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Grand Tour of Europe - 2023
  • Stephen and Debbie
  • Stephen and Debbie

Grand Tour of Europe - 2023

Finally! Our Grand Tour of Europe is here. 90 days travelling through the United Kingdom, France, (with a brief visit to Belgium) and then on to Italy, before finishing with a few days in Dubai. Read more
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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Cuillin Mountains at Slinigachan
    Cuillin Mountains at SlinigachanOld Man of Storr on SkyePortreeBroadfordView from our room at Broadford.

    Isle of Skye

    May 24, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    After leaving the highlands, we travelled along the west coast of Scotland and crossed the Skye Bridge at the village of Kyle of Lochalshe to get to the Isle of Skye ("speed bonnie boat ... over the sea to Skye").

    The Isle of Skye was first settled by Celts and then the Vikings. It is the ancient home of the McDonald and McLeod clans.

    We visited Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye and went to Sligachan, with views of the Cuillin mountains.

    Our hotel was in Broadford on Broadford Bay with views of the bay out of the window.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Eileen Donnan
    Eileen DonnanThe highlandsThe highlandsSpean BridgeBen NevisCommando memorial at Ben Nevis.

    Eileen Donnan & Ben Nevis

    May 25, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today we travelled down through the west highlands of Scotland, which was incredibly beautiful.

    Our first stop was the much photographed Eileen Donnan Castle on Loch Duich. Originally built in the 13th century, the bridge was added in the early 20th century when much of the castle was rebuilt. There are 30000 lochs in Scotland!

    We then went to Ben Nevis (Ben means Mount in Gallic), the highest peak in the U.K. It is covered by cloud on average for 340 days per year, but not today, so we were very lucky to be able to see it.

    There is a memorial there for the commando units - the Green Berets - established in WW2. They trained in this area and on nearby Ben Nevis.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The Three Sisters of Glencoe
    The Three Sisters of GlencoeThe Three Sisters of GlencoeThe highlandsLoch LomondLoch Lomond1

    Glencoe & Loch Lomond

    May 25, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We continued on a drive through Glencoe National Park with more spectacular mountains and lochs.

    It was then off to the 'bonnie bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, the largest loch in Scotland and lying beneath Ben Lomond. Blue skies and sunshine made it look even more spectacular.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    River Clyde
    Central Station, GlasgowMacSorleys Pub

    Glasgow

    May 25, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our stop for the night is in Glasgow, which is the biggest city in Scotland and on the Clyde River.

    We found a pub for dinner which had good food, good beer and a singer playing our sort of music, so it was a really good last night in Scotland. Tomorrow we head for Ireland!Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Ailsa Craig from Shallochpark
    Sheep at ShallochparkYou have to admit - they are cute.Probably even cuter on the dinner plate.Our ferry arrives at Cairnryan

    Glasgow to Cairnryan

    May 26, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Today we travelled on the ferry across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland, from where so many ancestors from both sides of the family originated. To bring this home, whilst waiting for our ferry, we were speaking to a truck driver and he was from Ballymena. This is where Robert McGill - my maternal great great great grandfather came from before leaving and sailing to Sydney, arriving in 1842.

    After leaving Glasgow in the morning, we travelled down the scenic Ayrshire coast, which gave us views of Ailsa Craig in the distance.

    The ferry departed from Cairnryan, but was delayed by 2 hours. Eventually we got underway and arrived at the port of Larne in Northern Ireland.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    2It truly is the Emerald Isle
    Ireland from the ferryLondonderryLondonderry from the city wallsMurals in the catholic Bogside area commemorating the heroes of The TroublesThe River FoylePeace Bridge built to recognise the peace agreement.

    Northern Ireland & Derry

    May 26, 2023 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    After arriving in Northern Ireland, we travelled through Antrim and Ulster to Londonderry, where we were taken on a tour of the city with a local appropriately named Ronan. He was entertaining and told and showed us the cities history and explained the story behind the conflict of The Troubles between the Irish and the English and how Londonderry (or Derry, depending on whether you are English or Irish, Protestant or Catholic) has moved on since the peace settlement in 1998 with the signing of the Belfast Agreement.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Nay of the Cow, at the Giants Causeway
    Portrush Golf ClubDunluce Castle

    The Giants Causeway

    May 27, 2023 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    This morning, we headed down the Atlantic Ocean coast through Ballysally, Bushmills and Portrush (and the golf course, home of the 2019 Open Championship) and on to the incredible Giants Causeway. Once again, we were blessed with great weather.

    Along the way, we passed the ruins of Dunluce Castle, which was used as Castle Greyjoy, in Game of Thrones.

    The Giants Causeway has to be seen to be believed, but is simply spectacular.

    It was then back to Londondonderry and from there we headed into Ireland, although for the next few days we will criss-cross between the two countries.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Benbulbin
    Clayton Hotel, SligoBelleek PotteryThis is actually china pottery!

    Belleek & Sligo

    May 27, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    From Londonderry it was on through County Tyrone and County Donegal to Belleek, where we had a visit to Belleek Pottery, where they have been making fine china since 1857. We thought it was expensive, which it was, but after seeing how much work goes into each individual piece, then maybe it is not so expensive after all.

    Then it was on to Sligo in County Sligo, a 12th century Norman town on the west coast and adjoining the North Atlantic Ocean. We are now in Ireland!

    We passed the impressive Benbulbin on the way.

    Our hotel was the rather grand Clayton Hotel, an Elizabethan inspired building that in the 1800's was originally a hospital.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1Border of County Mayo and Galway.Statue of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

    Cong

    May 28, 2023 in Ireland

    We left Sligo and travelled down the road known as the Wild Atlantic Way heading to Galway, travelling through County Mayo and into County Galway.

    Our first stop was the little town of Cong (pop'n 924). It straddles the border of County Mayo and County Galway and our visit there was a highlight. It has a pretty river, woodlands and ruined monastery. The town dates from the 13th century. It is famous as the town where the 1952 Oscar winning movie The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara was filmed.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Loughborough Corrib in the Connemarra
    Lough CorribConnemarraGalwayRiver Corrib at GalwayRiver Corrib at GalwayThomas Dillon's - claddagh ring makers

    The Connemarra & Galway

    May 28, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Our journey to Galway from Cong was through the magnificent Connemarra National Park, an area of sensational beauty that is rugged and sparsely populated.

    Galway, our next destination, is the home of the Claddagh ring, something you buy for a loved one. No one bought me one. But we had an order from Sally, which we successfully completed.

    Galway is an ancient seaport and city (pop. 70000) on Galway Bay in the North Atlantic Ocean.

    It was crowded on Sunday with large crowds enjoying the sunshine, shops and a day at the markets.

    It was then off to Limerick for the night.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    King Joh's Castle at Limerick
    King John's Castle and the River ShannonThe River Shannon at Limerick

    Limerick

    May 28, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The terrific weather continued and Limerick was abuzz when we arrived, as the local team were playing Cork in hurling, with Limerick needing to win to make the Championship Final, which they did. We saw the crowds making their way to the stadium, then we watched a fair bit of the game at the hotel when we arrived. Hurling is a great game to watch.

    King Johns Castle on the River Shannon is at the centre of Limerick. It was designed as a defensive castle, not one to be lived in and was built on the site of an old Viking fortress.

    The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland and it flows through 11 counties.

    Dinner was at the hotel. The Irish and British sure know how to do pub fish and chips and also pub pies and chips. And we haven't had a bad beer yet.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Entry to Adare ManorThe grounds of Adare Manor3Cousin Aisling's shop.

    Adare

    May 29, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Our first stop after leaving Limerick was the pretty little village of Adare, on the River Maigue. It is a town of thatched cottages and three abbey's dating back to the 12th century. It has a manor house that is now a golf course and hotel.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Lough Leane and the McGillicuddy Reeks from Aghadoe.
    Killarney National ParkRoss Castle2Debbie and 'Max'.KillarneyO'Connors

    Killarney

    May 29, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    From Adare, we headed into County Kerry and our stop for the next two nights, the city of Killarney.

    There have been records mentioning Killarney since 600AD. It is the starting point for the famous Ring of Kerry, so it is extremely popular.

    Our first stop was at Aghadoe, meaning 'the place of two yew trees.' Here's an interesting fact - yew trees are planted near churches because they stop the cows walking near the church, as they don't like walking on the fallen pine needles.

    At Aghadoe, we could see Lough Leane and the mountains of the McGillicuddy Reeks in the background.

    We then went for a 'jaunty cart' ride through Killarney National Park. These are a tradition here and it was enjoyable and scenic. We 'jaunted' alongside Lough Leane and had good views of the ancient Ross Castle on an island in the Lough.

    We then checked out the shops and had a well earned Guiness (or two) at O'Connor's Pub.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Killarney National Park - in the McGillicuddy Reeks
    The Dingle PeninsulaWatervaleCharlie Chaplin at WatervaleThe Dingle Peninsula and the Skellig Islands.An abandoned farmhouse once inhabited by farmers who perished in the potato famine in the 1840's.An old fort - they are unsure of its origins.Moll's Gap in the McGillicuddy ReeksRhododendrons(purple) growing wild - they are introduced and a pest, also Irish Hawthorn (white).Rhododendrons and Oak trees.

    Ring of Kerry

    May 30, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today was the day we did the famous scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry. It is regarded as one of the great drives in the world and it was certainly quite spectacular.

    There are expansive views across the coastal farmlands, the Dingle Peninsula and out to the Skellig Islands.

    We had a stop at Watervale, where Charlie Chaplin spent many holidays and also the village of Sneem, plus lots of photo stops along the way.

    After leaving the coastal section of the drive, we headed up through the McGillicuddy Reeks and the Killarney National Park as we made our way back to Killarney.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Blarney Castle

    May 31, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    It was off to Blarney Castle today, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which will give you the gift of the gab.

    Even in the covid-era, you can still do this, as they disinfect it after each person. We didn't bother. Besides, the wait time was nearly an hour.

    Instead, we walked around the beautiful gardens.

    Blarney Castle is a large tower house built in the 1500s. The walls are 18 feet thick at the base, gradually sloping inwards as they rise. This makes the building more stable but would also have helped with defence: when an object was dropped from the top, it would bounce off the wall on the way down and fly outwards into the enemy.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Cork and the River Dee
    St. Colmans, CobhCobhCobhHanging out the washing in CobhCobhCobhLusitania Memorial, CobhCork1My cousins coffee shopThomond pub in CorkThomondNearly as good as Guiness

    Cork & Cobh

    May 31, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We arrived in the city of Cork, on the River Dee, then made our way down to the port of Cobh (pronounced Cove), formerly known as Queenstown. Cobh is an important harbour downstream of Cork.

    Cobh was the departure point for nearly all Irish emigrants in the 18th and 19th century. For anyone with Irish ancestors, this would be the last place in Ireland they would have seen.

    The Lusitania was sunk 12 miles off the coast from Cobh in 1915 and the Titanic stopped here before beginning its doomed crossing of the Atlantic.

    These stories are told at The Queenstown Story and for those of us with Irish convict and emigrant heritage it is an interesting place to visit.

    Cobh also has a magnificent cathedral, St. Colmans, the largest in Ireland.

    Dinner tonight was at a Cork pub and the meal was once again terrific.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Kilkenny Castle
    Kilkenny CastleKilkenny CastleKilkenny CastleKillkenny Castle Rose GardenKilkenny Castle Great HallRiver Nore, KilkennyRiver Nore, KilkennyLunch on the River NoreKilkennyRiver Nore, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny

    June 1, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    This morning was another scenic drive from Cork through Waterford to the city of Kilkenny (pop'n 20000). Rolling green farmlands, villages, farmhouses, sheep, cattle, horse studs and old castles and buildings - the morning had it all. And it was a warm, sunny and cloudless sky.

    Kilkenny, on the River Nore, has a 13th century Norman castle. The Normans were invaders from Normandy in France.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The River Liffey
    The River LiffeyHalfpenny Bridge, on the River LiffeyHalfpenny BridgeTrinity CollegeTrinity CollegeTrinity CollegeMolly MaloneTemple Bar is the most famous Dublin pub and it was standing room only.The Oliver St. John GogartyPie of the Day - chicken & mushroomIrish Beef & Guiness Casserole

    Dublin

    June 1, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Dublin was our next stop after Kilkenny. It is Irelands capital and 25% of the population live there.

    The River Liffey divides the city into two, with Halfpenny Bridge the most famous walking bridge that crosses it.

    Dublin is also home to the famous Trinity College and also "sweet Molly Malone" who sold cockles and mussels here, although there is a controversial statue of her in the city that portrays her as not so sweet, which was apparently the case.

    The city's Temple Bar area is famous for Irish pubs and music and it was certainly pumping when we were there. We found a great old pub, the Oliver St. John Gogarty, which had great food, beer and live music.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Dublin from the Guinness Gravity Bar

    Guinness Brewhouse

    June 2, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Our day in Dublin began with a tour of the city and a visit to the Guinness factory. It was well worth it. The tour of the visitors centre ends with a pint of Guinness. You have one each, which means I had one plus most of Debbie's. A good way to start the day at 10:00am.

    Guinness has been made on this 50 acre site since 1759 when founder Arthur Guinness signed a 900 year lease on the land. The brewhouse produces 3 million pints of Guinness each day. Guinness in Ireland tastes so much better than at home and a pint here is the same price as a schooner of normal beer at home.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    WicklowWicklow

    Glendalough

    June 2, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Glendalough is about an hour from Dublin in the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow. The Glendalough monastery ruins are from the 9th century. It has a round tower that was used as a lookout by the monks for Vikings and other invaders. They would then all go into the tower when threatened.

    Glendalough means the 'meeting place of two lakes'.

    It was a pretty drive there through the Wicklow countryside.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1St. Stephens Park
    Dublin CanalHousing in DonnybrookOscar Wilde's houseOscar Wilde statue

    Dublin

    June 2, 2023 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Dublin was a busy and interesting place.

    We drove through Donnybrook, its most expensive suburb, on the way to Glendalough.

    After returning from Glendalough, we walked to see Oscar Wilde's house and then walked through St. Stephens Park, which was full of people enjoying the late afternoon sun.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Conwy Castle
    ConwyConwyConwyConwyConwyConwyConwyConwyThe town with that name.

    Conwy

    June 3, 2023 in Wales ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Today we travelled on Irish Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales. Holyhead is on the island of Angelsey.

    Our first stop was at the town with the longest name in world - all 58 letters of it. Check out the photos for the name and as for pronouncing it - good luck.

    We then moved on to Conwy, on the River Conwy, which features a castle built by Edward I on the River Conwy in rhe late 1200's. It is in a strategic position on the coast with walls that are 4m thick.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The River Dee in Chester
    ChesterChesterChesterChesterChesterOur hotel - the Queen at Chester

    Chester

    June 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We then moved from Wales back into England and the County of Cheshire for a night in the County capital, Cheshire, a UNESCO Workd Heritage site on the River Dee.

    Chester is an ancient and pretty town that was full of life this Saturday afternoon. The FA Cup Final was on, so the pubs were full of supporters from both teams. I chose to find a pub to watch the game, whilst Debbie went on the town tour.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The River TemeWeir on the River Teme2The Feathers Hotel dates from the 1600's.The Ye Olde Bull King Tavern dates from the 1300's.The Rose & Crown dates from the 1200's.

    Ludlow

    June 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    After leaving Chester, we drove through the Shropshire Hills in the Welsh County of Shropshire. This area was full of even more rolling green hills and countryside.

    We then stopped at Ludlow, which
    has the reputation of being the "loveliest town in Britain". It borders Wales and England and is on the River Teme.

    The town features Tudor buildings and has pubs dating from the 1300's.

    The Norman invaders started building Ludlow Castle in 1095. Much of it is now in ruins.

    It is a very pretty place and it's castle, houses and shops are almost quintessentially English (and Welsh).    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    1Cardiff Castle
    2Bute Park adjoins Cardiff Castle.Cardiff Arms ParkPrincipality StadiumCardiff shopping precinctWelsh cakes are a local delicacy - a cross between a scone and a biscuit and were delicious.

    Cardiff

    June 4, 2023 in Wales ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    From Ludlow, we travelled through Herefordshire and on to Cardiff, the capital of Wales.

    Cardiff is dominated by Cardiff Castle and the 76,000 seat Principality Stadium, where the Welsh rugby team play. The stadium adjoins the famous Cardiff Arms Park.Read more

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