Ireland ...to be sure .... 2nd to 29th July

Theresa's family relocated from Ireland as a result of the Potato Famine in 1860. In preparation for visiting Ireland I commenced reading of their History. WOW. A nation that riddled with wars to secure their Freedom. Their struggles have lasted centuries. So much History here.

We've planned our route connecting historical sites, the Kerry Camino Walk and where Theresa's relatives lived.

Dublin 2nd-5th July

An early morning British Airways flight to Dublin from Heathrow. We headed out to Heathrow late the previous afternoon and proved a very good idea given the traffic delays. Stayed at the Sofitel and it was S.ensational.

And good move in changing from Aer Lingus to British Airways. Aer Lingus had massive industrial action with delayed and cancelled flights.

Seamless and highly amusing taxi ride into The Clarence in Dublin. The hotel is in the heart of Temple Bar and we spent the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets and a sampled "real" Guinness. Then found a lively pub with great music and excellent pub far. May have had a few more Guinae (is that the plural?) than planned but "fek et".

Spent the next 2 days exploring Dublin .Took a Big Bus tour to get our bearings, then walked. Highlights.... hmmmmm.... EVERYWHERE!!!! The EPIC Immigration museum stands out. A historical walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide, anything in Temple Bar, the Roberta restaurant attached to the Clarence (E.xceptional).

Another highlight was wandering off to meet Aaron the son of Tommy and old mate of Theresa's. A wonderful young man running a very success pub in Dublin. Fabulous hospitality and we hope to catch with him for a wee dram in Galway. Also met an old friend of Theresa's called Mary and her cousin James.

Dublin was a great start to our Ireland adventure. Headed to the airport to collect our Avis beastie.

Waterford 5th-7th July

Next leg we followed Old Military Road via the backroads to Glendalough and then to Waterford. Spectacular scenery. Glendalough was founded by a hermit. Sadly he was joined by a lot of people also seeking peace, solitude and tranquility!

Then made our way down via the backroads to Curracloe Beach. This was used in the film "Saving Private Ryan". Ordinary beach by Australian standards... Theresa just laughed.

Then off to Waterford. Excellent hotel right on the river. Easy parking. 5 minute walk into town. Stunning town, lots of Viking history.

Cork 7th-10th July

Included Cork photos and videos in the above. Distances are not huge but we kept largely to the backroads, much slower pace. Gorgeous countryside. Brilliant coastal views.

Cork had lots to see as well.

Enjoyed watching our first Irish Hurling match in a local pub. WOW. What a sport. Loved it.

Bantry 10th-11th July

Small town on the coast but definitely not lacking in charm. My highlight was meeting this "old fella" sitting on a bench in town. I asked if I could take his photo which we willingly did. Sat down next to him and asked him what he was up to.

"I'm waiting for the undertaker!" was his swift reply.

I laughed hard. And we had a good old chat. What a character!!!

some town beginning with "C" ... 11th-12th July

We set off from Bantry and on the "spur of the moment" decided to take a look at Healy Pass. The road was built during the famine times. How they managed to achieve this given the cold, lack of food et al is a miracle. Spectacular views.

And back down we came to follow the coast through Cahermore, Lauragh and arrived at Waterville. Lots to see on the way! Popped into a pub that Theresa recalled from many years.

And then off to Cahersiveen. A short distance by road but many hours as we diverted to take photos, enjoy the view and simply explore.

The Cliffs of Kerry were a definite highlight.

And Cahersiveen was lively. Great restaurant. Awesome night at the pub with the locals and a band.

Then off to Killarney on our final leg to Tralee in preparation for our walk.

Kerry Camino (Tralee-Dingle) 12th-18th July

We had a month spare after Spain so decided to explore Ireland. Theresa suggested we explore the Kerry Camino and we found a self-guided walk with UTracks. This was their spiel.

Was it as advertised?

Far, far better. Every day was different. All simply gorgeous. And we were blessed with very good weather (which was unusual for this part of Ireland).

Then off to Ennis!

Ennis 18th-21st July

Galway 21st-24th July

Cromane and then Avoca 24th-29th July

We originally planned to head north to Derry and then across to Belfast. We decided we needed some "down time". So found an AirBnb in Cromane. And directly across the bay was where we walked on the Kerry Camino. A wonderful place to just chill. And discovered this most amazing Restaurant close by!!

From Cromane we headed back towards Dublin, spent two nights in farm house near Avoca.

Dublin Airport 29th July

off to Paris CDG then Brisbane 30th July