Blogs from County Cork, Ireland, Europe - page 17

August 26th -- Day Six -- The Big Day! David was up at the crack of dawn preparing to take the photos along with a small army of family and friends rushing here and there. Guests arrived and the big event came off without a hitch (except for the appropriate hitching up of the lovely couple). Aunty Glenys performed the ceremony (I already explained the DIY affliction), and I was asked to read a poem. Met a number of Karen’s relatives, including her 94-year-old grandfather, Sonny. Saying he’s a “colorful” character would be an understatement. I understood little of what he said except when he looked me over and said to David, “Got yourself a good one!” He then looked at my sister, Terri and said, “I want a picture of that one!” She did look ... read more

After arriving in Waterford by rail, we checked into our hotel and headed straight to the pub recommended by the fellow who picked us up at the side of the road and took us to the train station. What started out as a rough day turned into a great afternoon and evening. Waterford is another great town, rich in history with invasions by Vikings, Anglo-Normans, and various British monarchs over the centuries. The people are also amazing, as, we are discovering, they seem to be throughout this country. We hung around the town for a couple of days, while a new vehicle was transported to us. Once we finally got it, we headed toward the southwest coast, via Cork and Blarney. Of course, I just had to kiss that Blarney Stone. Other than being a bit ... read more

August 22nd -- Day Two -- Our 3Oth Wedding Anniversary Mediaeval castles are wonderful to visit, but there are reasons why we no longer live in them (see wedding preparations). However, if you want to celebrate something special, I highly recommend them! In the morning David and I woke to a wonderful breakfast complete with champagne and orange juice. We spent a lovely afternoon on the grounds of a former estate. I love the trees in Ireland. Patrick told us the Yew trees at the castle are thought to be between 600 to 800 years old. The trees on the estate included sycamore, chestnut, Birch, Fir and Oak. I have to wonder if there has ever been a massive forest fire in this land. The weather on this day was warm, but not hot. There was ... read more

Our home for a week -- a castle! Really! A real castle -- large, cold, grey, old .... If one is looking for a 5-star hotel, this is not the place. However, if one is looking for a truly unique experience, this is it. The oldest part of the castle was built in the 12th century and has been added to over the succeeding centuries -- I don’t think they had home renovation shows back then. There’s even a place in the tower that houses a pagan fertility rock where women would go to ask the Gods to bless their union with children. I think Karen is booked for an appointment with the rock. So many things to do, so many things I to write ... no internet at the castle, and there is that wedding. ... read more

Day 27 Friday 15th July 2011. Portrush to Ballycastle Departed 0600 and arrived 0950. We had a lovely passage under the Causeway cliffs and past Sheep island into Ballycastle……’at the ould Lamas fair boys were you ever there? Where you ever at the fair in Ballycastle O!’ We had no wind and so we motored with the tide this twenty mile hop. We tied on to a pontoon before the harbour master, John Morton, beckoned us in to the marina. We tied up and had chat with him. Then we both tried to catch up on sleep before having a look about the town. It has lots of hardware stores…..! Sally got a haircut, we had a few coffees, shower (again no charge) and then back to the boat. The forecast for the next few days ... read more