We Made It……but no Inukshuks allowed
September 3 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
2 delayed flights and a shuttle to pick up the rental, which despite a conversation beforehand, was still almost twice the price! An expensive hire car, but the insurance was for sure needed.
Thanks to Natasha’s excellent organizational skills, our day was packed right off the plane!
A stop at Tesco for supplies, which was delicious and we literally bought everything and we made it just in time to the UNESCO site Newgrange, a neolithical ancient tomb, 1000 years OLDER than Stone Henge and the Pyramids, although I remain steadfast in my belief the pyramids were crafted by an otherworldly force, but I digress. Newgrange was beautiful, mystical, and entirely fascinating and we were led by a young guide who was captivating while imparting his vast knowledge of this site and the ones nearby.
After laving the site, we had a 90 minute drive to Newcastle in Northern Ireland, where we did not need a passport to enter and came across a chippy where we all had chips although Sarah had a weird deep fried chicken breast.
We were meant to be at the B&B by 8pm but due to the impromptu chippy stop, we didn’t arrive until after the 8pm cut off time which caused some anxiety as we had no cell service to let them know of our delay. But, we made it, showered, fought with bugs coming through the window, and finally got to bed at 10pm local time, free being up for well over 24 hours!Read more
Giant Causeway Day
September 4 in Northern Ireland ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
We started the day at 1 am when we were all awake and not able to sleep… Seemed like a good time for snacks so Sarah went out to the car, in her pyjamas, with flats on. The car key was broken and so the car alarm went off for a long time, surely disrupting all our neighbours. After a middle of the night snack of chips, chocolate and cookies, we went back to sleep by 3. After waking up for the second time, this morning we had a lovely breakfast, fresh sour dough, Irish butter, fresh fruit, steamed eggs and coffee/tea.
We stopped at Carrick-Ferguson castle and had a quick tour there where we walked through all the rooms and down the dodgiest steep spiral staircase. The castle was stunning and overlooked the ocean! We had our first ocean views and drove along the coast on the way to Giant Causeway.
It was sunny as we arrived and as we started the walk down to the Causeway, it started torrential with aggressive winds so we opted for the shuttle.
We got down to the Causeway and it was stunning. The area has about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns from the intense volcanic activity. The molten basalt pushed through the fissures and contracted as it cooled, created distinct geometric, mostly hexagonal columns.
It is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We spend time enjoying the stunning views from ocean shores as the wind and rain continued, blowing sea foam like bubbles all around us.
It stopped raining and Sarah and Amanda decided to explore the trail system and walk up the stone stairs and follow the path all along the coast and up to different vantage points where the columns could be seen. At times the wind was so ferocious that it would push us almost over or stop us dead in our tracks, depending which way it was coming at us.
It was an adventure walk filled with 136 flights of stairs, 7 kms, and so many stunning views, giant fits of laughter and all seasons of weather.
We continued another 1.5 hrs to Derry (where our hotel for the next two nights was). We arrived and Amanda was EXCITED for this 4 star hotel. We had an adventure in the lift as we BARELY fit and it stopped several times on the way out as we stepped slightly outside of the allotted box. Very sketchy. As we arrived outside the room Amanda said, “I am excited for a positive experience” …And we stepped inside the dingiest room with the strongest odour and black mold in the bathroom. We saw two additional rooms and they were both equally sketchy. The hot water took approximately 10 minutes to heat up. Sarah was frantically searching for alternative places on Air BnB and found one!
Off we went, cancelling our supper plans stopping at M & S foods and Tesco for more snacks and supper and we carried onto our new accommodations.
We arrived and settled in and all enjoyed a LOT of snacks and treats including some treats that were left by our host! SUCH an improvement over out last place.
We had a great night of laughing until we cried and we made it until 12!! (5 pm Red Deer time.). Good night!!!!Read more
The highest cliffs in Europe
September 6 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
On the road by 9,30 as intended, we made it to the ROI but enroute, found out our first boat tour was cancelled due to inclement weather, so we had a bit of time on out side before we headed to Sliabh Liag (Pron Sleeve Lee). We stopped at Lidl for snacks and drove to our tour destination. Sadly, Sarah has developed a tad of a cold, and is filling herself with vitamin C and some menthol throat lozenges.
Arriving at Sliabh Liag was strange as we emptied the car of snack and drink garbage only to discover the tourist centre does not have any form of garbage bin and you are not allowed to leave it anywhere. So we left it in the bathroom on site!
It was a bit dreary (overcast and windy) but the sum was trying. A quick 15 min bus drive and we were there, high up on a cliff surrounded by expansive rolling hills littered in heather and horned sheep. Getting close to the edge of the was a bit worrisome iecause the drop down to the ocean was a big one, but so very beautiful. Amanda and Sarah decided to hike to the summit, encountering several false summits, the wind was vicious and several occasions they had to hunker down to maintain their footing. It was stunning, but scary. After hiking 1km further up, they could not do the final summit due to the exceedingly strong winds, so about 100ft short of the real summit and it started to really rain. It was decided the final climb was no worth the risk. The rain, cloud, and wind seemed to be in for good and limited the view considerably. We met a local at the final false summit who. Said it was a shame you could not see, because whatever you imagined the view to be, it was considerably more beautiful, in fact, thing you could imagine would do it justice. Disappointed but also slightly scared, we decided to start the down trek.
By the time we reached near the bus pick up poin, we were beyond wet and windswept, we found Tash relaxing far too close to the edge of the highest cliffs in Europe, leaning precariously on a large rock that looked that it might roll over the edge at any moment.
A few more photos at said precarious rock, overlooking the beautiful sea and we still had another ten mins in the rain and wind before the bus returned. After a lobster roll, we took refuge on the bus and we were all smelling a it wet dog like, some more than others.
After getting back to the car, we turned the engine on, only to discover we had another low tire! We had quite a distance to go before reaching a Cirkle K to pay 3 euros for air, where we also had the choice of using fragrance. Tash did herr best work for the second time and got the tire filled, estimating we had another 15th before needing to refill.
A rainy drive back, Sarah having a little sleep with her mouth open, we made it to The Kees hotel! A beautiful quaint (but large) ivy covered hotel and restaurant. This time our triple room was entirely perfect and we automatically gravitated to our preferred sleeping locations within the bed configuration without a word said.
It’s 11.40ppm, and we have just returned from quite possibly he best night of the vacation - its going to are quite a lot to beat it! Tash had researched a traditional Irish bar with live using called The Reel. First of all, it was adorable to see Sarah nd Natasha in a pub, entirely unfamiliar with pub protocol. It’s of course o different from Canada, the English/irish pub scene means paying at the bar and getting rounds and eating scampi fries. We did all of those things, the best part was by far the music. We met a Rebel Army man, who Sarah and Natasha said had mad eyed due to his PTSD - Amanda thought that although he was far too drunk and clearly trying to pull, he was harmless. It was difficult to understand his thick accent buyt he was a fan of Canada, but very time he spoke, we got a heft dose of spittle. We refused his advances and eventually, after telling AManda Ashe looked like STevie NIcks, he was on his way, leaving us to enjoy the ballad music. The place was a packed, a complete mix of locals and visitors from all over the world it seemed. The band playing, were superb, made up of an older man in hisn60’s, a middle aged man in his 40’s and about a 10 year old boy. The oldest man was playing the guitars and the harmonica, the middle aged man was sitting on an upturned wooden box with a small blanket on it, that he drummed a beat on thte front side between his legs, the adorable ten year old was playing a banjo!
Apparently, with Amanda’s 80’s hair, she looked like a local and was asked by the drunk rebel soldier if she was a local or just visiting family. It turns out, it is customary that if a man places a flat cap on your head, it is an invitation to dance! Amanda accepted the challenge offered by an 80 year old local with limited teeth, she danced and smiled and loved being temporarily Irish.
Tash became a fan of Guinness and enjoyed 2.5 pints, Sarah relax and was entirely a good sport with her cough and cold, Amanda had s couple of glasses of wine and eventually, it was time to get going, after. Ordering a pizza from PizzaMax before the 28km drive home.
Such a a fun night, if the evening experience could have been bottled, we would have done it - definitely a night to remember!Read more
September 7
September 8 in Ireland ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
We woke up from our favorite night yet and went down for a traditional Irish breakfast buffet with beans, black and white pudding and all the testimonial breakfast items.
We then started our journey on the Atlantic Way for Amanda’s birthday surprise! We travelled for a distance and then stopped at Glenniff Horseshoe with massive u shaped glacier hollow which left behind staggering cliffs. There are ruins from an old mill from the mining done. There is also Benwiskin Mountain which frames the area. . The passing glaciers sculpted the limestone peak into a dramatic, curved ridge that looks exactly like a giant, forever-frozen ocean wave about to crash over the valley.
After this stop we continued until we arrived at St Columbas church of Ireland which opened in 1809 and has a cemetery surrounding the church. The earliest gaffe we found was from 1845. The famous poet JB Yeats Is buried directly outside the church’s main doors. The church is stunning and it felt very peaceful to stop here. The stained glass work was intricate and beautiful. Natasha put a prayer in the prayer box here. It was intriguing to see the levels of wealth displayed in the way the graves were presented, full encased, with iron fencing around them hem, and with stunning masterful headstones and stone statues.
We continued on our way to Amanda’s surprise destination. We arrived and got in the elevator where were able to keep it a secret until we got off onto the floor with the spa!
We purchased the mastery bathing caps and went into the thermal suites. We looked like were auditioning for the awkward Olympic synchronized swimming team (just missing the nose pieces).
The thermal suites had a pool, a hot tub, a steam room, an ice shower, and a hot rock sauna. We spent an hour together here and Sarah spent extra time in the steam room to help with her congestion.
After an hour, Amanda left for her cocoon treatment (her birthday treat from us) and Natasha and Sarah found a cute cafe to have a warm drink in.
After Amanda finished her treatment, which she said was so lovely, we went to the hotel.
We arrived at Nevins Inn and we were greeted with a greeted by the most lovely family. Our room key was an old skeleton key and the room was beautiful with a stunning ocean view: it was our favorite room yet. We got ready and went down to supper reservations.
The restaurant was adorable and the staff were so friendly. They had Bertie and Bella robots who sang country music and delivered our food. It was delicious and very generous portions. We then ordered dessert and Bella brought it out singing happy birthday. It was a great meal!
We then decided to go explore the beach for sunset. It was windy and cold but so pretty and peaceful. Amanda’s grandkids called her for her birthday so Sarah and Natasha walked along the water and enjoyed the first sunset of the trip.
After arriving back at the hotel we went to the pub for live music and quickly left after Sarah tried her first Guinness (disgusting) the live music was an old man singing to prerecorded music and awkwardly strumming his guitar not in time with the music. We retired to our room earlier then expected but we had to go early for our next adventure day to the island of Aran. Our whole goal for today was to make Amanda feel loved and spoiled and we hope we were able to do that!
(Amanda): My lovely friends treated me like a queen today. I had no idea what they had planned until we arrived. A posh spa where all three of us indulged in a thermal spa and then I was whisked away for a Cocoon Treatment! I had no clue what this meant but I bloody loved the entire experience. It started with funny synchronized swimming caps, and we went in and out of the steam room, sauna, pool, hot tub, and used an ice bath - less bath, more a mountain of ice chips that you helped yourself too and rubbed them over your body to cool down before returning to sauna or steam. Then I was taken to a treatment room for a full body exfoliation, shower, head massage, mini facial and thorough fancy moisturize (she told me I was exceptionally dry). I was wrapped in muslin cloths while I had a gentle shoulder and head massage, then told to shower prior my moisturizer. I was fully treated to an exceptional experience by 2 perfect friends who knew exactly how to make me feel special - I went to bed feeling loved.Read more
September 9 - Love This Place, Lesve No Trace
September 9 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
This was another fabulous and spectacular day in beautiful County Clare.
Cliffs of Mohar were the first stop. Signage is definitely entertaining and requires interpreting in Ireland, the funniest we witnessed today was interpreted as ….do not start a fire as it attract seagulls. The Cliffs are located in the Burren region and about 14kms long and a huge 702 feet high at their highest.
After leaving here, we headed unexpectedly to Fort Caherconnell specifically to watch sheepdog demonstrations. It came with a tour guide who expertly explained the history of Fort Caherconnell, it is one of the largest and best preserved 1000 year old stone forts in existence. Built sometime in the 10th century and occupied by high ranking Gaelic families. We leaned about the vertical stonewalls (built by farmers/landowners) and how to spot the difference between the ones built by farmers and those crafted by a stone mason.
By far the best part of the unexpected stop was definitely the sheepdog demonstrations - we met Rose, Sally, and another hose name escapes me but nonetheless important and talented. An actual shepherd used whistles and simple left right commands to instructs the dogs to corral the sheep into various locations. They were entirely adorable and very clever, and their different personalities shone through. The dogs were eager to run around and seemed to have endless energy, the sheep are timid creatures and easily intimidated by a long stare in the eyes from the dogs. After the demonstration, the dogs were equally as eager to received cuddles and belly rubs from the guests - plus we also got to stroke the sheep, o all in all, an exceptional animal experience and it was heartwarming to see how many people there are in the world who just want to pet and love dogs.
After leaving here, it was suggested by our tour guide to stop at Poulnabrone, large stone tombs (megalithic) just up the road that are older than the pyramids! Built between 3800 and 3200 BC, it is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland. It is a collective tomb and sacred ceremonial centre - basically a communal burial site where only skeletons were placed (decomposition happened elsewhere). It was used by the very early farming communities and signaled to rival groups that the surrounding pastures of the Burren belonged to that community and ancestors. Th guide from the Fort explained that the people believed life was a cyclical circular existence.
Enroute, we came across Hazel Mountain Chocolate, the only bean to bar chocolate factory in Ireland and using Irish dairy. We could not resist a hot chocolate which was similar to our Peru hot chocolate and Tash much preferred, quite delicious and well worth the impromptu stop.
Yet again, on the way home, we went via a gas station for Tash to fill one of tires with air. For some reason this has become her task when it requires doing, or which are extremely grateful!Read more
Day 6
September 9 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
For day 6, we decided to venture off of the mainland of Ireland and take a Ferry to the Gaelic speaking island of Inis Mor. Unfortunately it was a three hour drive to the ferry Terminal so we had to way up far earlier than any of us were interested in. Because we left too early for hotel breakfast, we stopped at a SPAR (gas and convenience store) on the way to grab a breakfast snack. Sarah bought a Greek yogurt cup that traumatized us all by being the consistently of milk. After a failed attempt at breakfast and hours of narrow winding roads we made it to the terminal. The weather wasn't great and the swells were high which made for an eventual boat ride but also made Amanda sea sick. While on the ferry we met a man named Jacob from Tasmania who is walking his way around the coast of Ireland for 6 weeks. He is a part time boat captain so he was able to reassure Amanda that we were in fact not going to die .
When we arrived on Inis Mor, a lovely older gentleman by the name of Paddy Heron picked us up for a tour of the island. His family has lived on the island for generations and he was able to share a lot of history and fun facts with us. Our first stop was Dun Aonghasa. It is a 3000 year old stone fort perched on the edge of a 330 foot costal cliff. Natasha was very excited to hear that the proposal scene from on of her favourite movies (Leap Year) was filmed here! Amanda and Sarah adventured on an uphill walk to the top and Natasha combed over every inch of the 6 gift shops. We had lunch at Teach Nan Phaidi and then wandered off to Tempall Mic Duach, a 7th century church ruine.
We the loaded onto the bus again and headed to the site of the 7 churches which was first built in the 7th century. Despite its name, there are only two church's at this site and multiple monastic outbuilding. The site is famous for its historical gravestones and carved stones, including one bearing the inscription "VII ROMANI" (The Seven Romans) and another referencing "Tomas AP" (Thomas the Apostle). We then when on a scenic drive around the island where Paddy told us about the history of his town vs current state and showed us various filming locations of the movies Leap Year, A Man from Aran, and the Banshees of Inisherin.
After the tour we shopped around some more and then walked back to the pier to wait for our return ferry in the pouring rain. Amanda decided to recant her declaration that she would like to live on this island. The ride back was much gentler but poor Amanda felt much more sea sick than the way there. She manages to survive without making a scene and then we had a tasty supper at Gus O'Connor's Pub. Natasha FINALLY got to try Guinness beef stew and it was everything she dreamed it would be.
When we arrived at our air BnB for the night we were pleasantly surprised by the stunning view and back yard cows. Definitely our favourite accommodations so far. Sarah went for a nice sunset watching run and then we all headed to a local pub so Natasha could have a Guinness. Unfortunately there was no live music in town that night but Amanda did meet a nice old man friend named Jeff. He was a street sweeper from the UK and they got on quite well.
Overall day 6 was a unique and interesting experience. We wen to bed looking forward to getting to sleep in just a little bit the next morning!Read more
Day 3
September 9 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
Day 3 of our adventure was our last day in Northern Ireland. We packed as much in as possible. Although Sarah and Natasha are okay for our time in Northern Ireland to be ending, Amanda is mourning the easy access to her beloved British snack foods. Thankfully we have a sufficient supply of biscuits and sweets to get us through at least the next couple of days. We started our day today by driving an hour and half to Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. The walk from the car park was only 1 km but Natasha swears it was 10kms. On the walk, there were two incidents in which Natasha and Sarah were viciously attacked by stinging nettles. We persevered through, and made it to a beautiful 250 year old rope bridge suspended over the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge was first built by salmon fishermen in 1755. It was used to help the men reach ideal fishing grounds on the island of Carrickarede. Sarah and Amanda have a fear of heights but despite being terrified they walked over it like a champ. Unlike the confined space incident from day one, Natasha found the experience beautiful but not scary in the slightest. Sarah and Amanda explored the area some while Natasha befriended a crow and took in the scenery.
After the bridge we planned to go to the nearby cafe for some soup and a cheese toasty. Unfortunately the cafe was soupless and the food looked subpar at best. We left and drove to the nearest town where Sarah was determined to find Natasha some soup and Amanda needed a post office. We stopped in a little antique shop and while on our soup mission, Sarah got distracted by a very enticing ice cream shop. She settled for a baby cone and the lady there told us where to go to get the best soup in town. Lorna's Kitchen. It was a small hole in the wall place with a homemade feel. Natasha ordered the soup and only realized when she was nearly finished that it contained blue cheese. After lunch we noticed a "99" advertisement sign which is a vanilla over cream cone with a flake chocolate bar stuck in it. Sounds pretty basic but Amanda swears these are the best thing since sliced bread. Unfortunately they were sold out. We went around the corner and fate gave us another "99" advertisement to follow. Amanda and Sarah got one and we carried on our journey to Bentone beach.
Benone beach was about 45 minutes away and worth every minute of the drive. It is a 7 mile long golden sand beach surrounded by 600 million year old volcanic black basalt rock formations. This beach also has a perfect view of the Mussended Temple. Natasha couldn't resist getting in the water despite being fully clothed. She only got up to her waist wet and so far was the highlight of the trip for her. We all walked along the beach searching for pottery glass but did not find any. Sarah and Amanda explored a cave and found an angry bird then went for a long walk. Natasha sat on the beach front and then met a very nice older Irish lady who invited her in her van to take her clothes off, to which Natasha declined. This sounds a little creepy but Natasha was really wanting to change out of her wet clothes.
After the beach we drove 45 minutes back to our flat to eat supper and then went to do laundry in a strange gas station outdoor laundry machine ($30 per load). When returning to pick up the laundry Natasha and Amanda got a low air warning for one of the tires. Thankfully the fill up seems to be doing the job. Natasha and Amanda enjoyed some "nice French wine" and olives back at the flat and Natasha discovered she doesn't dislike wine, she has just been drinking cheap wine her whole life. We are off to bed quite late tonight but are excited to wake up early and start our first day in the Republic of Ireland!Read more
Day 11 - Unicorns, Visual Harks, Army Men
September 9 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
Today was a big day, we did a lot of driving, achieved a lot of things, and laughed a lot.
After a lovely bed and breakfast, we started the drive to Barney Castle. First though, our quest was to hunt down the unicorn sign from last night. Amanda saw it on the drive to the kayaking location, but with no time to stop, a re-visit was required but Amanda was beginning to doubt herself, after all, what was the chance of there being a road warning sign, warning of approaching unicorns? There it was, plain as day though, a road sign warning of unicorns. We stopped the car on the winding road to take a photo, laughed, and drove on.
So many narrow windy roads that were not a problem, but the volume of them does slow the travel time down as they are used as major thoroughfares. After a quick garage snack stop, we were driving down another narrow winding road when up ahead, there was an army man waving us though as several vehicles were parked on the either side of the road and verge. There were many army man, carrying rifles, peeing in a bush, and wearing the stereotypical Scotsman hat with the orange bobble on top. It was so strange, we thought it was the rebel army, but not sure, it certainly wasn’t a normal army as the heckles all seemed to be private cars rather than typical army types.
Eventually arriving at Barney Castle, it was warm and sunny, but so very humid. So much so, despite the warmth, Amanda had to commit to a hat to keep the frizz under control. We joined the Blarney Stone queue which promised about an hours wait. Tash decided she could not do the stairs due to claustrophobia, which was entirely justified. A narrow and steep and winding staircase climbing exceptionally high, packed with people and moving so very slowly. The castle was stunning on the way up and by the time Amanda and Sarah reached the rooftop to perform the ‘kiss’, they were relieved to be out in the open again.
Kissing the stone is meant to provide you with the gift of the gab, but to be honest, the whole experience was a little intense. First you lye on your back on the floor and a strange man leans you over so your head and shoulders are arched right back. You are suspended in the position snd have to really stretch to reach the stone with your lips. The stretch is so far, you do give way your trust to a complete stranger and hide for the best. Of course, you are not in any danger, but you are lying down on your back on top of a castle, suspended by a strange man, arching to kiss a stone that has been kissed by thousands if not millions of people before you. But we did it and have the video to prove it! After a slow walk down the winding staircase and a visit to the murder room (a hole in the floor above the entry to the castle, so if an unwanted guest made it through the first door, either fire or hot burning substance could be tipped down the hole to land on the intruder’s head, A certain death).
Next up was Cork. Sarah had ordered a football shirt so after some aggressive driving, we returned to the mall which in addition to the sports shop, housed a Tesco and a Primark. We were all excited to go to Tesco, snd did great work here, collectively spending over 100 euros on snacks. Not wanting to miss a deal, we had joined the Tesco Clubcard program to maximize discounts snd when the self checkout did not register them, we called over the staff (4separate times) and she worked literal magic to make sure we got our discounts on the vast amount of chocolate bars we had purchased. A meal-deal sandwich in the car (egg mayo) and a ridiculous amount of snacks taking up every spare space in the swifty.
Next stop, Kinsale. An adorable walled harbour time with its multi-colour buildings and artisan shops kept us entertained for a while before a quick drive took us to a distillery for honeycomb rum!
After starting the drive to leave Kinsale and head to our hotel, Tash kindly offered to help a Calgarian who had returned home to Canada without her handbag. We drove back into town, struggling to find the police station, where Sarah went in and signed for the purse that we will take back to Canada and meet the owner at the airport.
We eventually arrived at our hotel after another 40 minutes and by now, there was no denying, we all looked a little on the rough side. Our clothes were dirty, hair frizzy, and generally just dishevelled. We squeezed out of the swifty, and every time a door opened, something fell out, she was literally bursting at the seams. We were a sight. Our hotel was probably the nicest one we had stayed at, and I think as we rolled in to reception, we were a little judged (understandably)as there were people all dressed up going to some sort of event hanging around. Once we had the key, it was time to unload the car. This was a task in itself a we also decided it was time to organize the cases, re pack everything and make sure we were ready first our flight home. We rolled out a trolley no loaded it up with bag after bag of Tesco treats, 4 cases, 3 backpacks and random full carrier bags. A number of people commented on the vast volume of luggage as we struggled to push the cart, even reception sad it was a lot of luggage for an overnight stay. She was not wrong. When we eventually made it to the room and started unloading the trolley, we realized we had dragged half of the outside fuscia flowers with us.
We repacked, showered, washed hair and ordered room service, all the while laughing at the various significant incidents that had occurred through the day and past 12 days.Read more
You have earned a good nights sleep!!! [Goody]