I used a long lens for this photo, it was taken from the Dublin Mountains on the way home from Glendalough. I usually travel back into the city by way of Sally Gap, for me it is the most scenic, then I get to where this photo was taken and know that I will be home shortly.
Wicklow Hills
Spring has just burst out – again. I sat on the steps outside this morning with my morning coffee and it was warm. I mention this only because it has been so cold recently – like a six month winter.
So today I walked in the hills and got some sun and color – great. Most of the winter we have not walked much, a combination of too tired and too busy – that does not make for good health.
But tonight I am now soooo tired. I love the Wicklow Hills, they are my own little bit of paradise.
I will learn soon how to up load photos and share all my great photos from the hills of Ireland.
Irish Bed & Breakfast
For those who don’t want to stay in a hotel –perhaps you feel they are too impersonal, or maybe, even if you have nothing against hotels personally, you simply want a place that has a bit more character to it– an inn or a bed and breakfast may be a pleasing alternative. Whatever your reasons for choosing to stay at an inn or bed and breakfast, Ireland will be able to offer you a wide selection of these all over the island for you to choose from.
If it is luxury you seek in your accommodation, you may not think that a bed and breakfast can provide it; after all, the idea of a bed and breakfast usually implies a much smaller scale, and fewer amenities as well. However, when one takes into account the fact that a smaller number of guests amounts to more individualized and dedicated service, luxury suddenly seems a reasonable expectation.
People often choose these small, cosy places to increase their privacy as well; if it’s a small, quiet inn with a high standard and great attention to service that you seek, you may want to try one like the Ashfield B&B in County Cork; set in secluded grounds with a private salmon stream and a high standard of furnishing in the guest rooms, the Ashfield is sure to delight.
There are a wide variety of other inns as well, some of them less luxurious but no less functional. If an inn still seems too aloof for you, you may even want to investigate the possibility of booking into a guest house or even a farmhouse; Ireland, the land of a thousand welcomes, has many residents who open their guest rooms to travellers for a small fee, and in return tourists get to see close to hand what life in Ireland is like. If it’s culture you want to soak up, then a stay in a guest house may be just the ticket.
Dublin Airport and delays again…
So here I am stuck in Dublin Airport as he flight is delayed for two hours. It doesn’t happen often thank god, but airports are fairly boring places.
gave us vouchers for food – good… And I get to sit here in Starbucks and chill for a few hours – still it is hard to get passed the bordom. So here I am writing and hoping that no-one reaaly reads this.
Walking in Europe is a new site that I am developing, and much to my surprise it still hasn’t been indexed by the big G after a month – I should really have put a bit more effort into that, so hopefully this post will help the big G find it at last.
Dublin Airport is fairly horrible, in a few hours we will be in Prague – and what a difference there is in the airport. Prague is just so … clean, not so packed, much easier to be in – also I can still smoke there. Yeah one day I might get around to not doing that anymore.
So hope some of this made some sense – I have only had one xanex so far – yeah hate flying also…
Have a good weekend.
Ten Things About Dublin
1. Dublin is called Baile Atha Cliath in Gaelic and dates back to the 9th century. It was originally a Viking settlement.
2. At one stage O’ Connell Street, the city’s main street was regarded as the widest street in Europe.
3. Dublin is also a county as well as a city but is actually one of the smallest of the 32 Irish counties.
4. The head of the Irish government is called An Taoiseach, which translated literally from Gaelic means “leader”
5. The home of the Irish parliament is in Dublin and is called The Dail. The three major political parties based in The Dail are Fianna Fail, Fianna Gael and Labour.
6. Dublin has less pubs per head of the population than any other European capital. Amazing but true!
7. The home of The Dubs, as they are fondly known is Croke Park. The Dubs are the Dublin Gaelic Football team. Croke Park is recognised as being one of the best Stadiums in the entire world due to its size and shape which creates a natural amphitheatre effect. 8. Dublin is home to the second largest outdoor park in the world-The Phoenix Park. This is the largest park in Europe and second only in the world to Central Park in New York.
9. The biggest crowd ever assembled in Ireland gathered in the Phoenix Park in 1819 to a rally led by Daniel O Connell calling for the freedom of Ireland from English oppression and rule. Over 1.5 million impassioned people gathered to hear O Connell proclaim “that the freedom of Ireland is not worth the shedding of one drop of blood”.
10. The freedom of Dublin city has only been bestowed on a small number of people including Nelson Mandela, U2 and Bob Geldof. This honour carries the unusual privilege of allowing its’ recipients to graze sheep free of charge in St Stephens Green, one of Dublin’s best known landmarks.
Walking in Ireland
Carrauntoohil (Corran Tuathail in Irish), Co Kerry which forms part of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks stands at 1039 meters high and is not just the tallest mountain in Munster, but also the tallest mountain in Ireland. The views from top of this mountain are spectacular, looking out over Hags Glen and Co. Kerry. This is not the safest mountain in Ireland to climb. Most people climb the mountain via the Devil’s Ladder which can only be described as dangerous. The Devil’s Ladder is made up of loose rocks and rises at a steep angle. Once you reach the top of the Devil’s Ladder, there is a further stretch to climb to the peak of the mountain which is marked by a cross.
Connaught
Mweelrea (Cnoc Maol Réidh, bald grey hill in Irish) is the tallest mountain in Connaught, standing just over 800 meters. It is situated beside the coastline of Mayo which is famous for its beauty. From the top of the mountain you look over Clew Bay and the numerous Islands that litter the seascape. Often described as one of the great walks in Ireland, Mweelrea is a difficult mountain that asks many questions of those who climb it.
Ulster
Slieve Donard meaning Sliabh Domengard in Irish or Donard Mountain, is the tallest mountain in Ulster, peaking at 850 meters. Standing next to the picturesque seaside town of Newcastle, Slieve Donard is an interesting climb, not only because of the spectacular views it offers up to those who make the effort, but because of the climb itself. The trek up the mountain is marked out with a rocky path, including steps up the mountain itself. When you reach the saddle, turn left and follow the Mourne Wall to the top of the mountain. This wall can provide great shelter from wind and rain on a cold day.
Leinster
Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Leinster, and many say is the most difficult of all the mountains in Ireland. From the base and Murphy’s Glen of the Imall Pub, you will gain over 700 meters to the top. The Mountain is covered in grass and a vague path worn into the mountain side marks the path to the top. It is not unusual to see wild deer here, so keep an eye out. The mountain offers up spectacular views over County Kildare after you get passed the first and toughest incline. If you are lucky enough to climb Lugnaquilla on a cloudless days, be prepared for one of the most spectacular vistas in Ireland.
