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2024 UK Adventure
  • Marlene Smith

2024 UK Adventure

Millie & I teamed up with Karry & Graham on a 26 day road trip around parts of Ireland and Scotland and ending with 3 days in London.
We all enjoyed every part of this trip. Loved the people, towns, old buildings, scenery and the food. Leggi altro
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  • Inizio del viaggio
    21 maggio 2024
    Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore
    View from our apartment on top of the pub.
    Our hire car in Ireland.'The Blue Light'.Looking out from the pub.

    LEAVING ATHENS AND ARRIVING IN IRELAND!

    21 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Today we are setting off for Ireland. We are all excited about our UK adventure and quite pleased to leave Athens behind. First we need to get through all the boring stuff - air travel, huge queues, security checks, passport checks, cattle class seats, etc etc.

    Landed in Ireland at about 3.30pm, and a pleasant surprise to see no line for customs. The first interaction we had was with passport control and we had a very friendly man who wanted to know all about our trip. Got our hire car, a bit smaller than we had hoped but once we got organised se decided we had plenty of room for the 4 of us. The shuttle bus driver told Graham he was crazy to be going on holidays with 3 women! Probably true. Then he gave us some tips for getting on the freeway and getting into Dublin the next day.

    So good to be driving on the left hand side of the road again. Feels way less stressful. It took us about an hour to get to our accomodation in Sandyford. We’re staying above a pub and after driving down some narrow little roads, when we all thought the GPS was leading us astray, we finally arrived at the Blue Light Pub. First impressions left a bit to be desired and there was quite the party going on already. After a hunt around for the landlord we were shown to our rooms above the pub. It’s really a big two bedroom apartment with a kitchen and a lovely sitting area with a fireplace.

    After getting our bags sorted, we headed downstairs for a drink and dinner. A wine first and then the first Guinness for everyone. We had the best fish and chips any of us had had for a long time. It was cod but not like the cod we get at home. We finished off upstairs with a Pommeau and a cup of tea. They have music most nights at this pub. Millie and I had gone to bed early but Karry and Graham heard music about 9pm and headed downstairs to listen for half an hour or so.    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    EXPLORING DUBLIN

    22 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today Millie and I are going into Dublin to have a look around. We caught the train in with Karry & Graham and then parted ways. We went to search for the ‘hop on hop off’ bus while Karry & Graham went to visit Trinity College. We want to visit the famous Guinness Stonehouse and it is one of the stops on the bus. After riding around looking at other parts of the city we hopped off to go and visit Guinness. It was a fantastic place to visit, lots of interactive exhibits and lots of info on how the Guinness is made. It’s a lovely building too with a few levels, and apart from the displays, it also has a coffee shop and a couple of eateries. There is a lovely bar at the top level which was very popular and of course serving Guinness! Millie and I sat up here and had a bit of a rest while we had a Guinness and enjoyed the atmosphere.

    After buying a few souvenirs from the Guinness shop, we jumped back on the ‘hop on hop off’ bus and away we went again. We finished the circuit and thoroughly enjoyed riding around and seeing the beautiful old buildings, parks and monuments. We had a coffee when we finished and a look at a couple of shops before heading off to catch the train back to meet Karry and Graham. Another friendly face at the train station helped us find how to pay and get on the right train. Karry and Graham found us at our meet up place and away we went back to Sandyford.

    Back to Blue Light for our second and last night there. Another great dinner at the pub followed by some entertaining music.    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    ON OUR WAY TO KILLARNEY

    23 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We’re leaving pretty little Sandyford today and continuing on to Killarney. We’ve decided to rotate drivers and today it is my turn. Google Maps sent us down some tiny little narrow roads before eventually finding at least one that resembled a main thoroughfare! It was a real introduction to driving in Ireland!

    Our first stop for the day was Kilkenny Castle. It is a gorgeous castle and we were amazed at its size. We didn't have time to spare today to wait for a tour but I'm sure the inside is amazing too. Fortified by the famous scones from the coffee shop across the road, we continued on to the Rock of Cashel. The sun is trying to come out today and has almost managed it but the wind has picked up and it’s freezing up on this rock.

    We joined the free tour they have and it was really enjoyable, apart from the cold wind! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the Castle and its history. Founded in the 12th century and then added on to in the 13th. It was used by the Kings of Munster until the Norman invasion and then after that by the archbishops up until the 18th century when they probably decided it was too flipping cold and moved into town. It looks very magnetic sitting up there above the town.

    We were all so cold we had to go into town and get a bowl of soup for lunch. The most delicious seafood chowder any of us had ever had and in a very warm and popular pub. We still had another 2 hours driving to do and goodness the roads weren’t getting any wider or less windy, worse if anything. Karry was in the back today and she had to bail with about half an hour to go. She was looking green and had to have a break and then claimed the front seat.

    Our little house in Killarney is great, three bedrooms with three bathrooms, perfect! Went into town for some dinner after we’d settled in and then home for a nightcap.    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore
    Downtown Killarney
    Our lovely house in KillarneyTorc WaterfallKenmareRace right through town!We love the sheep!

    THE RING OF KERRY - PART 1

    24 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Today we are setting off to drive around the Ring of Kerry.

    We started off with a little faux par when we pulled into the wrong car park for Torc Waterfall. We were all thinking it was a pretty poor excuse for a waterfall but soon realized our mistake when we came across a large sign and car park and a much more impressive waterfall!

    Next up was Ladies View and Moll’s Gap, then onto Kenmare for breakfast. Lots of restaurants there but none open for breakfast until we found a little gem around the corner. Had a delicious full Irish breakfast and then a slice of lemon meringue pie!

    Next stop was Staigue Stone Fort. A little detour off the road, but well worth it. Built in the early centuries AD, all the walls are still standing, and you can walk around the whole fort on the top. Little scary for some of us, not for the kid running around the whole thing.

    Then came O’Connell Beach, Derrynane Beach and Coomakista viewpoint. Wow such spectacular views over the wild Atlantic, which is really rather tame today, flat enough that the fishing boats are out in force.

    Skellig Ring led to the beautiful Kerry Cliffs which are actually on private land. It’s a steep 10-minute walk up to the cliffs and the viewpoints but so worth it. Spectacular scenery and so many birds nesting around the cliffs. This was a spectacular spot!

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    THE RING OF KERRY - PART 2

    24 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Our last stop for the day was Portmagee. On the way we did a walk along the headland with stunning views of the Skellig Islands to one side and farmland with sheep and cows grazing to the other side. Portmagee is a pretty little fishing village and we found our way into the main part. We could have spent a lot more time here but unfortunately the day was running out. We had a much needed cup of tea at the local pub before travelling the 70 kms back to Killarney. What a day of exceptional viewpoints!

    Back at Killarney, we pulled straight into Main Street for another delicious dinner before heading home to bed. It’s been a full day!    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    AROUND KILLARNEY

    25 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    After our big touring day yesterday, we decided to do a few things closer to home today. Millie wanted to send some things home to lighten the load so first stop was the Post Office. The ladies in there pointed us in the direction of a great Irish breakfast to set us up for the day.

    It’s a showery day so first off is Muckross House, mainly because it will be inside. A beautiful 19th century house, set on the shores of Lake Muckross one of the three lakes in Killarney. Most of it has been restored and is set up as it would have been originally.
    It has the most beautiful gardens there as well and luckily the rain stopped for us to have a brief look around them too. So many flowering rhododendrons. They have a weaver on site and make their own cloth for coats, hats and scarves. Graham and Karry both bought a new hat.

    Next up a visit to the Killarney brewery. We were all still too full from our breakfast for lunch but Marl and I had a lovely cocktail, Graham and Millie did a beer tasting. Great beers apparently.

    We’d called into St Mary's Cathedral yesterday but there was a memorial for someone going on so we didn’t stay. Today we got there just before the six o’clock service and managed to have a little look around before it started. What a beautiful church. Amazing architecture and windows.

    Ross Castle was next on the list, it’s on one of the lakes as well and so pretty with swans, boats, and deer around.

    Into town then to find somewhere for dinner. It’s Saturday night and so busy. We tried a few places but all booked. Millie remembered passing somewhere just after we got out of the car so we headed back there. Luckily they had a table off to the side near a sports bar. Great food, Karry and I had cottage pie again and it was delicious, Millie had fish and Graham found some duck so everyone was happy.

    They had music playing and they started at about 8pm. Three older guys with a guitar, a mandolin and banjo. Really good but we couldn’t see from where we’d had dinner so we moved over to the other section, after a little heated disagreement with a nazi floor manager who didn’t seem to think we should be there.

    The band knew all the favourite Irish songs and quite a lot of Australian ones too. It was a great night.

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    CLIFFS OF MOHER, DOOLIN AND GALWAY

    26 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We are packed up and on our way early from Killarney to Galway today. We’re taking the Ferry across the Shannon River, it Sunday so the roads are a bit quite to start with but there are quite a few cars and buses waiting for the ferry by the time it get there. This is a bit of a short cut to the Cliffs of Moher so a popular route.

    The day stared out a bit dim but is brightening up as we drive along. Getting off the ferry we following some tiny little roads up to the cliffs. I don’t know where the buses went but it wouldn’t have been this way. Someone had told Marl and Millie about a great coffee stop just before the Cliffs so we were on the lookout for that. We found it, and it didn’t disappoint. Such good coffee Graham had to go back for a second and the homemade cakes were delicious too.

    Getting to the cliffs we can see where all the buses were heading today. So many of them there. Luckily the cliffs go on forever so all these people can spread out. We saw the cliffs in all weather today, and they look amazing in Sun, rain, mist and wind. The weather is very changeable today, luckily we managed to stay dry through most of it though.

    A few kilometres and back along the cliffs had used up the cake and coffee so off to Doolin for lunch. So many great pubs with fabulous food here, and they are all so quick. Mussels, seafood chowder and Guinness stew all with homemade bread and butter.

    It’s maybe another hour into Galway driving through The Burren. What an amazing landscape. Whole mountains covered in cask limestone. It was fascinating. Makes you wonder why anyone would settle there, so much work moving rocks to get to the soil.

    We found our Airbnb. It’s over a small pub called Tigin. And it is tiny, two little rooms with two beds in each and a bathroom to share. Talk about cosy. It definitely leaves a bit to be desired, especially my bed, had to put a few pillows under it to fill the hole or I’d have been on the floor.

    We had a bit of a walk along the river and then into the Latin Quarter before having an easy fish and chip dinner. They have a music jam at our little bar downstairs tonight so we came back and enjoyed that for a few hours before bed.    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    IRELAND’S OLDEST PUB - SEAN’S

    27 maggio 2024, Irlanda ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Today we going for a trip to find not only the oldest pub in Ireland but the oldest recoded pub in the world. It is in the Guinness book of recorded as dating back to the 10th century.

    It is in Athlone about an hours drive from Galway. Easy drive straight along the freeway. We planned to go to the Castle and the art Gallery as well but unfortunately they are both shut on a Monday. Should have done our research before heading off. Oh well so off to the pub it is. Turned out to be a great time to go. Just on opening so not many people around. The lovely barmaid made us a Irish coffee, man she didn’t skimp on the whisky either. We stayed there people watching as the bar got busier and busier. Of course we had to have a Guinness in the oldest pub in the world before we left.

    They don’t serve food here only drinks so off we went to forage for some lunch. Found another little gem of a pub which served the best roast beef lunch and rhubarb, and apple.

    Seems like it’s a pub kind of day, dinner at the Kings Head and then some music at The Do Drop Inn and a rollicking good time at Barr An Chaladh!    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    Last Day in Galway

    28 maggio 2024, Grecia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We decided to have a lazy morning today. Millie and I went off in search of a few souvenirs and a Claddagh ring. We had eyed them off in a shop in town so after finding some breakfast we went to the shop and found a lovely ring for Millie and a couple of souvenirs. Karry and Graham did much the same but we didn't run into each other.

    We regrouped in the afternoon and set off to find the beach, An Cnocan Carrach. Try saying that! It was grey, wild and windy as we had imagined but also good to see it like that. We were surprised to see some people doing serious swimming! We were freezing out of the water. We were lucky to get a visit in before it started raining and we headed to a lovely coffee shop for coffee and delicious cakes.

    We went back to the Barr an Chaladh again for dinner, so convenient being just across from where we're staying and you can't beat the atmosphere there.    Leggi altro

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  • Marlene Smith2024 UK AdventureViaggiatore

    Beautiful Kylemoor Abbey

    29 maggio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We’re packing up from our tiny little rooms in Galway today. It’s been a great location, so central and great pubs and music all around Apart from my bed issues we’ve managed fine in this little space. It will be nice to be able to spread out again today though when we get to Donegal.

    Our stop on the way is Kylemore Abbey. A Benedictine monastery set on 1,000 acres of mountainside in Connemara. A photo of this Abbey keeps coming up on Graham’s feed so he is keen to see it. Driving up to the Abbey you’re met with a stunning view of it over the lake. The castle is beautiful outside and inside, The history is fascinating, the surrounding landscape stunning. We also loved the Victorian garden is amazing and luckily the sun came out for us as we got there The pretty little gothic church is under renovation but what we saw of it was lovely.

    We spent longer at the abbey then we intended and then had a long drive to get to Donegal. Lovely little cottage we have here up on the hill with three bedrooms. Once we settled in we headed into town for some easy cheeseboard supplies for dinner. We’re looking forward to exploring tomorrow.    Leggi altro

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    Fine del viaggio
    16 giugno 2024