Blarney, Cork & Kinsale

Friday 25th August 2017

Yesterday we made the journey from County Wicklow to Blarney, County Cork, which is located on the southern coast of Ireland. We are making this our hub for the next week so that we can begin to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

Towing Kilometres – Today: 307 – Cumulative: 1,016

Our base for the week,  is Blarney Camping and Caravanning Park  which is situated a stones throw from  Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone.

Saturday 26th August 2017

The weather was promising so we headed off to Kinsale, a popular seaside village south of Cork, and the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, a touring route along Ireland’s west coast.

We had a wander around the harbour and decided as the weather was so promising to drive out to the Old Head of Kinsale and take in some sea air. The Old Head of Kinsale is a very picturesque headland sticking out to sea and almost cut off from the mainland in the middle.

At the end is a very exclusive, private golf course, Old Head Golf Links, which the public cannot access. (I did Google the course and check out the green fees and accommodation just out of curiosity and wasn’t surprised in the least. I wouldn’t be disappointed if Ray booked a surprise break here!)

As luck would have it there was an open day at the lighthouse which is situated at the end of the headland, so we decided to give it a go. The day was one of a few, which is organised as a fund raiser towards the creation of the Lusitania Memorial Garden at the Old Head Signal Tower.

We boarded a minibus which took us through the golf course and up to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse.

We ascended to the very top of the lighthouse via numerous steps to take in the breath taking views all around. We were not disappointed, they were fantastic!!

After our descent back down the lighthouse we paused for a cuppa and purchased a fantastic mounted photograph of the original signal tower by Michael Prior, a local photographer who was supporting the fundraising day.

After a drive back to the Signal Tower, we wandered back to the entrance of the golf course and walked to the cliff top, which was accessible, to enjoy the stunning views.

An enjoyable and educational afternoon, well worth the 20 euro contribution to support and maintain the restoration plans.

We made our way back to Blarney, stopping off at the Blue Flag beach at Garrylucas to enjoy a walk on the sand.

Dublin

Wednesday 23rd August 2017

Off to Dublin today, as the weather looks a better prospect. Hoping for a Guinness near the River Liffey and a trip around the city.

We drove to Greystones, to catch the DART train to Dublin, which hugs the coast line as it travels towards the city centre.The train was on time and very comfortable and took approximately an hour; stopping at some very interestingly named stations, such as Salthill & Monkstown. We also had the chance to see the stadium at Landsdowne Road before we reached our stop at Pearse Station, located at the back of Trinity College.

We decided to take a Hop on – Hop off tour bus, and explore the city sights on the top deck. The tour took us past The Guinness Brewery and Storehouse, along the Liffey, past Dublin Castle, and as far out as Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo. We also changed routes and headed off towards the Royal Canal and the north of the city, taking in Croke Park and Glasnevin Cemetery, which we wished we had left more time to explore on foot, as it looked fantastic!

Before we headed home, we had to sample the local Guinness and some Irish fare, and as luck should have it, we came across ‘Kennedys Bar & Restaurant‘ on Westland Row near the train station. One Irish Stew, One Beef & Guinness Pie and a couple of pints later, we felt we had achieved our goal. We headed back to Pearse station and home again.

 

Into Ireland

Monday 21st August 2017

We are off to Rosslare today aboard the Stena Line ferry and into Ireland.

At last the sun had decided to make an appearance, perhaps we had turned a corner, weather wise.

All our hopes were dashed, as we set off towards Ireland as it became more and more like pea soup!! Nothing to see, but it was calm, which suited me.

Towing Kilometres – Today: 212 – Cumulative: 709

As we approached Rosslare the fog lifted and the port became visible.

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! A place neither of us has visited before. After the 3 and half hour crossing we made our way to County Wicklow, up the east side of Ireland and found our campsite in Redcross.

We had booked into the adult half of the site, therefore avoiding the kids (on this occasion) and any prospect of unnecessary noise.  Pleasant enough, with lovely shared showers and toilet block.

Tuesday 22nd August 2017

We ventured out today to the highest waterfall in Ireland, called Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow Mountains National Park. We took the sensory walk to the waterfall, which added to the experience and  our daily step count.

Lunch time was calling so we decided to head towards the sea on the east coast. We had read there was a good coast walk along the cliffs from Bray to Greystones.

Unfortunately, Bray was very similar to many popular seaside towns, with sea front parking, promenade and a variety of seaside shops, (very much ‘kiss me quick hats’ territory), and not what we enjoy, so we drove on to find Greystones to do the walk in reverse.

we found Greystones, but it is undergoing a regeneration project, with extensive building work, including many private dwellings, which spoilt the harbour area, the coastline and the walk we had intended.

We started to manoeuvre our way through the obstacles of the building word and then gave up. We wandered back to the harbour and in the opposite direction and sat and watched a few adventurous youngsters daring each other to jump off the rocks into the sea, whilst we had a brief picnic lunch.

We headed back to camp to settle for the evening.

Elan Valley & Pembrokeshire Coast & St. Davids

Wednesday 16th August 2017

After a day of washing and other domestic chores on Tuesday we set off to visit the dams & reservoirs of the Elan Valley. These are a series of dams built to provide water for the city of Birmingham. The dams were opened between 1904 and 1952.

Continue reading Elan Valley & Pembrokeshire Coast & St. Davids

Into Wales

Monday 14th August 2017

Moving day today into Wales. Got packed up ready to tow the 50 or so miles to Fforest Fields Campsite at Hundred House, near Builth Wells, Powys, Wales.

Towing Kilometres – Today: 82 – Cumulative: 308

We took a nice A road route despite Fords Sat Nav urging me to turn onto any un-named road that it came across. The Ford system is already giving some cause for concern. It doesn’t give enough options of roads you wish to avoid. Otherwise the car feels like a good choice for the task ahead.

We arrived just before 3pm to be greeted by cheerful, friendly, staff who directed us to our pitch. The campsite offers excellent views all around and the opportunity for some healthy walks 🙂

We made a much better job of putting up the awning than we had at Ledbury, which was just as well as the rain hammered down for the next few hours.

Neither of us felt much like going out to eat so it was a case of a simple jacket spud, cheese, and beans for tea.