitsun I think, we expected lots of tourists, particularly locals. So we visited Blenaville windmill first, this meant going back through Tralee, but not much traffic. It stands at the estuary just outside

Where are the tourists? We could only stay two nights at Tralee because the campsite was fully booked for the weekend as it's bank holiday on Monday and most schools have finished for the summer. Also the site was well designed for families, with

Tralee Started with a walk through the Rose Garden. The roses are only just starting to flower, but the large beds of single variety roses will look lovely very soon. The sensory garden had a piece of artwork on keeping with one of our

We started off in a garage, went for a ride on a monorail, camped in Tralee.

Aire on the Deel Just realised I forgot to take a photo of the campsite in Corofin, but it is definitely a place we would return to. Anyway we move on south via Ennis to visit the Clare County museum so that we can

A walk in the sun. It is very warm here, but we decide we are going to do some walking in the Burren National Park having picked up the maps yesterday. The is a free bus from town to the trail head, so we

Respect the nature. The music in the pub in Doolin last night was very good even though it was nearly all instrumental. We meet a group from New York who are over on a 5 day break as Norwegian airlines have very cheap flights,

Agricultural show We have found out that Athenry has an agricultural show today, and it's not far out of our way to today's destination, Doolin, on the coast across the burren. The show and quite small, and even at 11.30 exhibits were still

A day in town. A bus ride into Galway, what a busy town. Well I suppose it is Saturday and sunny. We get stopped by a hen do group with a to do list, because Brian is wearing socks and sandals today. Their inflatable

Beside the seaside. We visit the smokehouse and but some organic smoked salmon and get details of how to order online. It's not as cheap as Waitrose, but it's farmed at sea with no extra chemicals or anti biotics. Then to the pub where

Away to the coast. So last night first! We eventually went back to Anderson's Thatched Pub at about 9 having phoned to check it was going to open as the we still cones across the entrance to the car park. By about 10pm, Gene,

Down the mine. We have a slower day today so start with coffee at the hotel. Our first stop is Michael Colman Irish Music Centre at Gorteen. A wonderful resource and museum with examples of the various Irish musical styles. Brian bought a cd,

Free history. We leave Knock for the National Museum of County Life. A wonderful museum that's free to all in expansive grounds that we didn't have time to explore. In1930 the Irish government realised that they were in danger of losing all its everyday

Rain and sun. Last night was quite late even though the was no music at the pub, but we have ideas of places to visit as we are staying longer in the area. Then rain continued overnight, so we drive to Carrick-on-Shannon to wonder

Six Counties. When we were in Belfast I had a brilliant idea. Why don't we try to visit every county. We have a map I can colour in as we visit. Nice idea, but we've already just missed a couple. So today we go

Sheep and peat We are now in Donegal town and the campsite has poor internet, so just putting up photos whilst in the pub. More explanation tomorrow. The scenery is spectacular, and there are lots of different sheep! Ok, it's Sunday morning so some

Shipping Forecast. Those who like me, were brought up with the shipping forecast on the radio, you will understand why we just had to visit Malin Head. It's the most northerly part of Ireland and has also had a listening post for shipping and