Aug 30, 2012 - Waterford

Thursday August 30, 2012 Activities: Breakfast in Hotel John is back! Drive to Waterford (through Youghal and Dungarvan) John discusses the health system on our way 2 tiers of coverage or can pay privately amount paid to families is based on number of children Waterford Factory tour/shopping This factory does the “one off” pieces of crystal Accounts for 45% of production; there are 5 other locations in eastern Europe that do the rest It takes 8 years to become a master cutter; you have to memorize all patterns to do so

Jun 19, 2012 - Waterford

On Monday, we left Kilkenny and headed south. The weather improved dramatically, and we had our first mostly dry day. It was able to wear capris comfortably for the first time. The two pairs of long pants I brought are ready for the laundry. It was a fairly short drive to Waterford, especially since there was a motorway. We arrived mid-morning and walked around the town center before taking a historic walking tour of the city at lunchtime. The hourlong tour gave us a taste of the history and sites we could return to later in the day,...

Sep 14, 2011 - Waterford

Reluctantly departing Dublin this morning and with all the last gales of Hurricane Katia now passed we made our way out of the city. Well we tried to. The unfortunate and then aggravating part of trying to make one's way through the maze of narrow streets, alleys and not much more than ox cart trails is that if one misses the exact turn off, one cannot simply go around the block to recover one's bearing. If you miss your turn you are officially hooped! Or in certain circles the saying is you are Frenched! We indeed were Frenched. It took us...

Aug 30, 2011 - Waterford

As we drove through the countryside, crossing many stone bridges that were only really fit one car on, the country side is really a patchwork of colours, lots of lush lime green paddocks, as well has freshly cut hay, and the contrast is quiet pretty. Arriving into Waterford we visited the Waterford crystal factory, had a tour and saw just how much work goes into making each piece. Yes I did purchase only problem as we were not the only bus, so it took forever so no time to arrange for shipping so now have a couple of pieces of crystal to...

Jun 5, 2011 - We travel further south

I am unable to go outside in the cold so we depart Dublin, without having the opportunity of investigating the City, and drive to south coast of Ireland. A pity we were unable to see Dublin but such is life. We stay in a B&B outside of Dungarvan. Hunt around for somewhere to have tea. A pub is nearby with traditional Irish music – so loud we could hear it whilst still in the car in the car park - not good for my tender head. We travel further to a small village about six kms away and go to a bistro – should have known, any place with an...

May 17, 2011 - The Mud of Wicklow Mountains

I do not have a bucket list. I understand why one would, but for me, the idea of having a list looming over my head creates high anxiety. It holds the possibility of getting to the end my life and having to view it as an utter failure because I didn't cross of all (or any??) of my bucket list items. Not to mention that what once sounded like a grand plan now sounds absurd at best. Having yammered on about all THAT, I do have a rather extensive and impossible wish list. I want to do it all and then some. I want to do things I don't even...

Sep 28, 2010 - Ardmore

@@@@@@@ Background St. Declan established a monastery at this spot along the southern coast between 350 and 420 AD. This means that Christianity had a toehold in Ireland long before St. Patrick arrived from Britain. St. Declan’s church stands on the site of the original monastery, and the cone-roofed, 12th century, round tower is one of the finest examples in all of Ireland. One of the walls of the church bears 9th century carvings arranged in unusual arched panels depicting the Archangel Michael weighing souls, the adoration of the Magi,...

Apr 29, 2010 - Southwest Ireland

Thursday We began the day with an excellent breakfast at Blarney Resort and then began a day of unbelievable scenic views of the Dingle Peninsula. It was spectacular and as Jim says "worth the price of the trip" We also visited the town of Dingle, which is a very quaint fishing, tourist village. I was certainly glad we didn't have to drive the twists and turns of the scenic route, because everyone brought another unbelievable view you just didn't want to miss. Much of the movie Ryan's Daughter was filmed here and it is easy to see why the...

Apr 16, 2010 - Kilkenny & Waterford

We started off the day with a wonderful buffet Irish breakfast. Several of us had to try what is called black or white pudding, which actually looks like a sausage patty. In fact, the black one is sometimes called “blood” pudding. It was kind of spicy and had an odd texture, but didn’t make us gag, so we were glad we had tried it. By 8:45 a.m. we were on our way to Kilkenny. Our group consists of James and Dianne Brown from Muleshoe, Ed and Waynette Fisher from Sudan, Joe Bob and Jo Carole Mayo of Petersburg, Margie Stevenson from Lubbock,...

Jun 28, 2009 - Killarney to Waterford

Spent the day traveling from Killarney to Waterford. Started off at the Blarney woolen mills where we bought some more trinkets. Both Karen and I kissed the Blarney stone. We have a picture that we purchase so I cant post it. We then did the Titanic walk in the pouring rain in Cobh (Cove). It was more interesting hearing about the emigration than Titanic. So here it is, we have been up since 6am. Toured all day and get to the hotel at 5pm. I played nine holes of golf in the pouring rain, with rented clubs, and wearing my sneakers not golf...

Apr 11, 2009 - heading to Waterford

Well, finally getting this finished as we didn't have access to internet for the balance of the trip. Will need to add pictures when I get Roger and Sue's. We head to Waterford via Cashel Rock - where we toured the remains there and then ate at a local restaurant. Sue and I think we'll have the Irish Stew because we're cold from the tour and not having dressed to be standing outside!!! Big mistake as the stew is nothing like it was in Adare... After lunch we head on the Callain where our great-great grandfather (Catherine Hayden Bulger's...

Oct 30, 2008 - Waterford - Glendalough, Tramore

Weather: Rain, Cold We woke to the sound of rain, rain and more rain! Our room at Ashdene is just lovely - a double and single beds with plenty of room and a lovely big bathroom. I think the biggest challenge when travelling, is working out all the amazing ways that a shower can work - nothing seems to be simple, and most places are really tiny. Ashdene was a joy. Through the window from our bedroom, I could see the green hills and there were sheep grazing. We went for breakfast - fresh fruit salad and yoghurt, poached egg and juice and...