Warning!! Picture and rock-heavy post. Leave now if it's not your thing :-)
I know, it's dreadful! You would think we would have better things to do than go on a trip, wouldn't you? Well, when the chance comes along to go to a special place that you've wanted to see since you were a child it would be rude not to go, wouldn't it? Where is this special place? It looks across to Scotland from the top of Ireland and is a place of mystery, turmoil, and legend otherwise known as The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
We went across with our friends as A & P Travel with the luxury of someone else doing the driving. After an early start we crossed the Irish Sea by the Cairnryan to Larne crossing, one I've not been on before. Our first night was spent in a lovely but haunted hotel close to the ferry and the Giant's Causeway was our first stop next day.
We chose to walk down to the causeway and enjoy the views but there is a shuttle bus for those who need it.
If you look at the image above you should be able to spot a lumpy rock formation near the foot of the cliff that looks a bit like a one humped camel, there are various names for the many rock formations here.
As you appoach the eponymous causeway you are struck by the number of people walking or clambering all over it.
The guys in red fleeces are National Trust guides who try to keep people safe and offer advice as to the best route up and down.
On our walk down we took our time and explored the lower areas of the rocks and the amazing smaller columns of basalt that varied in colour from very pale to black.
These people above give you a sense of scale and the actual Causeway stretches out to sea behind them.
I thought this smooth stone was the Giant's armchair but found out later it was further on. I would have loved to have sat in it but I didn't trust myself to fling myself into it as it was a bit awkward.
When we reached the Causeway I didn't fancy the look of the climb where everyone else was going up and thought I wasn't going to be able to go onto it so we wandered around to the east side and were amazed by the huge columns of basalt.
The turquoise coat is me, off to see if I can find an easier way up, albeit without the benefit of NT guys.
Some of these columns have coins pushed into the cracks, some of which had gone rusty. Very tempting!
I really couldn't go all that way and not walk on the Causeway itself so I left DH taking photos and discovered a gentle climb up. I told DH I was only going as far as a couple of people I could see ahead but, well, once I was up there what could I do? It was actually reasonable walking on top and I had a walking pole with me so I felt confident to wander.
The surface is fairly flat on top, just have to watch where you are walking. I was surprised to see how light the rocks were.
Above, looking back towards the 'camel',
As you get further along the rocks do change colour.
This looking back the way I had come.
Had to take a few texture photos ;-)
I could have stayed up there all day but thought I'd better get back. Sudden panic! The easy climb up looked treacherous going down so I went across to where the guides were. It was easier to pick a route but the stines were shiny with so many feet crossing them so I didn't feel all that safe.
We had arrived at the Causeway early and as we walked back to the visitor centre the crowds going down were getting heavier.
It felt like a pilgrimage! I did wonder about whether people should be allowed to roam freely over such a special place but I suppose the rocks must be tough enough to take it. For my part I am pleased that you could roam at will. It felt a very special place and I was elated to be standing there looking down on such a colossal, mind blowing force of nature. Do click on the photos to see the detail. Hopefully if you've got this far you'll be as awed as I was.
I make no apologies for having been on another little jaunt as I know people do love to travel vicariously (hope I've spelt that right). The middle of April saw us taking the charabanc to the beautiful County Kerry in Ireland. Our local coach company just happened to be running a trip to Killarney at the very time that we had been talking about wanting to visit some friends of ours who live beyond Tralee. My days of driving long distances are coming to an end so if I can find someone else to do the driving I'm all for it. Plus, we get a holiday into the bargain. Result!
The two photos above are taken from Aghadoe Heights above Killarney and give an outstanding panorama of the beautiful Killarney Lakes. We were so lucky with the weather and Paul, our driver, took full advantage to show us these views before he took us to our hotel.
On the free day Stewart and I took a local shuttle bus to the far side of these lakes and explored Muckross House and Abbey but more of that in a minute.
Our friends live out on Kerry Head and we hadn't seen them for nearly 10 years during which time my friend's husband had had a nasty stroke so it was lovely to see both of them after such a long time. Peter has a nap in the afternoons so we were able to relax for a while in June's lovely conservatory while June plied me with wine. As you can see I had a constant little companion, Ant, who took a shine to us. I had wanted to take June a gift as it had been so long since we'd seen her and her life is taken up with looking after Peter so I made her a happy quilt, at least, the colours look happy.
A charm pack in my stash meant it went together quickly and I put a fleece back on it so it would be snuggly. All the sashing and binding was done on the machine too so it was an easy make. I'm happy to say June was delighted :-)
Our time with June was all too short but it was lovely to have seen her and Peter at least. We must try and get across there again before too long.
On the following day we caught a local Shuttle Bus and took ourselves off to Muckross House. The shuttle bus is new since we were last in Killarney but it is a great innovation (I'm not sure whether the Jaunting Cars would agree) and suited our purposes for the day. We had been on a jaunting car ride previously and I didn't feel up to it again as I was feeling a bit below par. The bus was excellent though. The driver kept us entertained and informed and was very relaxed as only the Irish can be about the itinerary and schedule. He did make sure that we knew where to be and when.
Muckross House is a jewel in the crown of Killarney. It sits in an idyllic position overlooking Muckross Lake and looked resplendent in the Spring sunshine. (I sound like a travelogue!).
First stop was the new cafe complex for some refreshments.
How's that for a view?!
It was quite a windy day and the cherry tree was shedding its petals like confetti.
This beautiful old tree was colossal, the photos don't do it justice and its shapes were fascinating.
We had a lovely wander through the gardens and then ventured down to the lake shore. The grounds were really busy but you wouldn't think it from the photos.
This beautiful rhododendron bloom came floating by.
The water was making some beautiful patterns to inspire me.
Our next hop on the Shuttle Bus took us to neighbouring Muckross Abbey which proved to be a magical place. You first see it as you walk down from the road,
The graveyard is still in use and has some interesting memorials and tombs.
Susan Lenz would enjoy a visit here.
The abbey itself is partially ruined but there is free access to the site, which is beautiful.
This ancient yew tree grows up through the middle of the cloisters. Yew trees are said to ward off evil and it must be doing its job as, on the day we visited, we saw no sign of 'the brown man' who is reported to haunt the site.
Apparently some have reported a spooky atmosphere but we felt only peace and calm throughout our visit to this beautiful building.
Finally, (thank god, you're probably saying) it was time to travel back across Ireland via Adare and another abbey.
You're probably ready for a cup of tea now so I'll say tarrah for now. If I can manage the technology I'm going to start a page for an online course I'm doing at Academy of Quilting with Elizabeth Barton on Working in a Series. Watch this space!
