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Ireland and Spain 2025
  • Janeen de Klerk
  • Janeen de Klerk

Ireland and Spain 2025

A 31-day adventure by Janeen Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 23, 2025
    Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1

    Cape Town Airport

    May 23, 2025 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Our turn to try this app. We have followed friends trips with interest so lets hope we press your travel buttons.
    Must have been the quickest passport control process. Less than 5 people. Enjoying a cappuccino while Mike sips a glass of red wine. And the sun isn't even over the yard arm yet. Hope to arrive in Dublin tomorrow afternoon and meet up with Katie to explore County Wicklow.
    Thanks Mickey for the Uber ride    Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    11

    Grey Bray

    May 24, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    After two flights, a long layover, train and a bus ride we arrived in Bray. Even the train is green !! Grey and damp but the colorful Irish doors and spring flowers added some brightness. We stocked up at the local green grocer and Dunnes ( no relation). Hope to explore the green hills above us later in the week.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    11

    Hiking Bray Head

    May 25, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    We ended yesterday with a stroll along the Bray promenade and a delicious pizza at a local restaurant. The pizza was ordered and delivered in 10 minutes. On leaving the resturant we were greeted with a Baie Dankie. The maitre de had family in South Africa.!!! We are struck by the fact that it's still light at 9.45 at night.
    Today was a much brighter day and we took the opportunity to walk up to the cross located on the top of Bray Head and over into Greystones. A beautiful walk with a steep rocky ascent to the cross but a much smoother leisurely path down into Greystones. ( Rugby fans will be interested to know that John Robbie played for this club before coming to South Africa) Very cold wind in parts especially at the top and some intermittent rain but in general a beautiful day. Stunning scenery and lots of walkers. Yellow gorse and beautiful hawthorn trees plus this fascinating tall plant known as a Blue Steeple plant. I love the pastel painted houses and quirky signs. A town with lots of character. We headed back to Bray by bus and then headed to the airport to fetch Katie who is joining us for a few days. Tomorrow we head off to explore Powerscourt a historic estate a few kilometers away.    Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    121122

    Powerscourt Gardens

    May 26, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We started the morning with our first run in Ireland along the promenade and cliff path. Lots of people out and about walking dogs of all shapes and sizes. Most of the rest of the day was spent exploring the Powerscourt Estate. Over the past 400 years the home has only been owned by 2 families and the gardens stretch over 47 acres. Perhaps not the best weather or season but nevertheless the gardens are stunning. Not hard to understand why they are rated number 3 in the world by National Geographic. Stunning old trees of various kinds, bright rhododendrons and a variety of other plants like poppies and lupins. The gardens include a pet cemetry with gravestones dedicated to various loved pets. We also visited the waterfall which is 121m high and set in a beautiful park below the Wicklow mountains.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    11

    Pearse Museum

    May 27, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Today was spent exploring the Pearse Muesum set in a beautiful park on the outskirts of Dublin. It was the home of Patrick Pearse an innovative educator. He opened a boys boarding school on these premises. He focused on teaching Irish culture and the Irish language - Gaelic. He was an active leader in the Irish Rebellion and he and his brother were executed for their role in the 1916 Easter Uprising. Exceptionally well laid out and very informative. Inspired by Biddy, Katie and I then went to the Happy Pear in Greystones in search of the owners- twins who are big propents of sunrise swims in the cove. Sadly, they weren't in but the waitron seemed impressed that we had visited. Coffee was good!!. In the local park children are encouraged to read by following numbered boards and arrows. Keen cold water swimmers have a choice of coffee, gelato or a sauna ( or all 3 after a swim).Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1131Mike in the throne of the self proclaimed Prince Michael of the Saltees (original owner)Having watched David Attenboroughs Oceans we were horrified to see a bottom feeder in the quayMosaic on the wall2

    Saltee Islands

    May 28, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    What a great day we had. A boat trip to one of the two Saltee Islands (named by the Vikings because of the salt spray that covers the islands during storms) in County Wexford. The islands are privately owned and largely unoccupied. They are a conservation area and the breeding ground for a large variety of birds including puffins. The sounds of the wild sea and screeching gulls followed us as we walked around the island for about 3 hours - beautiful green bracken merging with fading bluebells and white wild turnip flowers. We spotted some seagull chicks with protective moms, large colonies of gannets, razor bills ( a small cliff nesting bird that looks like a penguin) , oyster catchers with a white chest, grey seals and much more. We left the best till last - the Puffin. Not as many as we expected but a real delight. Smaller than you think but very cute and unperturbed by the spectators. A must do when in Ireland and the ice cream ( a 99) at the end highly recommended.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    2124 cousins - Katie and Barry are 1st cousins but 2nd cousins to Tony and I1We think this is peat2

    Glendalough

    May 29, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Yesterday we met up with my Irish cousin Tony and his wife Kathy at Glendalough. It is an old monastic site founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. The valley sttetchez for about 3kms between 2 lakes. The ruins include several churches and a round tower. It is a beautiful area and very popular. We walked around the lakes catching up on news and family history. Katie and I then braved the cold water and had a quick dip. Very stony ground to walk on. We had lunch at a very cute cafe frequented by bikers, cyclists and walkers. Barry (the cousin we are staying with) drove us home on the military road (built by the British Army after the Rebellion in 1798) through a pass called the Sally Gap. Despite the grey day the views of the mountains and bog lands were incredible. We ended the evening with delicious local fish and chips. Today Mike heads to the UK with Katie to spend a few days with her and then Chris and Denise in the Cotswolds. I head to Seville to spend the weekend with Carla (our daughter in law) and then meet up with my two friends to explore the trails in the Seville area.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    I am the dot in the water
    1Beautiful last dayFarewell Bray11Look at how the bushes/ trees have been cut101Unexpected serenade at supper

    Seville

    May 30, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 35 °C

    The day began with an early morning dip in the cold Irish Sea. We then headed off to the airport Katie and Mike to the UK and me to Spain. Always hard to say good bye to ones children, but we had a special time together and look forward to being together in October. Carla arrived in Seville at about 8. We set off to our apartment to unpack and ensure our air conditioning was on!!!! . We took an interesting stroll through the city in search of food. Many other people doing the same. A great Friday night vibe with glimpses of all the beautiful buildings and corners to explore tomorrow. Time to natter and catch up over an excellent tapas dinner. Our drink of choice - rebujito (an Andalusian cocktail made with sherry and lime lemonade). Very refreshing as was the pistachio ice cream especially considering that at 23.30 the temperature was 33 degrees. Great to have Carla doing the Spanish talking. Tomorrow morning activity begins with a visit to a local MercadoRead more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1We met What a Mess today
    The river walkThe market we visitedMarket ware1Foods to sample1Ornate statutes are a feature in most churches1Another way to see the city3Fans are popular and used by men and woman in the heat3Inside the cathedralBaptismal font still used every week in the Cathedral1An art work depicting doomsday2The main altar in the CathedralSt Christobal Colon - St Christopher Colombus' tomb in the CathedralJewels in the CathedralView from the tower3Seville streetA park view2Fountain in parkMosaics everywhere including park benches

    Seville on foot

    May 31, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    What an amazing day. Today we clocked over 14kms exploring the city with its rich history and unbelievable architecture. We walked along the Guadalquivir River ( the only navigable river in Spain) to the Mercado de Triana (opened in 1823). A culinary delight with foods of all kinds available to eat or purchase. We selected a pringa sandwich. Pringa consists of a range of meats slow cooked together. We then crossed the river again and headed to the Seville Cathedral. Online was booked up but luckily the booking office was open. It was originally built as a mosque but converted to a cathedral after Seville was conquered by Ferdinand 3. In the 1400's further construction took place. Local tradition is that the Catholic chapter at the time said " let us build a church so beautiful and grand that people will think us mad.". Grand is an understament. We spent about 3 hours here including climbing the tower - roughly 25 floors high. Stunning views from the top. We walked home through Seville's 40 ha public park - a wonderful green space. Lots of activity at night in the city including a small parade at 11.30 in honour of the Virgin Mary.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1The outside of the bullring
    1Passage leading to the entrances2Even the toilet mosaics have bulls on themMatador clothing1More outfitsThe ring itselfThe river side of the Plaza del TorresPassage at Plaza de EspanaThe mosaics in the building are just stunningMosaic lined steps and walls2Parts of the upper balconyA view from the other side2A panoramic viewEven the pillars are detailed works of artAlcove for Toldeo1More provinces more alcovesCarla in her home alcove - GeronaBeautiful bridge balustrades1A selfieCentre of the building

    Bullfights and exquisite architecture

    June 1, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Lots of walking again today and two very different sites. We began our day with a visit to one of Spains most important bullrings - Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria. Built in 1733 it has one of the longest traditions of bullfighting. It can seat 12000 people and is the first circular and oldest of the bullrings. A fascinating exhibition with lots of historic paintings and pictures depicting the sport as well as the clothing worn by matadors. Hard to believe that such a gory and cruel sport attracted so much attention and glory. Apparently the sport is still practiced today but with lots of protests by animal activists. One can only wonder how many poor bulls were killed as the matadors trained. We then headed back to the public park to see the Plaza de Espana which was closed yesterday as they prepared for a concert. What a building!!!. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero American Expostion of 1929. The building curves for just under a metre.
    It is an extraordinary example of various architectures in Spain at the time. The bottom of the building consists of tiled alcoves representing each of the Spanish provinces. There are little bookshelves on either side of the alcove where information about the provinces can be left or where visitors leave books for others to enjoy. The Spanish City Council spent 9 m euros from 2007 to 2010 renovating it. The building now houses various government agencies. Streets a bit quieter being a Sunday. Hilary and Billie arrive later ( a bit delayed by late ferry departure from Tangier) for the next adventure. Sadly, Carla heads back to Girona at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Skoon ma en skoon dogter het lekker saam gekuier al was dit te kort. ❤️ 💙    Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1Blue lights on the walk
    Looking out over the cityA view with a differenceThe building is made up of these squares1Changing lights1Mango for me and lemon for CarlaCarla is good with selfies1Tight parkingPacking bags to store while we wanderView from our accomodationSeems like a lot of holiday accomodation here

    Heading to Aracena

    June 2, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    On our last night in Seville we visited the Setas de Seville (Mushrooms of Seville). It was completed in 2011 and is 150mx70m and about 26m long. It is made of 3500 cubic m of micro laminated Finnish pine. They say they planted 6 trees for every tree they chopped down. Apart from being an event centre it has a walkway with the most stunning panoramic views made very special by the changing lights of different colors. A final Seville ice cream before we headed home. Hilary and Billie arrived at 11.30 and we caught up on their trip in Morocco. Sadly said au revoir to Carla early early. Much of the day was spent packing up, navigating the transport system to find our bus to Aracena. Hilary and Billie could use our tickets to visit the Setas. An interesting bus trip to Aracena and 2 km hike dragging our bags to our accomodation for 3 nights. Planning some hikes from today.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Our route for the day
    2Lots of old cars in SpainStone walls and gates everywhereWild flowers add colourFarm animals and a bull spared from the bullring1Courtyard CorteconcepcionThese could be in SASteep streets1Not open so we couldn't go inBullring but used for eventsDifferent patterns1Bright on whiteView from a Mirador (viewpoint)2Time for remembrance and silent reflection

    Corteconcepcion

    June 3, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Today was a great day for walking Not too hot and a nice cool breeze. We did a approx 12 km circular route from Aracena to Corteconcepcion. A stunning walk passing many small fincas (estates) and lots of olive groves. Very few other people and the silence interspersed with birds chirping, goat bells tinkling and running water. Lots of wild flowers (weeds included) adding some colour to the green. The size of Corteconcepcion is 49 km and has a population of 576 while Aracena is over 8000. The towns are deceptive in terms of the area they cover with lots of small streets and nooks and granny's. There was no electricity in Corteconcepcion, and we could hear the odd generator - shades of SA. On arrival back in Aracena, it took us a while and a few km's before we found the local Spar. Having stocked up with food for the next three days we headed back to our accomodation. All in all, about 18km covered . Aracena itself looks like it's worth exploring. Will decide on tomorrow's walk over cold local beer and radlers.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    The start
    11Public laundry areaWash boards at the laundry1Route homeLunch stopOrange tree avenue2Gates and doors

    Linares de la Sierra

    June 4, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we followed a trail from Aracena to a small town Linares de La Sierra. It is a circular walk starting on the Camino Linares route. It's a bit different from yesterday as the path is much more rocky and the area a bit drier. Also very beautiful and peaceful, once again only passing a few other walkers. Forests of cork trees and what we think were chestnut trees as we walked The trail is marked as 11.4 km, but in the end, we did about 20 as our accommodation is a little distance from the start. The town is very small ( less than 300) and they seemed to be preparing for some festival as they were putting up platforms and cleaning the old public laundry area (lavendería pública) and white washing it. We had seen lavendería pública on the map and went in search of the loo but were mistaken!!. Tomorrow is our last day and night before we head to Osuna for 3 nights. Still deciding on tomorrow's route.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Our home over the last 3 days
    Enterung CarbonderasA view of the town from the topWe climbed to this point1Gum rock rose1We topped up here1Anacera plazaView of the city from the hillThe castle1Priory Church1Collage of flowers2Two good Catholic gals

    Carboneras

    June 5, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Today was our last day in the area and we selected a route described on AllTrails as moderate, rocky, views, wildflowers and no shade. It was exactly all of that !! Parts of the walk reminded one of Constantia Nek. Lots of beautiful wild flowers along the way with yellow and blue dominating. Luckily, we started early as it was very hot, and we had a hard slog back up the tar road ( about 5km) to Aracena. All in all a 15 km walk. Overnighting in a hotel that is a renovated 17th century convent. Cool dip in the pool and an early evening walk up to the Castillo and Priory Church in the hill overlooking the city. The castle was constructed by the Portuguese after Portugal conquered the Islamic population. These 2 formed the original medival village, which over time expanded down in today's centre. Tapas dinner in the city and a bus to Osuna tomorrow - our next stop for 3 nights.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Clean cool streets
    Even the balcony bases have mosaics. Saw this a lot in Seville.Off street parking/ come garageA more stylish parking arrangementSpanish beer, wine and a radler to accompany our meal1Hilary at workBillie cooked a great meal1

    On our way to Osuna

    June 6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Today was mainly a travel day. We caught a bus from Aracena to Seville and then swopped stations to get a bus to Osuna. Our stop for the next 3 nights. We have a lovely, well equipped apartment right in the centre and opposite a beautiful old cathedral. We visited the tourist office to learn more about the senderos ( hikes) in the area. Many are not quite near enough, but we have found one to try tomorrow. Stocked up at Lidl and had a good home cooked meal. The town/city is pristine with beautiful white buildings, and we look forward to exploring more tomorrow. Early start because it's hot and maybe home in time for the French open. While I have been gallivanting with the gals, Mike spent time in Wellingborough with Katie and then Chris and Denise in the Cotswolds. It's a bit colder there but still beautiful. The last 3 collages are from his visit.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    View from our balcony
    These alcoves are typical of the architecture1We see this colour combination often1The bunting on this square consists of crocheted trianglesOlive groves of varying growthNot sure where these were off toThe long and winding roadAgricultural fieldsWheat fieldsSnails climb high to get away from the heat. "Snail Summer Sleep"A cortijoVarious wild flowers on routeYellow and purple thistle common to this areaSurveying the olive grovesEven the horse needed protection from the heat and flies1Two weary travellers on a break1Dusty bootsA novel way to recycle bottle topsCider shortbread a delicious dessert typical of the area.

    Sendero La Caledrona

    June 7, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Today was predicted to be very hot, so we began our walk "Sendero La Caledrona" a little earlier than usual. It was described as a flat route through the agricultural region. Paths lined with olive trees and tamarisks trees and a little stream. Definitely very flat, lots and lots of olive trees, no tamarisk trees, and definitely no stream. We saw some water and there must be water nearby as many of the trees are irrigated. Olive trees in abundance all in various stages of growth. There are no olives yet, and many are probably not producing anymore. From a distance, the rows and rows of new trees with white plastic on the base looked like a cemetery with white gravestones. An interesting walk from a plant point of view but very flat and very dry. We passed a "cortijo" (old rural ruins) or 2 and some rather vicious protective of their property dogs. All in all, about 17kms of walking. Ended the day with a siesta, watching the French open and home cooked supper with local nougat treats for dessert. Tomorrow, we will explore the old Roman area and other points of interest.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Yukka and prickly pear
    Mosaics everywhere you lookThe Necroplis - ancient tombs dating back to the 7th centuryContemplating the map and descriptionsUniversity founded by the Duke of Osuna in 1548. It operated until 1824Views from the universityThe Collegiate ChurchPuerto del Sol (portal of the Collegiate Church)Decorations on the side of the portal. Its made of sandstone so slowly wearing awayScenes of the city from the Collegiate. The yellow dot is where we are stayingThe side of the CollegiatePlaza Major - the civic centre of Osuna1Plaza MajorThese religious statues in the Cathedral near where we stayed seem very common in Spain.

    Ancient Osuna

    June 8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 38 °C

    Today at about 10.00 pm the temperature was 39 degrees. It seems to get hotter as the day lengthens. Our intentions to do a circular walk through more groves of olive trees was cut short by the uncomfortableness of the heat. We opted rather to wander through the older more cooler parts of the city. Sadly not much is open on a Saturday and Sunday in the "out season" so we didn't get into buildings but still fascinating to see the outsides and the views from the hills they are built in. Osuna has a rich history and in the 1460s the urban landscape was renovated in order to turn it into a noble town. Too much to cover here but some pictures will have captions. Having explored these sites we followed the Spanish tradition of a siesta around 2pm but it included watching a very intense and ever changing French open men's final. A late night stroll through the streets in search of tapas and a cool drink. We recapped and celebrated our time together.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    View from the bus arriving back into Seville. Faint signs of sunflowers.
    Coffee with Bridie, Barry and KatyaGroup photoSpeaks for itselfOn the entrance wall at the service stationRural Ireland3Don't mess with meQuaint entrance to the village1The Ineagh RiverThe river before the falls1Cascading fallsA view from below the falls1Mickey and Mike on the river walk1Friendly donkeys came to greet us1Costly walk if you break the rulesIt's sunny in Ireland todayJust to show you it's light at 10.30

    Heading back to Ireland

    June 10, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Yesterday was spent finding the bus station and the bus back to Seville from Osuna. We nearly missed the bus and were greeted by lots of laughs as we finally boarded. Having had a very special week together, I said farewell to my travel companions - Billie and Hilary - and headed for the airport. Arrived in wet Bray sometime after 11pm. Good Italian coffee with friends this morning before Mike and I headed west from Bray to join Mickey in Ennistymon for the next 10 days. An easy 3.5 hour journey with a quick stop off at the Barack Obama service station for a sandwich. ( Ireland is his ancestral birth place). A late afternoon walk in the village and along the river was a good introduction to the area. My brother and sister in law ( Chris and Denise) arrived from the UK today. We had a sociable evening catching up and enjoyed a great Irish stew cooked by Mickey. More to explore tomorrow.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    A run along the river
    3Cliffs of KilgeeBishops Island with the yellow dots indicating the remains of a settlement1Cliff views1Bridge of RossCaherconnell Fort - stone ring fort over 1000 years oldLandscape in the burrenPoulnabrone Dolmen - a neolithic/bronze age chamber tombFanore beach - a good surfing and swimming spotJelly fish on Fanore BeachA warning on the tarmacGood pub lunch had by all

    Exploring County Clare

    June 12, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    The last two days we have spent exploring the area by car and by foot. Yesterday started with a run for Chris, Mike, and myself. This was followed by a hearty breakfast cooked by Chris. We then headed to the Kilkee Cliffs. It's just as impressive but less busy than the Cliffs of Moher. From the cliffs, we had a good view of a sea stack called Bishops Island. The remains of a 6th century monastic settlement are just visible. Needless to say, there are a lot of tales to tell about this island's history. We headed south to Loop Head, stopping off to view the Bridges of Ross - the site of an ocean carved arch - 1 of the original 3 remaining. Quiet roads and stunning coastal cliffs. Much 9f today was spent exploring the burren. It is a unique limestone landscape with "pavements " that lie across the hills. It also contains a number of archeological sites. Again lots of history about the early settlers in this area and their traditions. It is also one of the few areas where you find alpine, artic, and mediterraen vegetation. It must be spectacular during the summer.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    School bus on its rounds
    Our walk1Perfumery and coffee stop1Hungry walkersThe burrenRuin of a herders hutShe came to greet usThe winding roadSpotted on our walkThe group1The cliffsA grey view1Maryanne and JeremyLooking out and beyondThe right side of the cliffsO'Briens tower built in 1835 for English Tourists

    The Burren and Cliffs of Moher

    June 13, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Early morning run along the river and through the town and then a car ride to Carran. We embarked on a circular walk in the Burren with a detour to a perfumery (uses local plants to make various cosmetics sold prices and a bit high for South Africans) and local cafe for tea/coffee and cake. The walk (about 7km in the end) took us past a seasonal lake (turlough), and we were lucky enough to see a little weasle cross the road. In the evening, we headed to the Cliffs of Moher to watch the sunset. Wishful thinking 🤔. Despite the drizzle, the cliffs were impressive and no crowds to compete with.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Rushing through the waves
    Stone wallsAlways time for tea1The Plassey11Fields and wallsThe tower behind the castleO'Briens castleView from the topPanorama viewThe beach from the top3Mickey in the water. Decided to save u from my undies.Friendly donkeyChose your method but don't fall

    Aran Islands

    June 14, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    No run this morning as we headed to Doolin to catch a ferry to the smallest of the 3 Aran Islands - Inis Oírr. The island is only 2 x 3 kms with a population of about 260. We were fascinated by what appeared to be many, many small pens divided by stone walls ( over 2000km of wall) all over the island. Ones immediate thought is that they must have a lot of animals, but in fact, they were a solution to create arable/grazing land. Stones were remived from the fields and stacked in a particular way to form the walls. We walked the path backwards (so as to avoid the crowds) around the island, stopping for a picnic near the wreck of the Plassey. A 600 tonne cargo ship that was wrecked during a storm in the 1960s. The 11 crew survived thanks to the islanders who assisted. We visited the ruin O'Briens castle (early 15th century) before heading back to the ferry at about 4.30. The sun had come up, and the beach looked so inviting that Mickey and I took a dip - surprisingly warmer than we expected. And quick enough for no one to notice I was swimming in my undies. 😃 😀Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1On the summit
    Post run rewardBeach walkers enjoy a 99Mike enjoying the beach walkViews of the lake on the walkIn the distanceBurren flowersRocky terrainView from the top1Fossilized cinnamon bunA panorama view1Heading downRocks and more rocksThe hiking partyThe gang in Ireland

    Saying goodbye and a walk in the Burren

    June 15, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Our day started with a short run to Lahinch and a hearty breakfast cooked by my nephew Rowan. Chris and Denise headed to Shannon to catch their flight to the UK. The party then split in two one group off for a long flat beach walk and the other to do the Mullaghmore Loop Trail in the Burren. Mullagmore is a 180 metre limestone hill (karst) and the walk is on rocky uneven terrain but has spectacular views of Lough Gealin ( the lake at the base of Mullaghmore) and of Sliabh Rua another limestone hill that has been described as a giant fossilized cinnamon bun. A windy walk but well worth the climb and lots of beautiful little Burren flowers to brighten the path. At the car, we bade farewell to Rowan as he headed to the airport for the start of another adventure.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1Lisdoonvarna
    Ruins of a castle near BallvaughanA window with a viewWe stopped in at the Cathedral in Lisdoonvarna. St Patrick the patron saint.This farmer had his small son helping him ploughThe old and the newSandwich stop1A bit of colourThe AbbeyInside the AbbeyRuins of the infirmary at the AbbeyWildflower graveLocal chippyTurn right for coffee and left to AmericaAnyone for GuinessA gathering of musiciansMusicians at play

    Exploring North Clare

    June 16, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    Hope all in South Africa enjoyed the public holiday. Today, we traveled more by car than foot as we explored the area north of Ennistymon. Our trip included a stop in Lisdoonvarna ( matchmakers town), and we headed north to Kinvarra. A short walk near Bell Harbor and a stop at the Corcomroe Abbey founded in 1194 and still in very good condition. Doubles up as a cemetery with some very well cared for graves. Fish and chips at the local chippy in Lahinch. The evening ended with a visit to the local pub. Where local musicians joined as the evening progressed. We counted 13, playing in total at one time. Instruments included the fiddle, concertina, accordion, and a bodhrán (irish drum).Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    1Doolin
    Grey skiesA view from the cliffs back to Doolin2Onwards and upwards1Cow checking us outWarning of wet times aheadMy mom was Pat. Not sure she would have liked the height.1Pats view1A little hole2Caves in the cliff faceHeading home

    And then there were three.

    June 17, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Jeremy and Maryanne left at 6 am to drive to Dublin to catch their flights to Germany. Just Mickey, Janeen, and Mike left Weather still grey and wet but not wet enough not to walk, so we drove to Doolin and headed along the cliff path towards the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. Due to collapsing cliffs, the route stops at about 5kms out of Doolin, and one returns the sane way. We didn't take the advice of the non-conforming Irish runner who said we could just ignore the signs and carry on. A beautiful walk with stunning scenery and just one steep climb. Lots of wild flowers and unidentified little brown jobs. We did catch a glimpse of the puffins way below the path. Lots of friendly walkers from all over the world greeting or stopping for a chat. Certainly, a walk worth doing.Read more

  • Janeen de KlerkIreland and Spain 2025Traveler
    Not ice cream but coffee
    Mosaic on school wall2Fuschia hedges all overWhat stories these ruins could tellViews to Aran Islands and Connemara mountains1Lunchtime R and RLast occupied in the 60'sGates and walls along the cattle roadKeep going down1Limestone hillsPanoramic view1Jelly fish

    Hiking the Burren

    June 18, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Early morning, run to Lachine and a coffee. We then traveled to Fanore and did an awesome circular hike (Black Head Loop Walk). It took us through agricultural land (mainly cattle) and across the burren ( limestone landscape) and along the Caher. Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay. Very few other travelers. Unbelievable landscapes and real food for the soul. Wanted a swim at Fanore Beach but a little turned off by all the jellyfish in the water. Subsequently, we heard they don't sting much 😁 😆Read more

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