IT IS A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY!!
This is a song that was written by Jack Judge who was a British music hall writer. AND on our journey from Scotland to Tipperary we have made many new memories. We stayed at a B&B near the port of Carynryan Scotland where we took the Stena Ferry to Belfast. The B &B used to be a Vicar's house over 200 years ago. We could see the church from the window in our room. Once again the staff were so welcoming and the food in the Pub was perfect....especially the Carmel Banana Split was enough for 4 but Tom and I managed to eat it all. The next morning we had our A wonderful breakfast...and a fun talk with the cook. The B&B was secluded in the country...in fact on our way there we came upon a large tractor on the back road so had to back up a fair distance to let the tractor pass as ..."it was bigger than our car"!!
The next morning we arrived at the Stena Ferry and were one of the first cars to board. The accomadations on the Ferry were great. Had comfortable seating with a buffet with cakes, fruits, breads, coffe, teas and anything else you might want to drink. Even though we had a large breakfast, we felt obliged to eat more!! There was even a theater on board and WIFI with computers that we could use. The trip took about 2.5 hours and then we were at the port just outside of Belfast. We had made reservations just outside of Belfast and found that George had made another great choice in booking. We settled in and then went to the Titantic Museum...did you know that the Titantic was build in Belfast? Really enjoyed the self guided tour. The next day we traveled to The Giant Causeway which is in Northern Island on the Atlantic Ocean. What wonderful views. We walked down the trail along the water and were amazed with the structure of the round and the vertical rocks that the ocean waves had formed over the years. OF course we took the shuttle bus back up to the visitor center. Then we drove thru some country roads to the "rope bridge". Tom and I walked down the path and enjoyed the views but did not attempt the steps to the bridge. Pat and George did take the walk and walked on the rope bridge that connected to an island that was used by the Salmon fisherman. Maryann saw a lady struggling when coming up the steps so offered assistance and made sure she was OK...then we offered to walk back to the visitors center with her. We then took a drive to Donegal though the country side. Saw lots of sheep and some cows and amazing country side. Once again we found ourselves on roads that were more like bicycle paths!! The next day we headed to County Mayo. On the way we stopped by the Marble Arch Caves. Marble Arch Caves is one of the finest caves in Europe. We were guided thru this fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers with beautiful cave formations. At the end we climbed 175 steps to come out at the top and beautiful green forest. We stopped at The Three Way Inn that was out in the country and had another great Irish lunch and best part was spending time talking with the owner. Our encounters with the people we meet and have conversation with are some of the best times on this adventure. Amazing the friendly people that we have had the pleasure to just chat with. We then traveled to Ballina which is in County Mayo where we met Mary and Pete at their granddaughter's pub "Katie's Corner". Mary and Pete are cousins of our friend Gerri Cass in Tucson. What fun it was to spend time with them in this typical Irish Pub. They were so welcoming and we had such a nice visit just getting to know them and of course ..the guys all had a "pint" of beer!!
We then headed to Dublin and found lodging in a little town on the way to Dublin. The next day we arrived in Dublin and were driving around as wanted to go to the Guinness Brewery but finally just left as the traffic was crazy.....so decided to drive down the coast to Dalkey. Beautiful beach town but were unable to find a place to stay and once again the traffic was crazy with narrow streets....so we moved on and arrived in a town called Cashel and found a lovely B&B on Main Street that overlooked The Rock Castle. The B&B was called Baileys and the staff were again outstanding. The Rock Castle had been a High Cross and Romanesque Chapel in the 12th Century , Gothic Chathedray in the 13th Century and 15th Century Castle. We walked around the town and up to the Rock of Cashel. We decided to stay in Cashel for 2 nights. Once again we had some Irish food in a local Pub. Where do we find these neat pubs, you might ask....well we either ask the very friendly staff at the front desk or of the places we stay or we just stop on the street and ask someone....and so far they have Always been very pleased to eat in these places that the locals frequent!!
Our next stop was Tipperary. We are staying at Ballykisteen B&B here. We booked a week here. We have been singing "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" a few times per day . AND George and I were singing the part that we knew at the tourist information center this morning and one of the girls gave us a copy so would have the correct words! We were singing "It is a long way to Tipperary , it is a long way to go"..(but could not remember the rest so ..Maryann added another line) "when you go from Sagninaw, Michigan"!! Now we can learn the correct words. Pat and Tom were not really excited about us practicing in the car when we are "on the road"!!
We are staying at a B&B that is also a golf club here in Tipperary Junction. So are able to enjoy the pool etc.
We visited the a delightful Swiss Cottage that was built by Richard Butler, the 1st Earl of Glengall in the 1800"s for family The Butler family lived in the Cahir Castle just down the road but used the Cottage to entertain friends or as a country house for outings for the day. Once again we were amazed at the country side and the small roads that we traveled. Tom continues to be an amazing driver with George in charge of the Garmen and occasionally taking a different route using a map!!
Pat and I do give input but it seems that mostly our voices do not carry to the front of the car!! Hmmm. We celebrated our one month traveling together and we are all still friends and seems that we are laughing more ...hmmm. Tom and I attended Mass at a beautiful Catholic Church near by.
Sunday we drove down to Blarney and walked up to the castle. Pat and George walked up into the tower of the castle and George kissed the Blarney Stone. Tom and I had done several years ago when we traveled to Ireland with our girls. Now Tom said George is definitely certified in talking Blarney!!
We also visited the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery in Middleton, Ireland. Really a fun tour of Tom's favorite whiskey.
Tom and George were selected to participate in being an official whiskey taster at the end of the end of the tour and received the coveted certificate for "achieving the envied status of official Jameson Irish Whiskey Taster! We also stopped to taste some great gelato in Blarney and stopped by the woolen mill near Blarney before we headed back to our B&B.
On to Galway was our next day's outing and went to the Clifts of Moher and took a boat to get up close to the Clifts. As ALWAYS, we had some fun discussing prices with a couple of Irish boat tour companies and were able to get a nice discount on the tour. It was a beautiful day on the Atlantic Ocean...were even able to be outside while on the water. The sun seems to come out when we are doing activities .. We then drove down the Wild Atlantic Way thru the small towns and even smaller roads...seems to be more cows than sheep in this area. On the way we stopped in Ennis and walked around and found a nice older lady going home from the grocery and she recommended a local pub for dinner. Once again the food was amazing. WHO NEEDS TRIPADVISOR when you have such friendly local residents that can help us!!
Yesterday we drove the Wild Atlantic Road to Dingle. On our way to Dingle we had to wait in "cow traffic". We came around a curve on another "one track road" and there was a dog herding about 30 or more cows down the road...what at scene!! We did not mind waiting. We followed slowly behind until the cows turned off to find that there were several cars waiting for the cows to go into their barns for milking. This is another reason to travel the back roads. We arrived in Dingle which is a quaint little fishing town in County Kerry and the only town on the Dingle Peninsula. It sits on the Atlantic Ocean Coast.The homes in the town are all colored bright colors and makes for a unique picture down by the waters. We stopped by Harrington's to have late lunch and were not disappointed with the fresh fish and chowder. AND once again able to spend time talking to the locals. After a nice walk about, we drove to Kilarney trough the mountains and once again were in AWE of the scenery . We walked around Kilarney and of course had ice cream /gelato before heading back to our Ballkisteen B&B where we have been staying.
Today was a day to spend here at Ballkisten and the town of Tipperary. We went for a walk this morning but started to sleet so came home and spent time in the pool.
I will try to add some pictures to FACEBOOK again as tried to do a few days ago and they did not go.
Just wish could capture the colors and the scenery on film but cannot capture the beauty of the country side or the fun times we have just talking to the local folks. Their friendliness is absolutely unbelievable ...whether on the road or in the hotels or in the pubs...always willing to talk and engage in conversation no matter what subject. We are getting a lot of comments about "what is going on with your American politics". Had an experience with ER medical care here in Ireland and was really was not a positive experience.
We have three more days here and then will leave for the port to take the Ferry to Wales and to spend a couple days in Bristol with friends before we leave to go to Dover to get the Ferry to Europe. We take the Ferry on 5 May to Calais France to head to Germany and beyond.
Have taken time to talk to people on the streets as we walk about...lots of travelers from the United States seem to be on tours here in Ireland. Everyone we meet whether on the streets, in stores or hotels continue to be so friendly and helpful with whatever we may need or with helping us find the best local eateries.
We are so blessed to have had such safe travels and to be able to travel with Pat and George. We know that St. Christopher and our guardian angels are with us everyday.
We are not always able to have WIFI or ability to FACETIME with our family but when we do it is so good to spend time with family via this IPAD. Love the time spent with the grand girls on line.
We are keeping you all in our daily prayer and thank you for your prayers for our safe travel. Please continue to keep Imogen in your prayers and all who have no one to pray for them.
Please check out Pat and George's Blog too at gpcannode.blogspot.com. Pat and George's Backyard for more details on our travels together.
We are certainly aware that you are praying for us in our daily travels..
Sending loves and hugs to each one of you.
God Bless,
Tom and Maryann
~~ "Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination"~~
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