Ireland/Scotland/London 2024

Millie, Graham, Karry and I teamed up on a 22-day road trip around Ireland and Scotland and finishing with 3 days in London. Millie and I had been planning a trip to Ireland for many years so it was great to finally be on our way! Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

Trip start
May 21, 2024
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Arriving in Ireland!
May 21, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Today we are leaving Athens behind and setting off for Ireland. We are all very excited about our UK adventure!

Landed in Dublin, 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. The shuttle bus driver at the airport told Graham he was crazy to be going on holidays with 3 women! Then he gave us some tips for getting on the freeway and getting into Dublin the next day. Picked up our hire car and we are on our way.

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 accommodation 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. We had our first Guinness of the trip here. We had the best fish and chips any of us had had for a long time for dinner at the pub. 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 decided to go to bed reasonably early but Karry and Graham heard music and headed downstairs to listen for half an hour or so.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Exploring Dublin
May 22, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 17 °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 at our stop. 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 there and had a bit of a rest while we had a Guinness and enjoyed the atmosphere.

After buying a few souvenirs we jumped back on the ‘hop on hop off’ bus 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.

Another great dinner at the pub followed by some entertaining music.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
On our Way to Killarney
May 23, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 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 onto 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! And the robot mower kept us amused every time one of us looked outside. Went into town for some dinner after we’d settled in and then home for a nightcap.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
The Ring of Kerry - Part 1
May 24, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °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. 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 homemade lemon meringue pie! Delicious, we all licked the plate!

Next stop was Staigue Stone Fort. 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, but 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 viewpoints but so worth it. Spectacular scenery and so many birds nesting around the cliffs. This was a spectacular spot!

.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
The Ring of Kerry - Part 2
May 24, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °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!Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
In and Around Killarney
May 25, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °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 dry. 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 in its original state. It has beautiful gardens and luckily the rain stopped for us to have a brief look around them. 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 Karry 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 6pm service and managed to have a quick 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 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 fully 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 from 8pm. Three older guys with a guitar, a mandolin and banjo. Really good but we couldn’t see from where we’d had dinner. We moved over to the other section when some spare seats came up. Karry had a little heated disagreement with a Nazi floor manager who didn’t seem to think we should be there but she won out in the end. He kept his eye on us all night though haha.

The band knew all the favourite Irish songs and a lot of Australian ones too. It was a great night and watching the floor manager scooting around all the time gave us quite a few laughs.

Leave a comment …Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Cliffs of Moher, Doolin and Galway
May 26, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
We are packed up and on our way early from Killarney to Galway today. We loved our stay in Killarney. We’re taking the Ferry across the Shannon River. It is Sunday so the roads are a bit quiet to start with but there are quite a few cars and buses waiting for the ferry by the time it got there. This is a bit of a shortcut to the Cliffs of Moher so a popular route.

The day started out a bit dim but is brightening up as we drive along. Getting off the ferry we follow 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. 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 mostly. Lovely time spent here with such amazing landscapes.

A few kilometres and back along the cliffs we 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. So good! 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 in Galway. It’s over a small pub called Tigin. 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 but it is right in town in a great location. Poor Karry got the bad bed - very lumpy. She had to stick a couple of pillows under one side to stop herself falling out!

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 couple of hours before bed.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Ireland's Oldest Pub - Sean's
May 27, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Today we are going for a trip to find not only the oldest pub in Ireland but the oldest recorded pub in the world. It is in the Guinness Book of Records as dating back to the 10th Century.

It is in Athlone, about an hour’s drive from Galway. Easy drive straight along the freeway. We had planned to go to the Castle and the Art Gallery as well but they are both shut on a Monday. Oh well, 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 an Irish coffee, delicious! 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. Great experience and great atmosphere at this pub.

They don’t serve food in this pub so off we went to forage for some lunch. Found another little gem of a pub which served the best roast beef lunch followed with rhubarb and apple crumble for dessert. Graham always finds an old guy at the bar to chat with and this pub was no different. There is always one and they usually have a story to tell.

Seems like it’s a pub kind of day! We had dinner at the Kings Head and then some music at The Dew Drop Inn and lastly some fun at the Barr An Chaladh right across from where we are staying! The place was packed and there was a wake happening so lots of people drinking and dancing and having a good time.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Last Day in Galway
May 28, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
We decided to have a lazy morning today. Millie and I went off in search of a few souvenirs and a Claddagh ring that Millie promised herself on this trip. We had eyed them off in a shop in town so after finding some breakfast we went to the shop and found a lovely one for Millie and then ventured into a few other shops and got 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 warm coffee shop for coffee and delicious cakes. They certainly know how to make yummy cakes and slices in Ireland.

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.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Beautiful Kylemoor Abbey
May 29, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 15 °C
We’re packing up from our tiny rooms in Galway today. It’s been a great location, so central and great pubs and music all around. Apart from Karry’s bed issues, we’ve managed very well 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 and the surrounding landscape stunning. We also loved the Victorian garden. The pretty little gothic church here is under renovation but it is lovely too.

We spent longer at the abbey than we intended and then had a long drive to get to Donegal. Lovely little cottage 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 Donegal tomorrow.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Exploring Donegal
May 30, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Nice slow morning and then we headed into the town centre for a look around. We split up with Karry and Graham and Millie and I headed off to have a look around on our own and we found a lovely café for coffee and breakfast. Nice little shops here too and the people are very nice. We got some tips off a nice man in a little gift shop for our driving day tomorrow. We met up with Karry and Graham again to tour Donegal Castle, arrived just as a tour was leaving. What an excellent tour guide. So passionate and informative about the castle’s history as well as Ireland’s troubled past.

It’s a bit of a changeable day today, rain one minute, sun out the next. We decided to try our luck in the afternoon and visit the Fairy Bridges and Mullaghmore Head. We had a break in the weather just after arriving at the Fairy Bridges. Beautiful walk along some very dramatic coastline but so so windy! We were all dressed like Michelin men in about five layers and still cold.

Another 10 kms on was Mullaghmore Head. It’s a famous surf beach in Ireland. Must be a bit too extreme today, no one was braving the water. They had some good waves going on there though.

We’ve booked a restaurant tonight. Quay West, which Michael our Landlord tells us is the best place in town., Turns out that the man in the gift shop is married to the owner of the restaurant! Anyway it was fabulous! We had a great meal and then headed down to the Reel Inn for some music. Graham requested a few songs and the musicians said he had to sing Waltzing Matilda if they played his request. So he did of course, along with the Australian contingent in the audience.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Slieve League Cliffs
May 31, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Today looks like it’s going to be a cracker of a day so we’re going on a circuit to Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) cliffs and the surrounding areas. Our host, Michael, has given us a mud map to follow.

First off is Killybegs, the biggest fishing port in Ireland. Not the most inspiring town but they did have huge fishing boats there. Next we tried to find the secret waterfall but after walking down a very steep driveway to a rocky beach where you had to go 350 meters down the beach over slippery rocks and if the tide is coming in you might get stuck, we gave it a miss.

Slieve League was next on the list. They had the road up to the cliffs blocked off but luckily the security guard said we could still walk up as long as we’d paid the parking fee. The cliffs were as beautiful as we had imagined. Karry and Graham had been here before but were equally impressed the second time. Not many people up here yet so we had free rein with the photos.

Malin Beg and its beach Silver Strands were both spectacular, so many gorgeous ocean views along the drive and the beach was a perfect golden sand beach. We went down a steep staircase of 176 steps to the beach. It must be so popular in summer!

We stopped at Glencolmcille Folk Village for lunch and a much needed toilet stop. What a great job they’ve done building replicas of thatch roof cottages from the 1700s to the 1900s including schools, pubs and fisherman cottages. Beautiful view from up there too.

Last stop for the day was Ardara where we called into Eddie Doherty’s workshop to watch the weaver's demonstration. A dying art thanks to the invention of computer controlled weaving but so fascinating to watch. Eddie has been weaving for 67 years and can weave a metre of fabric in an hour. There is a whisky distillery in Ardara and we had a brief stop there for a tasting. Graham had the full tasting of whisky and gin but the girls and I stuck with the gin. Another great day!Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Malin’s Head
June 1, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
We left Donegal this morning. What a great stay we’ve had in this little town. We’re making a detour to visit the most Northern part of Ireland, Malin Head. The locals have told us it’s a must see. It’s only about an hour’s drive out of our way and such a pretty drive across the country and along the coastline. It was well worth the extra time.

We had a few stops to make but they are all quite close together. First off were the largest sand dunes in Ireland. They must have meant width because they aren’t that high. The local kids were enjoying the beach on their ponies.

Then onto Malin Well, a rocky little beach with all coloured rocks, a cave and a church ruin. There is a well somewhere too but we failed to find it.

Next we headed up to the Banba’s Crown at the top of Ireland. A watch tower the British built when they were worried about France invading them in the Napoleon War. So breezy up that tower, would have been a pretty miserable post for the lookouts. We walked along the cliff to see Hell’s Hole, a gap between the rocks where the water rushes through. Amazing ocean views from along the cliff walk. We couldn’t stop taking photos.

By this time the most northern pub in Ireland was open for lunch so we headed over there. Farren’s Pub has been in the same family for 199 years. We had some delicious fresh prawn and crab sandwiches before heading off to drive Knockamany Ben’s Road on the other side of the Headland. Another beautiful drive with ocean views and gorgeous green fields with sheep, cows and the occasional alpaca.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Ballintoy, Northern Ireland
June 1, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
After lunch at Farren's Pub and a lovely scenic drive, we arrived to take the Lough Foyle Ferry across to Northern Ireland to our next stop on the Causeway Coast - Ballintoy. The weather has just got better and better today.

Our accommodation is a cute little cottage with sea views across the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone has their own room again so happy days. After settling in, we walked down to Ballintoy Harbour and I mean down and down and down. Lovely harbour though and lots of people down there, swimming, boating or just enjoying the sunshine. There is a lovely little white church we can see from our front window and fields of sheep, lots of little lambs and pregnant mothers among them.

Dinner at the pub just down the road was a success with enough leftovers for breakfast. It’s still so light outside we decided to drive over to see the Dark Hedges which is famous for featuring in Game of Thrones. No cars driving on the road at this time which was great.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
The Causeway Coast
June 2, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We have a few sights to get to today. Luckily none of them are very far away. First off is the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. It’s only about four kms from our accommodation. It's an old fishing bridge that used to bring the salmon over to the mainland from the safe harbour of the island. Originally just a one rope ladder bridge. About a kilometre walk to the bridge with lots of beautiful vistas along the way. The bridge is a little hairy if you think about it too much. Well worth it to see all the beautiful wildflowers on the island.

After a delicious sausage roll and a waffle at the café there, we went onto the next stop, Giant's Causeway. Wow! so many people. It’s a Sunday so we shouldn’t be surprised. Luckily it’s a big area so everyone spreads out once past the main area.

We’ve booked a tour at Bushmills this afternoon. Great tour with only a young tour guide who got a hard time from an ignorant German man in our group. We all learnt a few things about whisky we hadn’t known before. A free drink was included at the end and we had a Whisky cocktail. Today it was a Cosmopolitan which was so delicious we had to go back for a second.

Karry was the designated driver today and after a stopover for supplies of wine, beer and cheese. she drove home very carefully. Thank goodness it is only 10 kms.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Arriving in Belfast
June 3, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
We are heading to Belfast today. We have to drop the car back at the airport and luckily we’ve got an early check in at our apartment. We arrived just after 10 o’clock and set off to look for some breakfast. We found a lovely breakfast stop but with the crankiest owners. We're not used to that, everyone usually loves us in Ireland.

After a quick stop in at the tourist office we headed off to find the Peace Wall. The whole Irish conflict is very involved and I don't understand most of it. It was a bit of a trek and most of it not too inspiring really. We weren’t really feeling the love for Belfast.

The sun came out for us in the afternoon and we had a lovely picnic with wine, cheese and beer and set off for Pug Uglies, a Bar just around the corner for dinner. Luckily the barman there was much more friendly than the coffee shop lady. Monday nights are a bit quiet in Belfast.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
The Titanic, White's Pub & Irish Linen
June 4, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
We’ve bought tickets for the first session at the Titanic Experience today. We’ve all heard good things about it and it definitely lived up to expectations. It’s starts off showing the Industrial Age in Belfast with Linen manufacturing, machinery works and ship building. Then on to the designing and building of the ship, the launching, fitting it out, the layout, the storage and accommodation before going on to the first voyage.

Even though we all know the story, it was extremely moving hearing stories from the survivors, stories of people who were lost and stories of the crew. It seemed like everything that could go wrong did. They didn’t see the iceberg in time, they didn’t have enough lifeboats, they didn’t have binoculars in the crows nest and the nearest ship to them didn’t hear the SOS.

The whole museum was extremely well done. We all enjoyed it. We got the glider back to the city in the sunshine, but by the time we got off, it was blowing a gale and starting to rain. We were looking for somewhere for lunch, and just by pure chance, picked the oldest pub in Belfast, White’s Tavern. They were just opening and we were greeted by the friendliest barman, who brought us drinks, food and a tour of the old bar.

After hearing about Irish linen, Karry and I decided we needed a fabric souvenir so the search was on for a fabric shop close by. We found one down a little lane. What a cute shop and good to see it was really busy. A lovely lady in there found some Irish linen for us and we both bought a couple of pieces.

There are so many lovely old buildings in Belfast. We called into the Town Hall for a quick look on the way home. In 1888 Queen Victoria granted Belfast city status and it was agreed that a grand and magnificent building was required to reflect this. The Town Hall really is stunning, they really knew how to impress in the Victorian Era.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Trip to Ballyclare
June 5, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
This morning Millie and I are taking a little trip out of town to Ballyclare to find a memorial to Millie’s Great Uncle who died in the war. When we looked it up it wasn't that far so we set about working out how to get ourselves there.

We walked into town and asked at the information centre and found out there are buses going out there regularly. We had a bite to eat in a little café while we waited and then onto the bus and off to Ballyclare. It was about an hour away on the bus so we sat back and enjoyed the ride and the scenery. It is only a small town but it did take us a little while to find where to go. Once we had our bearings and directions from a local, it didn't take us long to walk to the memorial in the park. It was a lovely park and a lovely memorial. Millie was really pleased to locate it and send some photos home to her brother, Paul.

There really wasn't much to do in the centre of this little town, so after another walk up the main street we were ready to go back. It would have been a nice area to explore more if we had a car. We spotted a bus going to Belfast so we jumped on it. We got back into town just as Karry & Graham finished having a late lunch. We had another walk around the town centre of Belfast before heading home. It was a nice relaxing day today which is probably what we all needed.

We’re excited to be off to Scotland tomorrow to see what other adventures await.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Stirling Castle, Scotland
June 6, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
We had an early flight from Belfast to Edinburgh this morning. Nice quiet airport, good flight but the hire car wasn’t quite ready. After a bit of a wait we had our car. It's a bit more roomy than the last one which is good. Stirling is not far from Edinburgh so it only took us about 40 minutes to get there.

We can’t get into the accommodation until 4pm so we took ourselves up to Stirling Castle for a visit. What a magnificent place. We had a fabulous tour guide with a great booming voice, funny and knowledgeable. The castle sits high up on the hill overlooking Stirling with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Parts of it, the kitchens, guard house, vaults and some living rooms are set up as they would have been when the Kings of Scotland were living there. Queen Anne’s garden at the front of the castle was filled with flowers. You could just imagine her sitting there enjoying the sunshine.

We loaded up on happy hour supplies for a few days at Tesco. Our accommodation is lovely. Nice big unit, with big bedrooms and two bathrooms and comfy beds. It is in a lovely neighbourhood too and close to the main street. We walked into town to forage for some dinner with great success.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Dunblane, Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel
June 7, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
We are meeting Lan, Joc, Lorraine and Renee for morning tea at Dunblane this morning. They are travelling down from the Peak District. We are meeting at Another Tillie’s Tearoom. We got there a bit early and the homemade cakes had us salivating while we waited. It was lovely to share a bit of what we’ve all been doing the last few weeks and the cakes lived up to expectations as well.

The sun was trying to come out after morning tea so we decided to try our luck visiting The Kelpies. At 30 metres high, The Kelpies is the largest equine sculpture in the world. The two steel horse heads rear up by the Forth & Clyde Canal. Sculptor Andy Scott was inspired both by the myth of the kelpies and by the Clydesdale horses that once powered Scottish industry by pulling barges transporting goods and materials for manufacture. It really is an imposing piece of art, and so much bigger than I was expecting.

Next up was the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering – and only using the same power it would take to boil eight kettles. It was great to see!

We booked a Stirling Ghost Walk Tour tonight up at the local church tonight. We were met with our guide in full dress and character! It was a mix of storytelling, drama and comedy while we listened and walked around the graveyard.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
William Wallace Monument
June 8, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
We’ve got a plan this morning to see the William Wallace Monument. We thought it was just a monument you climbed up the hill and had a look at but no it’s a whole experience apparently. We’ve booked for 10 o’clock and once more our timing is impeccable and there are only a few people out and about that early. It’s a bit cool today and the wind is picking up.

The monument was built and funded by the people of Scotland to celebrate one of their heroes and his efforts to free Scotland from the rule of England. It has 246 steps to the top but luckily there are three floors of displays to break the steps up. The Hall of Arms, The Hall of Heroes, The Royal Chamber and then of course The Crown at the very top. All the displays are so well done but the crowning glory is really at the very top. It is such a clear day, we had magic views across the whole landscape in every direction. The wind was horrendous, nearly knocked you over. It was certainly giving us a bad hair day, not to mention the wind chill factor.

They had an actor there at the end telling the story of William Wallace. Most people know the story thanks to the film Braveheart and after visiting the monument we all want to watch the film again.

Back into town for a pub lunch. We tried to park in town but it is impossible, luckily our accommodation is not far away so took the car home and walked into town. We passed a bit of a market in the main street and one of the vendors was selling home made pies so we bought a selection of them to have for supper, along with some wine.

Stirling has a lovely main street with lots of eateries and some lovely gift shops.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
A Trip into Edinburgh
June 9, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Millie and I are off to Edinburgh today, while Karry & Graham do some exploring around the countryside here. Got to the train station only to find out they had cancelled the trains today. We weren't sure what to do but then they told us they were putting on some buses so we went and joined the queue for a bus. It was a bit of a wait but we persevered and got on a bus eventually. We had wasted a couple of hours but were still excited to see Edinburgh.

We had a lovely day exploring Edinburgh, we took the hop on hop off bus which was good and we jumped off at anything we wanted to explore. We got off at the Grassmarket stop and it was a lovely little area to look around and have lunch. This time we stumbled into the smallest pub in Ireland! They love records in Ireland but we had a great lunch here. We walked the Royal Mile and admired all the amazing architecture and loved the cobbled streets.

There were pink wigs and people dressed in pink everywhere and eventually we found out Taylor Swift was in town and having a concert that afternoon and another that night. There were a lot of excited people around.

The trains were going again so we got a train back to Stirling mid afternoon and Karry and Graham were at the train station to meet us. We'd all had a great day but a busy one.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Loch Lomond
June 10, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Our last full day in Scotland today and we’re going for a road trip around Lake Lomond. Graham and Karry have been to Lake Lamond before but it poured rain the whole day so wasn’t very enjoyable.

Today is looking good, the sun is out and the visibility to the mountains is amazing. The locks, the fields, all the sheep, cattle and the mountains make for a lovely drive. We stopped for morning tea at The Duck Hotel. Fancy place on the water with a great selection of cakes. We tried four different ones and shared them. Ten minutes driving and Marl realised she had left her glasses on the table so around we went and luckily they were still there. Next stop is the cute little village of Luss. Cruises across the lake leave from here so it’s a popular place, full of lovely cottages with flowers around them, a nice beach, a few gift shops and a pretty church.

We went past a little outcrop where Graham remembered taking a photo last time they were here. So they had to get an updated one. Drovers Inn for lunch and it was a hit with everyone. Guinness Pie, Mince and Tatties and Guinness. One of the oldest pubs in Scotland and the most haunted, full of stuffed animals and historical ambience. It was in the middle of nowhere but very busy.

Falls of Dochart, Lock Tay and the River Tay finished off our drive and then we turned for home. We took a short/long cut on the way home and drove through a gorgeous valley with hills covered in heather and gorse. The gorse was in flower but the heather needs another month to be in full bloom. Makes for majestic scenery with all the different colours. It was quite different scenery to what we had seen so far. beautiful!

We arrived home about 5pm, well pleased with our day and spent the next few hours happily consuming the rest of our cheese, biscuits, wine and beer.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Edinburgh to London
June 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We caught the train from Edinburgh to London. We had quite a long wait for our train. The train trip was about 4 1/2 hours. We got off at Kings Cross Station and decided to jump in a cab. My first experience in a black London cab!

We arrived just in time to settle into our hotel and have dinner at the restaurant downstairs. We’re all a bit tired after a day of travel but we perked up over dinner and a few drinks. The hotel is good and central, although we have a hard time finding the front entrance when we got there! Travelling days are always tiring but we are pleased to be here and looking forward to exploring London tomorrow.Read more
0 likes
Ireland/Scotland/London 2024 Traveler
Day 1 in London
June 12, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
One of the things I really wanted to do in London was to visit Harrod’s. Millie is going to meet her friend, Jacinta so I’m going off with Karry and Graham and first stop is Harrods. Harrods is an eye opener. They really know how to market a brand. We wanted to buy a couple of souvenirs but 15 pounds for a key ring or 20 for a tea towel was a bit much. We settled for a shopping bag at the ridiculous price of 20 pounds. I also bought a cute pink teddy for little Maya who will be arriving just after we get home.

Graham is going to meet a costumer who’s ordered an instrument in Oxford so he left us and went back to the hotel to get organised. We went to Piccadilly Circus to see what shows were on and buy tickets for us all to go to tomorrow night. We settled on the Lion King but while we were there they had matinee tickets for Sister Act at a great price. We hadn’t really planned anything else that afternoon so Karry and I got them as well.

What a great show, we both throughly enjoyed it. We’d had a delicious lunch at The Cambridge on the way to the theatre so only needed a snack for dinner. We couldn’t find much else on offer around the hotel so we settled for the 2 for 1 cocktails at the bar and a few nibbles.

Millie and her friends and Graham came back in time to join us for a couple of drinks. Everyone had a great day.Read more
0 likes