Exploring Ireland- Wiclow

After Tipperary, my next stop was Glendalough, to me a very spiritual place in Ireland with the ruins of the old 6AD monastery.

A true piece of national heritage set in the Wiclow Mountains.

The route to Glendalough took me through Hollywood and over the misty passes, and the heath covered moores of the Wiclow Mountains.

Arriving at the Glendalough Hostel.

I have been to Glendalough on all my trips to Ireland and do feel a special power at the old monastery site.

In the past, though, I has only passed through this time I spent a few days to.explore the Wiclow Mountains …

The lake…

The waterways…

The forests…

And, local pubs serving delicious Irish Red Ale.

Exploring Ireland- Tipperary

Those of you who may have followed my blog over the years may remember that back in 2021, I travelled to the Old Fremantle Gaol in search of the story of my Great Grandfather who was transported to Australia as punishment for stealing during the Irish Famine.

The Nenagh Gaol, in Tipperary was completed in the 1830’s and was where my Great grandfather was incarcerated prior to transportation to Australia.

Amazingly, the Genealogical Centre is in the old gaol offices!

Having confirmed that this was the place of my ancestors, it was time to explore.

This is my third trip to Ireland, and this was a chance to visit some special places.

Cahir Castle is one of the historic tourist attractions in County Tipperary. But my B&B host had suggested the “Swiss Cottage” was a more interesting place to visit.

The Swiss Cottage is a wonderful example of a “cottage orne“. A place where the rich played at being ordinary peasants.

Around the cottage and the 2.5km. riverside walk from Cahir Castle, there are lovely trees and community facilities.

But my favourite tree was the 1000 year old Yew Tree standing by the cottage.

From Nenagh, there is a beautiful road that runs along Lough Derg to Ballina/Killaloe, where the Shanon River starts.

Killaloe is the birthplace of Ireland’s great great High King Brian Boru. King Brian in around 1000AD drove the Vikings out of Ireland and united all the then Irish Kingdoms.

A stone church stands on the site of an wooden church of Brian Boru. His story lives on in the stone church.

But the most beautiful aspect in the church were the patchwork quilts that told the tale of High King Brian Boru.

I felt this very Irish. Both proud and humble at the same time.

Exploring Wales – 4

The Welsh are proud Celts and there is much to be proud of.

Off the ferry I headed inland to find one of the oldest trees in the UK and amongst the oldest trees in the world.

I have become fascinated with Yew Trees. These amazing trees live thousands of years, and left alone may even be immortal.

In St Cynog’s church yard in Deffynnog are ancient Yew trees 3000+ years old.

I was in awe standing in the shelter of these ancient living organisms.

After enjoying the company of this old tree it was time to head into the highlands.

Beautiful winding roads through the highlands. And a stop at the Devils Bridge waterfall.

The misty drizzle had set in by the time I reached the Red Lion Hotel in Pontrhyfendigaid.

With fine weather forecast it was a chance camp near the coast at Aberystwyth.

Along the coast road, the view was breathtaking. Especially watching the Red Kites hunting over the fields.

And then to put the icing on the Welsh cake, I found the little village of Tresaith with its little beach and waterfall.

It’s not easy to find, the roads to the beach are steep and there is little parking but worth an effort.

There was even a bar where I could buy a cold Welsh Lager!

It was beautiful to visit Wales. Beautiful countryside and friendly people.

Exploring Wales – 3

The ferry to Rosslare, Ireland, leaves from Pembroke. The crossing to Ireland was misty wet.

But the return trip was clear skies and a good opportunity to admire the beauty of Pembroke Harbour, its rugged cliffs, coves, and lighthouses.

But what I found really exciting was a flock or Manx Shearwaters in the outer harbour.

The fine weather was an invitation for another little stop in Wales.

Exploring Southern Wales -2,

A short drive inland from the coast the mountains of Southern Wales hold both waterfalls and rainforest.

The Waterfall Country Walk provides a great way to see and experience the beautiful Atlantic Rain Forest.

The waterfalls are beautiful.

Beautiful green rainforest, and

Beautiful birds like this grey wagtail that was catching insects over the river.

Gower definitely is an area of natural beauty.