Blogs from Ireland, Europe - page 10

TUE, 09 AUG 2022 – “Day 10: Kiss the Blarney Stone and the famous sights of the Rock of Cashel - The full Irish (cooked breakfast) will set you up for a guided historical amble through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Then it’s off for a bit of kissing and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab, and your fellow bus buddies will be sure to tell you if it works! Our final photo stop before returning to Dublin and her sweet Molly Malone is The Rock of Cashel. As our guides take you back to The Capital, they’ll give you tips and recommendations if you plan to stay on in Dublin. Goodbyes will have to be said but it’s slán go fóill, (see you ... read more

Ireland the North Day 9 Downings. The weather is getting better and better with a good forecast for all this week. We were born lucky. At least we weren’t hampered by the hordes of people today that were in Ardara yesterday to attend the ’graveyard mass’ in the nearby churchyard. The Atlantic guest house can be recommended for a self catering stay in Ardara in plush rooms and modern kitchen. The hill heading north straight out of town was a rotten trick hitting us before my legs had warmed up and the gears were working overtime on my Kinesis to cope. Rolling hills were the pattern for much of the day apart from one long hill in Glenveagh National Park with a wonderful descent down the other side with a tail wind. We manage to find ... read more

SUN, 07 AUG 2022 – “Day 8: Scenery of the Slea Head Drive and Dingle Distillery - Fungie, the dolphin arrived in Dingle in 1984 and has been the town’s most photographed celebrity ever since. We’ll go in search of the A list star in kayaks and explore the nearby caves too. If you haven’t got sea legs, stay on terra firma with a hike up Mount Brandon, where panoramic views of the bay and Castlegregory, will be your reward. Heading for the Slea Head Drive, we’ll go on a journey through Irish-speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations on our search for the water of life (Uisece Beatha) at The Dingle Whiskey Distillery. Here, you’ll get a flavour of how our ‘nectar’ is made and even savour a drop of their single pot still whiskey, matured ... read more

SAT, 06 AUG 2022 – “Day 7: Sheepdog Demonstration and we enter the Kingdom of Kerry - We’ll take in a portal tomb at Poulnabrone, locally referred to as ‘Hole of the Sorrows’, the oldest megalithic burial site in Ireland, dating back to 3000 BC. From the long-time dead, we’ll meet up with the lively farmers of Caherconnell who’ll treat you to a sheep dog trial. With a whistle here and a whistle there, watch as they direct the collies to run rings around the sheep. The rest of the day belongs to Dingle, home to a very famous dolphin and where Inch is a strand with miles of beaches. Tóg go bóg é (take it easy) and wander round its craft shops selling Irish flutes and seaweed cheeses. As evening draws in, take a trip ... read more

FRI, 05 AUG 2022 – “Day 6: The Burren National Park and the mighty Cliffs of Moher - Now that you’ve a ‘feel’ for Galway, our guide will take you down its narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops. Try on Claddagh rings and Galway shawls, pass through The Spanish Arch and hear tales of Gaelic bards and visit Galway's ancient fishing village. Then it’s Southwest to The Burren, 125 square miles of limestone rock and The Burren Centre where you’ll see dolmens and megalithic tombs, some older than the Egyptian pyramids. The Cliffs of Moher is next; 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic. Standing at the ledge, you’ll feel like you’re at the very edge of the world. We’ll also swing by ... read more