📍 Ireland Read more Solothurn, Switzerland
  • Day 9

    Cliffs of Moher

    5 hours ago in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    Today, our journey took us from the stunning vistas of the Dingle Peninsula to the breathtaking heights of the Cliffs of Moher, along one of Ireland's most scenic routes. We began our day ascending through Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland.

    Following the Wild Atlantic Way northward, we were treated to spectacular coastal scenery. Our route took us past the lesser-known but equally impressive Kilkee Cliffs. Here, the dramatic cliff faces and crashing waves provided a perfect spot for a mid-journey break and some memorable photos.

    The highlight of our day was undoubtedly our visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Towering over 220m above the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs are one of Ireland's most iconic landscapes. Walking along the cliff edge, with views stretching out to the horizon, was an unforgettable experience. Awen and Nessy seemed to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, staying safely by our side as we took in the stunning vistas.

    After a day filled with natural wonders, we indulged in some of the local cuisine. Fresh seafood and vegetables from the region provided a delicious and satisfying end to our day. The flavors were a perfect complement to the sea air and the day's adventures.
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  • Day 8

    A rainy day in Dingle

    Yesterday in Ireland ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    This morning we awoke to the gentle patter of rain, a common yet always charming aspect of the Irish climate. Despite the damp conditions, it provided a fresh, misty backdrop that enhanced the lush landscapes, giving me a chance to capture some moody photographs.

    Undeterred by the weather, we ventured into the town of Dingular—a vibrant and picturesque spot known for its colorful streets, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Dingle is a cultural hub on the peninsula, offering a taste of local life, music, and culinary delights. We indulged in some local cuisine, enjoying hearty Irish dishes that warmed us up from the inside out.

    As the day progressed, the clouds began to part, hinting at the possibility of a clearer evening. We decided to head to Clogher Head, hoping to catch the sunset. Our patience was rewarded with a spectacular sunsets.

    The dogs, Awen and Nessy, had a fantastic time too, playing on the shore as we watched the day end with a breathtaking display. The contrast between the morning's moody tones and the evening's vibrant colors was a perfect metaphor for the unpredictable beauty of Ireland.
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  • Day 7

    Day Trip to Blasket Island

    May 24 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Our adventure today took us from the rugged cliffs of Dunquin to the historic and enchanting Blasket Islands. The journey itself was an adventure, especially with Awen and Nessy, who had to navigate not only a ferry ride but also a transfer to a zodiac. Their previous training on stand-up paddleboards and kayaks came in handy, and they managed the transitions like seasoned travelers.

    The Blasket Islands, once home to a vibrant community until the mid-20th century, are now uninhabited but remain steeped in history and rich in wildlife. As we explored the island, the highlight was undoubtedly spotting a group of seals basking in the sunshine. Their playful nature and curious eyes added a special touch to our visit, making our trip even more memorable.

    Exploring the island was a delight. With its lush greenery and the ruins of old stone cottages, the island offered a poignant glimpse into a past way of life, isolated yet full of community and stories. The sunny weather was perfect for our day of exploration, allowing us to see the island in its most flattering light and to capture some beautiful photos.

    After a full day of adventure and exploration, we headed back to the mainland. Tired but fulfilled, we ended our day with a classic seaside dinner—fish and chips. It was the perfect way to reflect on our experiences while enjoying the fresh, salty air and the sound of the sea.
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  • Day 6

    Dunquin Pier

    May 23 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Dunquin, with its dramatic coastline and iconic pier, has long been a dream destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. The reason for our stay here was clear—to capture the stunning beauty of Dunquin Pier, a location that seems to blend the wild spirit of the Atlantic with the timeless charm of Ireland.

    The pier itself is uniquely picturesque, with a narrow, winding path that descends steeply into the sea, framed by rugged cliffs on either side. The views from here are spectacular, with the Blasket Islands rising out of the mist in the distance, adding an almost mystical quality to the landscape.
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  • Day 6

    Journey to Kerry and Dingle Peninsula

    May 23 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Today marked our departure from the beautiful Waterford area as we set our sights on the majestic landscapes of County Kerry. Our journey was leisurely, with several stops along the way to appreciate the breathtaking Irish countryside and to stretch our legs—and paws—on some scenic walks.

    One of our notable stops was at Ross Castle, located in the heart of Killarney National Park. This historic castle, perched on the edge of Lough Leane, provided a perfect backdrop for a morning stroll. The park's extensive network of trails and the tranquil waters of the lake made for a serene setting, where the echoes of history seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty.

    We also made a stop at Inch Beach, a stunning stretch of sand that juts out into the sea, offering panoramic views and a sense of seclusion that is hard to find. The dogs had a great time here, running freely along the water's edge, their joyful antics a delightful contrast to the calm expanse of the ocean.

    Continuing our drive, we reached Dunquin on the Dingle Peninsula by late afternoon. Our accommodation here boasted stunning views that were truly a sight to behold. The rugged cliffs and the vast ocean stretched out before us, painting a picture of wild, untouched Ireland that one can only dream of.

    The Dingle Peninsula is famed for its rich cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes, and as we settled in for the evening, we looked forward to exploring more of this enchanting area. The peace and beauty of Dunquin provided a perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.
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  • Day 5

    Copper Coast and Mahon Falls

    May 22 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today's adventure took us along the stunning Copper Coast, a stretch of road renowned for its rugged beauty and historical significance in Ireland’s mining heritage. The coastal route, with its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Atlantic, was a feast for the senses.

    Our first stop was at Stradbally Cove, where the dogs could barely contain their excitement, dashing across the sand and chasing the waves that gently lapped at the shore. The serenity of the empty beach was a perfect start to the day. Moving on, we visited Ballyvooney Cove, where the striking sea stacks and rocky formations provided a dramatic backdrop for our morning.

    At Ballydwan Beach, the vivid blues and greens of the ocean contrasted beautifully with the rugged coastline. The sound of the waves and the salty air was invigorating. Our final beach stop was Bunmahon Beach, where Awen and Nessy continued their frolic, playing joyously around the water's edge, embodying the freedom and spirit of our coastal journey.

    In the early afternoon we headed inland to Mahon Falls, an impressive waterfall set in a deep valley within the Comeragh Mountains. The walk to the falls was windy, adding a brisk pace to our stride as we ascended the path that led to the cascade. The sight of the water plummeting down the rugged cliffs into the pool below was mesmerizing. Despite the wind, the walk was invigorating, wrapping us in the raw beauty of Ireland’s natural landscapes.
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  • Day 4

    Ardmore cliff

    May 21 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    After a peaceful ferry ride from Cherbourg, we finally set foot on the lush, green lands of Ireland. The fresh, balmy air was a refreshing welcome as we disembarked in Rosslare and made our way to our first stop in the Waterford area.

    We settled into a quaint cottage, a perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort, setting the tone for what I hope will be a rejuvenating stay. Keen to stretch our legs after the journey, we decided to explore the Ardmore Cliff Walk. This scenic trail, known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic, was an ideal introduction to the natural beauty of Ireland.

    The walk was a delightful mix of sunshine and brief showers—a typical Irish weather palette—that painted the cliffs and waves in vibrant hues. The trail, taking about an hour, was just right for us and the dogs, with plenty of interesting smells and sights to keep Awen and Nessy busy and thrilled. The ocean, vast and endless, roared beside us as we trekked the well-trodden path, each turn offering a new vista more stunning than the last.

    Returning to our cottage, we took the evening to relax and truly settle into the Irish pace of life. A glass of fine Irish whiskey was the perfect end to our day, warming us as we lounged by the fireplace, recounting our adventures and planning the days to come.
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  • Day 1

    From Switzerland to Ireland

    May 18 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Our annual family holiday started off with a drive from our home in Switzerland, bound for the emerald isles of Ireland. Accompanied by our two dogs Awen and Nessy, our two adventurous Border Collies, our journey was set to be as scenic as it was memorable.

    Our first major stop was the majestic Château de Chambord in France. Nestled in the Loire Valley, this Renaissance marvel is not just a castle but a masterpiece of French architecture, boasting a complex roofscape and distinctive French Renaissance layout. We stayed at a charming small hotel right on the property, which felt like stepping back in time. The grounds offered plenty of space for Awen and Nessy to explore, while we captured the castle's grandeur in our photographs, each angle revealing more of its historical splendor.

    As we continued our journey towards the coast, we reached the iconic Mont St. Michel. Timing could not have been more dramatic; a thunderstorm rolled in, casting a moody veil over this medieval sanctuary. The ominous clouds and occasional lightning strikes created a perfect backdrop for some truly atmospheric shots of the towering abbey, isolated by the tidal bay.

    Our last stop in France was Cherbourg, where we boarded the ferry to Ireland. Thankfully, the ferry offered a pet-friendly cabin, allowing us to stay with our dogs throughout the crossing. Awen and Nessy seemed to enjoy the boat ride, their noses twitching with the salty sea breeze as we watched the French coast slowly fade away.
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  • Day 10

    A Parting Gift of Sunshine

    February 26 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    As the dawn broke on our final day in the Lofoten Islands, we were greeted with an unexpected and much-appreciated gift: almost clear skies and beautiful weather. This serendipitous turn seemed like a farewell embrace from the islands, offering us one last chance to capture their beauty under the radiance of the sun.

    Our journey to the airport was planned with ample time for a few deliberate stops, allowing us to soak in the landscapes we had come to love, perhaps for the last time. First on our itinerary was Haukland Beach, a place that had captured our hearts with its stunning vistas. The sunshine transformed the beach, illuminating the turquoise waters and the white sands, a stark contrast to the stormy greys we had grown accustomed to. This time, our cameras worked in harmony with the elements, capturing the vibrant colors and dynamic contrasts of the landscape.

    Next, we visited Uttakleiv Beach, another favorite spot of ours. The clear weather revealed the rugged beauty of the beach in full glory, with the mountains standing tall against a bright blue sky. The reflections in the tide pools, now calm and clear, mirrored the beauty of the world above, creating perfect symmetrical images that felt almost surreal.

    Between these major stops, we made several impromptu visits along the way. Each location, whether it was a sweeping vista of the sea or a quiet nook by the roadside, offered unique photographic opportunities. These final hours were a whirlwind of activity, as we sought to capture as much of Lofoten's beauty as we could, knowing that each shot was a goodbye in itself.
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  • Day 9

    Battling the Elements - A Final Attempt

    February 25 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 3 °C

    Our penultimate day in Lofoten presented us with another round of wind and rain, continuing the stormy theme from the day before. Undeterred by the weather's persistence, we ventured out with a hopeful spirit, determined to make the most of our remaining time on the islands. Our goal was simple: to capture the raw beauty of Lofoten, even amidst the tempest.

    Armed with our gear, we faced the elements head-on. The wind lashed relentlessly, and the rain seemed to find every possible way to soak us, challenging our resolve and our equipment's waterproofing. Despite these conditions, we pressed on, searching for moments of beauty in the storm's chaos.

    However, as the day progressed, it became increasingly clear that photography was nearly impossible. The combination of wind, rain, and low light made it difficult to stabilize our cameras, let alone capture the landscape as we had envisioned. Each attempt at a shot was thwarted by the weather, leaving us with little to show for our efforts but the experience of having braved the storm.

    With heavy hearts and soaked clothes, we made the decision to return to the cabin. The warmth and dryness of our shelter were a welcome relief after the day's challenges. As we hung our wet gear to dry, we reflected on the past few days—the storm had tested us, but it had also offered moments of introspection and a deeper appreciation for the power of nature.

    The remainder of the day was spent in preparation for our journey back home. Packing our bags and cleaning the cabin, we found solace in the routine, a grounding contrast to the unpredictability of the weather outside. This process, though tinged with the sadness of departure, was also a time of gratitude for the experiences shared, the landscapes witnessed, and the resilience fostered by our time in Lofoten.

    Our adventure in the Lofoten Islands was coming to an end, not with the flurry of shutter clicks we had imagined, but with the quiet contemplation of nature's might. As we settled in for our last night, the sound of the rain against the cabin served as a reminder of the journey's highs and lows, each moment a valuable part of our story. Tomorrow, we would leave Lofoten, carrying with us memories of stunning vistas, stormy days, and the unbreakable spirit of adventure.
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