Ireland road trip

A 17-day adventure by Steph Read more

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Trip start
April 17, 2024
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Day 1
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 5:11 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 30 ft
Wales Penmaenmawr Railway Station 53.270967, -3.9246853°16’15” N 3°55’29” W
And we’re off!
April 17, 2024 in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Looking forward to getting back out on the road, meeting up with friends and traveling around Ireland.
Our first trek was to north Wales for an over night stop before we catch the ferry to Dublin from Holyhead in Anglesey. Bit of an epic, just under 5 hour drive but no issues, thankfully. Couple of good podcasts saw us through. Found a lovely stopover near Conwy on the north Wales coast, right next to the sea, beautiful. Went for a walk, set up for the night, had dinner and Gary watched the footy whilst I watched the glorious sunset. We’ll be up bright and early for the morning ferry to Dublin. Let’s hope it’s not choppy!Read more
Have a wonderful time x Look forward to all the updates [Dani]
4/18/24Reply
TravelerHehe thanks for following 😄 x
4/18/24Reply
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Day 2
Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 6:12 AM
⛅ 5 °C
Altitude: 33 ft
Wales Penmaenmawr 53.269158, -3.93079753°16’9” N 3°55’51” W
Dublin
April 18, 2024 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C
Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the sea. Quick brew then headed off to Holyhead, Anglesey for the ferry. Nice easy journey across the water arriving in Dublin a couple of hours later. Whilst the van was checked at the Wales port, in Ireland, the police check was more lax - quick glance through the window “just the 2 of you?” then “ from the uk?” “ have a safe journey”! He was busy juggling 2 queues of vehicles!
Bit of a pickle trying to find somewhere appropriate to park over night but after a little negotiating the city we found somewhere suitable sized and not massively expensive.
Met up with our lovely Swedish friends Fredrik and Maria. Maria had been fortunate enough to successfully interview Justin Sullivan, the lead singer of New Model Army for her new book about how music affects you emotionally so she was buzzing. We headed off to Zizzi’s for pizza then a quick dip into Temple Bar to check out the ambiance/Irish music then swiftly moving on to the venue (Opium) stopping for a pint in the pub next door. Once into the venue, we caught the support band (sounded like the Mission to me) and checked out the merch. Band finally came on playing some bangers, some new stuff and quite a bit of chat from the singer. He must have been inspired from his earlier interview 😉. Sound wasn’t great but that was more the venue. Great to watch the lighting lady too. She was having a great time and doing a marvellous job. Mesmerising. Called it a night after the gig with the guys grabbing a quick wrap on the way back to our hotel.Read more
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Day 3
Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:44 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 495 ft
Ireland Slane 53.717083, -6.54385553°43’1” N 6°32’38” W
Sightseeing with friends
April 19, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Slept well in our only hotel stay of the trip, taking advantage of the shower then met up with Fredrik and Maria for breakfast. The plan being to get out in the van and visit a few of the many, many historic/scenic places in the area for our last day with them.
We headed north of Dublin to our first stop of a 5000 year old megalithic burial site though we couldn’t actually visit the actual tombs as it required a 2 hour guided tour that didn’t start until a little later - no time for that! My mistake not researching better. On to the next stop, a ruined abbey (Slane Abbey) in the dreary rain making for a more ambient scene. Ambled about on the site for a bit then cracked on to the next ruin, Old Mellifont Abbey, a little more east. Another ruin but the rain began to ease, thankfully. Couple of snaps here then onward again, to the east coast. We headed to Ardgillan Castle in Skerries which is a small castle by the sea. An actual complete building this time taken over by the council, a little like an arts centre. We had much needed tea and cake in the tearooms then meandered around the lovely grounds which also lead down to the sea front. The sun came out with force by then so made a complete contrast to the earlier part of the day. Drove on to the other end of the town to find somewhere to eat enjoying the sea and sun, Maria and Fredrik commenting on how they’re not used to the low/high tide as Sweden is a non tidal country. Had a nice dinner then took the guys back to Dublin, mindful that we had to drive on to our new stopping point before it got dark. After quick farewells on the main stretch in Dublin we drove only a little way north of Dublin to our stopover for the night and caught up on some tv. Ready to start the next stretch of our adventure - head north.Read more
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Day 4
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1:46 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 23 ft
Northern Ireland Newcastle 54.203062, -5.8912254°12’11” N 5°53’28” W
Into Northern Ireland
April 20, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
After another wild camp, went for brekkie.
My turn to drive northbound over the border into Northern Ireland. A very underwhelming border crossing however beautiful scenery. Headed for the Mourne mountains, reminded me a lot of the Peak District. Had a little walk around Silent Valley Mountain Park then drove on to a town called Newcastle to stop for a brew and (wedding) cake on the beach. Checked on my gran who’d had another fall - she’s ok. Trying to eat an eclair stood up was never going to end well!
Headed on to Tollymore forest park in the hope that we may book their campsite but they were full. Lovely sunny weekend so no go, The park is where some of Game of Thrones was filmed. Looked like something else was in the early set up stages of being filmed too? This was a lovely walk also, beautifully well maintained woodland along waterfalls/streams. Spring has well and truly sprung here too so lots of blossoms and wild flowers. Didn’t see any red squirrels, sadly. Drove a little more north to a village called Whiterock in County Down, right by Strangford Lough, again very scenic. Burgers for tea then a call with Alex/sleepy Leo. Gary watched the footy and I checked out the scenery. All on a Saturday night! Belfast tomorrow.Read more
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Day 5
Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:29 AM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 39 ft
Northern Ireland Belfast City Centre 54.599712, -5.93278754°35’59” N 5°55’58” W
Belfast
April 21, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Nice drive in to Belfast, so quiet around the city as shops don’t open until later in the day but the indoor Victorian market was open so we headed there first. Only a quick visit though as had a walking tour booked. Marti was definitely an eclectic character as per his own description but he was a very knowledgeable fellow giving us great background, history and detail of Ireland, Belfast, the ‘troubles’ and Belfast now and the future. It was only the 2 of us on the tour so he tailored the sights to us showing historical buildings, street art and some fascinating places. He quickly realised we knew not a lot about a lot so stopped asking us teacher style “who was” “where did” questions and just chatted. Was a great starting couple of hours introduction to the city. Marti was a nice man. We did get accosted by a drunkard but Marti handled him like a marine!
When we were finished we found a lovely restaurant for a roast then a little more wandering the city. Surprisingly still relatively quiet and barely any cars, really nice to see. Would love to come back again and visit in the evening, some great character bars and culture. Drove over to the Titanic district but didn’t do the museum as time was getting on. Continued on to our first campsite of the trip, just south of Belfast, so we could use the facilities. Did a chat with the babies, missing them all. Lucas been a bit poorly over the weekend - starting pre-school icks.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:42 AM
🌬 11 °C
Altitude: 325 ft
Northern Ireland Glenoe 54.799358, -5.83246754°47’58” N 5°49’57” W
N Ireland sightseeing
April 22, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ 🌬 11 °C
Managed to get a run in as we had facilities (shower), brekkie, water replenish then off to our first stop - Gleno waterfall, north of Belfast. Little walk around, chatted to some locals who had just bathed in it (chilly) then carrying on northbound following the Causeway Coastal route to our next stop, Cushenden caves. A lovely bracing walk along the beach though the cave was v small. Quite scenic though. Made a quick brew then on to our next stop, Dark Hedges. A line of beech trees planted in the 1700‘s along a road that have grown over the road in an artistic way as now made famous in Game of Thrones. We need to research places more before we arrive as we paid a fiver for the carpark (touristy cash cow) when we could have pulled up further/closer especially as it’s only a short visit and quiet during the week, just to take some snaps. Was lovely though. Next, bit of a hike to Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge that transverses 2 small islands that salmon fisherman used to use to get themselves down to the sea. Quite exhilarating crossing especially in the wind. We debated finding a stopover by this point but time was still early enough to carry on with the trail we’d mapped out. So onwards to a little village called Ballintoy harbour which we would’ve actually stayed at but turns out we couldn’t anyway (‚no overnight camping’ signs). The approach to the harbour was stunning, zigzagging down the hill to the sea. Another filming location and I can see why. Can’t beat a coastal scene. Quick wander around then on to Giant’s Causeway. Another bit of a trek but the late afternoon sun was starting to come out making the views lovely again. Quite impressive, the stones. As we were a little later, the info centre was closed but we researched the stones anyway. A major volcanic eruption many million years ago causing the basalt rocks to form under high pressure. Bonkers how nature works! Another long walk back up the hill back to the van and we were done! 6 stops today and around 10 miles of walking. Lovely to follow quite a bit of the Causeway Coastal route giving stunning views of the coast/sea. A couple of miles up the road was our stopover for the night, cook dinner then catch up on MAFS. Zzzzz.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:51 AM
☀️ 9 °C
Altitude: 92 ft
Northern Ireland Dunluce Castle 55.210701, -6.57994755°12’39” N 6°34’48” W
Back in to Ireland
April 23, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
Sad to leave Northern Ireland as the scenery has been stunning but looking forward to continuing on to discovering the rest of Ireland too. Before we left N Ireland we popped in to another derelict castle called Dunluce. Nice little wander then on through Londonderry to cross the border (with the fam) then up to the most northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head. A different, very rugged landscape. Quite epic. We walked the rugged coastline to ‚hell‘s hole‘ - 2 rock faces with dramatic waves then over to the look out/signal post/Eire sign used during the war. V windy and bracing. This point is also the start of the Wild Atlantic way, the coastal route all the way down south that we hope to follow.
Next was a bit of a drive down to Donegal stopping just a couple of times to stretch our legs including a little woodland full of bluebells and wild flowers. Very pretty. Have definitely come at a good time as there’s spring growth and blossoms everywhere, very lovely.
Arrived at Donegal, by the harbour, our stopover for the night. Ready for our dinner so found a nice old pub next to the (small) castle ruins nearby. Had a bit of a walk in the lovely evening sun around the little harbour/ruined abbey, waiting for the footy to start. By then, the car park became a bit of a drugs run? Constant stream of cars back and forth, in and out, sitting, waiting, then more car swapping, mostly men, in pairs, not all young. It was quite bemusing just how many there were. What a hub we’d stumbled across. Ironically, the Garda station, plus 2 cars is just opposite the car park! An older man pulled up next to one of the bins, lifted off the main bin and put a large red bag inside then drove off. When the council emptied the bins this morning, it had gone! It was such an interesting evening, who needs football for entertainment? It’s not even a quiet, out of the way car park. There were quite a few of us parked up, right next to the high street. Anyway, we weren’t murdered in our bed so ready for lots of driving today!Read more
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Day 8
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:53 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 62 ft
Ireland Doonbristy 54.327725, -9.345854°19’40” N 9°20’45” W
Driving
April 24, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Yesterday was all about the driving - 250 miles, around 6 hours! We left Donegal heading southwest, mostly along the scenic wild Atlantic way route, beautiful landscapes from sea, wilderness, mountains, sheep (and lambs) everywhere . I lost count of the times I said, “this is lovely“. First stop was Dun Briste sea stack, a huge rock separated from the mainland over millennia. Photos never do the scenery justice. Gary got the drone out too for a fly around. There’s quite a few large Eire signs on the ground made from rocks around the country, one of which was here (plus at Malin Head) that warned pilots during the war that they were flying over neutral Ireland. Stretched our legs a bit then on for the next leg of driving. To Achill Island, a rugged, but beautiful island off the west coast. Banshees of Inisherin recently filmed here. Lots of lovely free roaming sheep and their babes everywhere, so lovely. Please don’t eat lamb, people!
We headed to the gorgeous Keem beach, the approach being down the mountain, a little like Spain, towards the parking area. We were so lucky that there was barely a cloud in the sky and being so sheltered it was a lovely, warm day - the bay looked like we were abroad, crystal clear, turquoise water, sandy beach.. until we got in. Was freezing! As expected. We didn’t stay in for long. Was invigorating though. Back to the van to get changed then onwards again to Galway. What with the rush hour traffic by then we didn’t get to our campsite just outside Galway until 7ish. Checked in and headed straight for the bus into town. Which didn’t show so we shared a cab with another lady from said bus stop. Dropped in the city at the Latin Quarter, where the Craic is, apparently. Bit more of a cultural vibe, reminded Gary of Hastings, true. Had a wander but really needed to eat, quite busy in the street so went a little outbound to a Thai restaurant which was beautiful, good amount of spice to our Thai curries. Went to find the oldest pub (not open) so the next on, The Quays, still 400+ years old with a live band playing modern then Irish songs whilst Gary watched the footy on the screen in the old man bar! Lovely fresh Guinness and 0% for Gaz. Wanted to see another bar called the Crane Bar, because why not but the description didn’t really match up. Was more a rough estate pub than the swanky bar that was promised. Quick snap of a gnarly, incoherent man by the pub then retreated back to the pub we’d just come from. After the footy finished we caught a cab back to the site to sort the van for the night of everything that we had dumped and run earlier.
Halfway through the trip now. Half way around the island and over 1000 miles driven so far. We are on schedule and weather has been cold, windy but more importantly, mostly dry, thankfully though I think rain is expected.Read more
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Day 9
Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:06 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 13 ft
Ireland Blakes Hill 53.256955, -9.09204753°15’25” N 9°5’31” W
Easy day
April 25, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Stayed on the most expensive campsite, taking advantage that they’re the only one and motorhomes aren’t encouraged at all in the city. Charged €44 for the night but we had to pay extra for the showers (that wouldn’t wet a mouse) and washing up, had we needed it! Shameful.
As we are a little ahead of schedule it allowed us to do a few things such as early morning run whilst observing lots of sea swimmers, much needed clothes washing and a little food shop/brekkie whilst we waited for it including a lovely chat with the Cordells. Popped into Galway city but didn’t feel too inspired. Chatted to an ‘Army fan though who had also gone to the gig in Dublin. It started to rain so we headed on further south towards the Burren region in County Clare. Quite a barren, rugged landscape but just as spectacular as the rest of the country. We stopped at Aillwee Burren showcaves. Good thing to do whilst it rained. We had a guided tour around the cave, discovered by a farmer around 1940 but he kept it a secret until the 70s. A fascinating cave dating back millions of years created by a river, mind blowing. Bear remains were found there from hibernating bears dating back 10,000 years ago. That’s a long nap! Our tour guide was really good and so were the caves. The entry fee also included visiting their birds of prey centre. It was getting close to closing time so we’d missed the displays but as we were walking around, one of the trainers asked if we’d like to view one of their practices. Of course! A young man was learning the ropes and they brought out an African white backed vulture called Dyson. I’m guessing he hoovers everything up as this was also an exercise class for him as apparently he is a little overweight (vulture fat shaming!) We got lots of information about the species and how they are (wrongly) frowned upon, their poor reputation when in fact all the good they do that is misinformed. Such a beautiful bird as it soared very closely over our heads. Amazing experience and great timing from us. We skipped off happy in to their cheese shop, stocked up on cheese and fudge then on to our stopover in Bunratty just north of limerick, right next to a castle for the night. Popped in to the local pub next door for a strategic use of facilities. An old pub dating back to 1620, lovely features inside decked out with tons of police patches from mostly US adorning the ceilings/walls and every surface. Fascinating if not random. A guy playing acoustic Irish songs in the corner was a nice touch too. Back to the van for cheese fest Ernie and Bert style - crumbs in the bed.Read more
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Day 10
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:29 AM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 52 ft
Ireland Bunratty River 52.697028, -8.81211252°41’49” N 8°48’44” W
Start of Ring of Kerry
April 26, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
We’d parked by a castle overnight so felt we should probably go and visit it after our breakfast in the village. Bunratty castle is one of the only complete castles in Ireland. Original site was a Viking camp in 970, a castle being built on in 1425 then restored in the 50s to what it is today. The grounds also contain a village of various types of dwellings, shops, school etc from different ages in Ireland. Was an interesting morning spent looking around. We then headed off past Limerick and south again to pick up the Ring of Kerry, a 179km scenic circular route around one of the south peninsulas. The original reason I wanted to do the Ireland road trip.
We started at Killarney and began clockwise round as recommended so we don’t get caught behind buses and large motorhomes. We only did a small stretch but the scenery was already stunning, shear drops overlooking woodland or vast lakes, mountains, very green. Very windy roads a lot like the Furka Pass in Switzerland. There are lots of historical/natural wonders around the Ring that we can just stop at. Everything seems very well signed which is handy as the phone signal is intermittent. We stopped for a walk through the woodland to Torc waterfall then further on stopping at a high up viewing vista called Ladies View where Queen Victoria once came. Beautiful view. We continued on to find somewhere to stay. Where we hoped to, in Kenmare, was right next to a stone circle. There were no overnight camping signs so that was a no go however we visited the small stone circle anyway. The guy running the entrance was giving out little cards to write wishes on and hang on the wishing tree by the stones. Very sweet idea. Made our wishes and thanked the goddesses as a little robin flew down and landed on the stone next to me. The symbolism of our ancestors wasn’t lost on me. I was quite touched.
We continued on and stopped for pizza in the same village. Not really anywhere to stay but the chef at the restaurant gave us some tips. These didn’t pan out so we drove further along to a motorhome stopover in Sneem, by the water. No facilities but a nice view. Popped into the local pub to use their facilities then a quick wander around the village whilst the sun set. We will complete the Ring tomorrow.Read more
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Day 11
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 9:39 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ireland Caroll's Cove 51.76037, -10.07982851°45’37” N 10°4’47” W
End of Ring of Kerry
April 27, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
Continued on with the Ring first of all heading to a beautiful sandy cove to see if their cafe was open but it wasn’t so continued on to the next stop, another deserted beautiful beach for a swim. Very cold morning (5 degrees) but the sun shining made it more bearable. Could only stand a minute or 2 in the water, my feet were numb before I’d even waded out deep enough, but felt good afterwards and I always love the sea salt hair. We’d pre-made a coffee for when we got back to the van to warm us up though I did feel chilly for a good few hours afterwards. The Atlantic Ocean working its magic. Moving onwards, coming off slightly heading to Valentia Island, a small island off the ring that we could drive on to. There is a small mountain with a view, amongst other things so thought would be good to walk up. We parked up along a quiet road about to walk up when the farmer opposite the entrance told us we couldn’t park there, we need to drive up the mountain (€10). I said I’d prefer to walk up. She said we’d still have to pay €4 each! Incredible! Mountain nazi! Scrapped that and went on to a spot where some prehistoric foot prints had been found. At a glance they just look like holes in the rock but are actually made by a tetrapod, a lizard like creature, 385 million years ago! That killed 2 minutes. Drove back out the windy roads to the car ferry to cross back to the mainland, a short 5 minute journey but good fun then onwards north bound completing the rest of the ring. Not so much of a view on the northern section and easier to drive too, less precarious roads/mountain cliffs. We completed the ring back where we started at Killarney, found our campsite for the night and walked in to the town, a lovely 4 miler, scenic stroll in the sun. Stumbled across a woodland full of wild garlic as far as the eye could see. Very fragrant and lovely. Random! Also passed a field of deer too. Wandered around Killarney town, went for a lovely curry, oldest pub ‘only’ late 1800s then cab back to the site. Chilly night ahead.Read more
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Day 12
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11:09 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 79 ft
Ireland Eyeries 51.693272, -9.95713351°41’36” N 9°57’26” W
Ring of Beara
April 28, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Got up early for a sunrise run, shower, brekkie, water restock and onward leaving the Ring of Kerry for the Ring of Beara, the next peninsula down from Kerry in County Cork. The route is a little shorter than the Kerry one, still following some of the Wild Atlantic Way but more rugged, quieter and still as scenic. The roads are probably harder to negotiate in larger motor homes and coaches, so pleased we have the size of van that we do. We just meandered along, the sun was shining stopping periodically to be amazed by the views. The photos NEVER do it justice. Quite a few towns/villages have different coloured painted houses and shop signs hand painted. Seems a thing in this area. Brightens it up I guess if it’s raining so much. Headed right down to the end of the peninsula for a few more snaps then back along the coast to a village called Castletown Bearhaven so Gary could watch the football. Found a pub to settle in whilst Gary mingled with the (English) clientele and I crotcheted. I ordered a couple of bags of nuts which filled a gap, then I realised they were out of date. One bag by only a couple of months but the other said 2021! They tasted fine. Bar lady couldn’t get her head around it, said they would’ve been audited. And yet… so she offered me another bag! I heard someone later asking for nuts which she was happy to still sell but advised them that they were out of date!
After a stirling win, we drove on to a hotel car park stopover in Bantry. Gaz cooked a great spag bol then we settled for the night. Another car park where an annoyance hangs out. A car was coming and going a few times through the evening and every time they parked up they were banging out really, really loud music - maybe Eastern European music/turkish? It was sooo loud for us it must have been deafening in their car. Thankfully, by gone 10pm it went down considerably. Whether someone had a word? There’s quite a few of us campers here. Started to rain over night, first lot of rain we’ve had for a while. We’ve done good so far.Read more
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Day 13
Monday, April 29, 2024 at 11:09 AM
🌬 10 °C
Altitude: 26 ft
Ireland Mizen Head 51.450188, -9.81196251°27’1” N 9°48’43” W
End of the WAW
April 29, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 10 °C
As we’d parked up at a hotel carpark, we went in for breakfast which worked out handy as Gary needed to do a little work too. Once he was done we headed down to Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland and the end of the Wild Atlantic Way. After sheltering from a quick downpour, we had a little wander around the building recreating the story about the old lighthouse with lots of beautiful huge paintings of flora and fauna. Some nice scenery too, another cliff/beach. I swiped some seawater in one of my spray bottles to see if I can recreate my beach hair - will report back! We then headed eastwards to a little town called Schull suggested by one of Gary’s gym buddies. Not much going on there at all, quite run down so continued onwards towards Blarney/Cork area to do some washing/shopping. We stopped at a spot near Blarney Castle for the night. Once we’d eaten the car park suddenly got super busy with youths in sports kit and old, wooden sticks walking past us to the field behind. After a quick research it turns out they were playing hurling, an old Gaelic national sport. 15 players in a team throw, kick, hit with their hand or the stick a small cricket sized ball to score a point in a goal that is a football style goal under a rugby style goal. It was quite fast paced and good to watch. All the players have to wear helmets/face protection, v dangerous sport. Watched for a bit then returned to the van for more MAFS.Read more
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Day 14
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 9:57 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 141 ft
Ireland Blarney Castle 51.929012, -8.57093851°55’44” N 8°34’15” W
Blarney
April 30, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Bit wet overnight, we’ve been so lucky on this trip with the weather. V short trip round the corner to Blarney Castle. Got there early so we could ‘do’ the Blarney Stone before lots of queues. Quite a tight, steep, narrow stepped climb up a tower to the top of the castle where the stone lay. After a short queue, I laid on my back, under the guidance of the photographer and reached out to the stone, upside down as is the tradition. Needless to say I only touched the stone with my hand whilst Gary skipped past. Nope! We had already joked earlier that this was NOT going to be something he would entertain. Germs and wotnot. Kissing the stone is supposed to give you the gift of the gab - to string a yarn. The stone itself, however, is part of the Stone of Scone which was used by the Scots to crown their kings. This stone is now used by the British monarchs to be crowned upon. We had a lovely wander around the grounds observing absolute masses of wild garlic again. That and the new spring growth really lifted the views. We even spotted 3 or 4 baby foxes frolicking on the path but they scattered as we approached. So cute.
We drove eastward to Cork and in particular a little islet off Cork called Cobh (pronounced cove) to visit the Titanic museum. After the Titanic was built in Dublin, it sailed round to Cork to pick up its Irish travellers then on to France then across the Atlantic to New York. We all know what happened after that. The museum was the original ticket office for the ocean liner. On our tour, we were given a ticket with the random name of a passenger. We were then guided around as if we were going to be in the Titanic itself, how it was laid out, where the actual pier was interspersed with photos and stories from passengers and the captain. It was very interesting and obviously very tragic. We got to see at the end whether our characters had survived or not. (Ours did, phew!). After a quick wander around Cobh and an Aldi supplies stop we drove on to Kilkenny for the night. Whilst making dinner, a couple of robins bobbed about, one even sat in the step of the van to my delight! Then some ravens were circling so I threw some bread out for them all, they were all coming over very close. One raven even dropped me a feather it had been playing with. Thanks dude. Fair trade.
After dinner we walked in to Kilkenny town, stocked up on emergency mint imperials from a sweet shop that weighed them out - they were probably left from the war as they were a bit hard but I’m running low so needs must. Dropped in to a really old pub - Kytelers Inn, established in 1324! Got there at the right time to grab a seat and a pint before the local Irish band started. They were so good. Very talented and quick-fingered on the banjo/guitar/whistle. I might have to pop back when we visit the castle to get a tshirt.Read more
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Day 15
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:03 AM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 161 ft
Ireland Kikenny Castle 52.650749, -7.24893752°39’3” N 7°14’56” W
Last day in Ireland
May 1, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Early morning May Day run in to the town and back, shower then whilst eating brekkie we watched the ravens and robins coming down very close to the van to eat the bread I had put out for them. Very delightful.
We drove in to the town to visit Kilkenny castle. Nice change to see a castle that isn’t derelict. Although it’s over 800 years old, it has been restored to a Victorian period. Started to walk the grounds but it started to rain so we left and wandered the high street picking up a tshirt souvenir from the pub we’d been to the night before then headed onwards slowly weaving our way back to Dublin.
We picked a route that went through the Wicklow Mountains, the road is an old military road that takes you through a vast rural, wilderness of scrubland where ever you look you can’t see anything man made (apart from the road). It was amazing and yet another diverse scenery and experience. We eventually arrived at the south of Dublin at a sandy cove, a lovely scenic end of Dublin where lots of locals were swimming. There’s an area called Forty Foot (no one knows why) but it’s a 250 year old swimming/changing point into the clear waters of the Irish Sea. We didn’t dip this time but maybe another day… was quite busy especially as it was sunny again - did I say how very lucky we’ve been?! We even saw an elderly man walk out of his house across the road to the cove in just his swimmers, goggles and hat! Good for him. As we were walking we also spotted some seals in the sea and a heron wading in the shallow waters.
We walked up to the high street in my last search of oysters/Guinness. Been keeping an eye all round the island but not had the opportunity, Dublin is usually good for these. Found a lovely restaurant doing the oysters so was very happy though no Tabasco sauce, shame. They were great though plus we also ate dinner there too. Was a lovely last meal in Ireland.
We drove on to our stopover where we had stayed when we first arrived. Another campervan pulled up next to us so we chatted to them for a bit. They are from Denmark or Norway, we couldn’t work out but they are taking a year or so out to travel Europe. They’d already done (wet) Cornwall for a month and planning on doing Ireland for a month then back around Britain before heading in to mainland Europe. Sounds brilliant.
Watched the last episode of MAFS, last bit of drama in our lives then to bed listening to the rain.Read more
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Day 16
Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 7:49 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 16 ft
Ireland Dublin Ferryport Terminals 53.348324, -6.19876753°20’54” N 6°11’56” W
Back in Wales
May 2, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Up bright and early to catch the ferry from Dublin. At the port, we watched a man trying to get his motorbike bump-started firstly with one man pushing then one of the staff chipped in to help to running back and forth. They got it going though so he could board the ferry. Hope he got it going the other end. It was literally plain sailing on the ferry, a spot of brekkie which was pretty good and just hanging out.
Arrived to Holyhead around lunch time and headed on to Portmeirion, a village on the coastline commissioned and built by a Welsh architect taking 50 years finishing in the 70s. It’s a colourful looking village, quite quirky perching on a cliff face surrounded by woodland and the sea/golden beach. We took a walk around all of it. Was quite interesting. You have to pay for entry to the village, it’s all private and you can also stay in the many apartments there.
Headed on to a supermarket then on to Snowdonia National Park to our campsite. Beautiful mountain range views again on the journey. Nice remote campsite with the view of the mountains. Hoping to climb Snowdon but the weather isn’t looking hopeful. No point if you can’t see anything/where you’re going. We’ll decide in the morning. Settled down for the night. No lighting around so literally pitch black outside. Our hat lights have been very handy.Read more
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Day 17
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8:12 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 627 ft
Wales Capel-Curig 53.095897, -3.94246253°5’45” N 3°56’33” W
Home
May 3, 2024 in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
We watched the clouds/fog rolling in over the mountains and thought we should probably head home. Checked the weather and rain was imminent. Not much point climbing a mountain when you can barely see in front of you (we’ve done that before). Lovely drive out of Snowdonia National Park then stopped a little further nearer the border of Wales for a woodland walk and to stretch our legs. Then took turns negotiating M40, M6 etc to get home, 4 and a bit hours later!
Finally home though after 2000 miles of lovely adventures with my best buddy
😊🚐☀️🇮🇪Read more
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Trip end
May 3, 2024