CARLISLE
Arriving in Carlisle for the second visit we were greeted by a snow blizzard,fortunately the County Hotel was just across the road from the station.We spent another four days checking out the different sights.
Called by Harraby where my Nana (dads mum) used to live and walked back by the river.
Down to Holme Head Waterfall a walk along the river and snow covered ground. That area had really changed what used to be old factories is now very expensive apartments.
Due to the heavy snow fall over England(worst in 18years) we had to change our plans and miss out visiting the Yorkshire area.
Caught up with Christine and Jim in Lichfield...Glynis's, Peters sister-in law her sister. Peter had a great night out with them at their local pub..I had the flu so stayed in bed.
We went out for a drive with them around the beautiful snow covered country side and stopped at an English pub for a good old English Roast.
HOLY-HEAD - DUBLIN -TEMPLE BAR
Stayed overnight in Holy Head ready for catching the ferry for Dublin. Nice smooth crossing saw us arriving in Dublin mid afternoon.
Staying in Temople Bar are which up until the 1980's had been a run down quay side area.When the buildings were bought by a transport company to build a new depot. While waiting construction they biuldings were rented out to artists,actors and musicians which turned the area into an alternative strip with wine bars pubs and coffee shops.So the depot was never built and now it is a very popular tourist spot.
We did all the touristie things Castle,University,Catherdal,Phoneix Park which is the largest city park in Europe.It is mainly park land but also includes the Dublin Zoo and the Irish White House where the President lives.
Visited the Guinness Storehouse which is a 7 story glass building in the shape of the Guinness pint.....which would hold 14.3 million pints if filled. Mr A guinness was a very forward thinker by signing a 9000 year lease in Dec 1759 for £45 a year! The view from the top floor was amazing 360 degree overlooking Dublin.
MILLSTREET-SOUTH WEST IRELAND
Picked up hire car from Killarney and drove to Millstreet where we have hired a cottage for the week. On arrival it is a brand new two bedroom house set among acreage of farm land.Lovely view of green fields from every window.
It is such a different green from anything we get back home in Aus,you can see why it gets the name the Emerald Isle.
We have done lots of day trips all over the South West country side,across the moors where the sheep roam free,through Mountians of bluestone/slate which a lot of the house are built with and the fence's.
Down valleys that take your breath away and look like picture postcards that you think someone had photo shopped the colours. Everywhere is so unspoilt and now a photo memory stamped in our brains forever to recall.
Bandon town we went looking for Peters great great great great grandfathers grave found the church but not the grave.
Had a great day at Muckross house http://www.muckross-house.ie/ which is a beautiful old homestead set in the most magnificent grounds.We took a jaunting carriage ride around the grounds and out to the Torc Waterfal which was stunning. We are sur "Susie" the horse was never so glad to see home after having the driver,Peter and I being pulled along in the buggy.
Ok we are now in Cork and I will close for now...so more to follow
