Thursday, 30 September 2010
Thursday 30th September Mousehole – Port Isaac
We have stopped early this afternoon in Doc Martin’s village – Port Isaac. The afternoon of course was spent exploring each of the show’s venues – the surgery, church, school, harbour and of course pubs. We have walked the lane from Doc Martin’s surgery down to the harbour. Jan has wandered through the cliffs and Jo had a cup of tea at the Slipway restaurant and inn – our abode for the night.
The road system through the village is extremely narrow as per the TV series. We had to unload our luggage and then drive to the top of the cliffs to park. Of course we then had to walk back down into the village. There are quite few tourists doing the Doc Martin tour of the village.
The day started out with a wonderful sunrise across Mount’s Bay. Unfortunately by the time we had breakfast rain had started but to our good fortune did not last too long.
We set out in sunshine across to the small seaside villages of St Just and St Ives. Both were extremely pretty and we had to park and walk down into the city centres. Again narrow roads, lots of gift shops, bakeries ( with Cornish pastries) and beautiful little beaches.
From here we drove to Newquay a rather large seaside town. A very popular town with tourists with a number of coves with sandy beaches. Again the town was built on a range of steep hills with very narrow roads. At times it was guesswork as to roads were one way or a dual carriage.
The road system through the village is extremely narrow as per the TV series. We had to unload our luggage and then drive to the top of the cliffs to park. Of course we then had to walk back down into the village. There are quite few tourists doing the Doc Martin tour of the village.
The day started out with a wonderful sunrise across Mount’s Bay. Unfortunately by the time we had breakfast rain had started but to our good fortune did not last too long.
We set out in sunshine across to the small seaside villages of St Just and St Ives. Both were extremely pretty and we had to park and walk down into the city centres. Again narrow roads, lots of gift shops, bakeries ( with Cornish pastries) and beautiful little beaches.
From here we drove to Newquay a rather large seaside town. A very popular town with tourists with a number of coves with sandy beaches. Again the town was built on a range of steep hills with very narrow roads. At times it was guesswork as to roads were one way or a dual carriage.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Wednesday 29th September Torquay – Lands End
Surprise! Surprise! Today we awoke to RAIN!!!! Not only was it raining but we had NO hot water for the shower!!! What a start!!! Shower was solved by showering in another room! By the time we left the hotel, the rain had diminished to a fine mist. We started off on our Cornwall adventure expecting the worse! The guys at the hotel thought we were crazy thinking we might cover the 130 odd miles in one day!!!
Our first stop was Paigton where Jo was amazed to see rows and rows of change shed with their brightly painted doors. Then on to Totness across the River Dart and on to Plymouth. We then drove to the most southerly point in England – Lizard Point or The Lizard. By the time we arrived, the sun was shining and it was the most fantastic day. Blue skies, blue water! Unbelievable!!! Again Jo drew the short straw and had the one lane road with NOOOO passing lane. How hairy was it??? Verrrrry! She reckons she reversed well.
We then drove to Mount St Michaels but the tide was just coming in so we did not have enough time to walk across the causeway to the castle and mosastry. On then to Lands End. Last time Jan was there it was almost dark so it was fantastic to see it on such a wonderful day. The cliffs were spectacular and the Atlantic was calm and vividly blue.
We drove back to Mousehole. By this time it was 7 PM so went searching for a room. Found accommodation at The Old Coastguard Inn where we got a wonderful room overlooking Mounts Bay and we could see Mount St Michaels to the left and Lands End Light to the right. Food and Wine were both excellent.
Our first stop was Paigton where Jo was amazed to see rows and rows of change shed with their brightly painted doors. Then on to Totness across the River Dart and on to Plymouth. We then drove to the most southerly point in England – Lizard Point or The Lizard. By the time we arrived, the sun was shining and it was the most fantastic day. Blue skies, blue water! Unbelievable!!! Again Jo drew the short straw and had the one lane road with NOOOO passing lane. How hairy was it??? Verrrrry! She reckons she reversed well.
We then drove to Mount St Michaels but the tide was just coming in so we did not have enough time to walk across the causeway to the castle and mosastry. On then to Lands End. Last time Jan was there it was almost dark so it was fantastic to see it on such a wonderful day. The cliffs were spectacular and the Atlantic was calm and vividly blue.
We drove back to Mousehole. By this time it was 7 PM so went searching for a room. Found accommodation at The Old Coastguard Inn where we got a wonderful room overlooking Mounts Bay and we could see Mount St Michaels to the left and Lands End Light to the right. Food and Wine were both excellent.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Tuesday 28 September – Torquay, Devon
Well! we were not phased after yesterday’s happenings. Today we picked up Jo’s bag and our hire car and off to Cornwall.
We have a little ’zippy’ Peugeot – although going up hill it does not zip too well!! We drove down towards Devon. Our first stop was Stonehenge. An amazing site. To think it began as a circular ditch and bank to its final form with the huge sarsen stones and bluestones.
Our second stop was in Torquay, Devon. We have accommodation in a nice hotel on the bay. Once more we have lovely front of hotel view.
We have a little ’zippy’ Peugeot – although going up hill it does not zip too well!! We drove down towards Devon. Our first stop was Stonehenge. An amazing site. To think it began as a circular ditch and bank to its final form with the huge sarsen stones and bluestones.
Our second stop was in Torquay, Devon. We have accommodation in a nice hotel on the bay. Once more we have lovely front of hotel view.
Monday 27th September – Dublin Gatwick
Today was an early start to catch the 8.40am flight across to Gatwick.
On arriving at the airport we found the check in counter and I have to say the lady behind it was not one of the best encounters we have had. We were told we had too many pieces of luggage and were overweight – the luggage that is.
To cut a long story short she did not tag Jo’s bag and hence it did not accompany us to Gatwick. On our arrival we discovered this and realized we or Jo had an unaccompanied bag in Dublin airport – of course one of the most security conscious airports! Anyway we eventually had the bag tracked and it was sent over that night. In the meantime we both hopped on a train and spent a night with Brett, Annie and children ( Jan’s son and family)
On arriving at the airport we found the check in counter and I have to say the lady behind it was not one of the best encounters we have had. We were told we had too many pieces of luggage and were overweight – the luggage that is.
To cut a long story short she did not tag Jo’s bag and hence it did not accompany us to Gatwick. On our arrival we discovered this and realized we or Jo had an unaccompanied bag in Dublin airport – of course one of the most security conscious airports! Anyway we eventually had the bag tracked and it was sent over that night. In the meantime we both hopped on a train and spent a night with Brett, Annie and children ( Jan’s son and family)
Sunday 26th September - Dublin
After checking in our car, and checking out the flight to England, we caught the bus into Dublin. First stop was “The Book of Kells” at Trinity College. It is reputed to be the best example of an illuminated manuscript in the World. Again, it was just mindboggling – so beautiful.
We then spent the rest of the day strolling around Dublin. Ended up in The Oliver St John Gogarty Bar in Temple Bar where we enjoyed the pub atmosphere and traditional music being played, sung and enjoyed. After several ales for Jo and Guiness for Jan we caught the bus back to the hotel to get ready for the flight to England.
We then spent the rest of the day strolling around Dublin. Ended up in The Oliver St John Gogarty Bar in Temple Bar where we enjoyed the pub atmosphere and traditional music being played, sung and enjoyed. After several ales for Jo and Guiness for Jan we caught the bus back to the hotel to get ready for the flight to England.
Saturday 25th September – Waterford - Dublin
On leaving Waterford, we took the freeway to Dublin as we wanted to visit Bru Na Boinne, a Neolithic tomb reputed to be older than the pyramids, before heading into Dublin. The site is about 50 km north of Dublin. It was not well signposted on the road that we took but we eventually found it.
Visitors to the sites are strictly controlled and although we arrived at 11.45 AM we could not get on a tour until 2.15PM. At the visitor’s centre there is an excellent display of Neolithic life and of how the archaeologists believe the structures were built.
We were able to visit 2 of the 3 major sites, Knowth and Newgrange Tumulus. At Knowth, we were unable to enter the underground chambers as they had collapsed in over the thousands of years. However, there were 2 main tunnels and these were aligned perfectly east west and the sunlight from the equinox would enter the chambers. The mounds are covered with grass.
At Newgrange, we were able to enter the underground chamber. These people had constructed a dome from rock in the central chamber and it has never leaked in thousands of years. How amazing is that!!! Pity the guy who put my skylight in didn’t have this ability!! There is a special light shaft that is aligned to the shortest day and for 17 minutes the sun’s rays penetrates the chamber and give it a golden glow. The guide simulated that experience for us. Was mind-blowing to think that these people had the ability to quarry these huge rocks, then transport them from 20 miles away, then put them into place!
Our tour did not finish until 5.15 PM so by the time we got back to Dublin, it was after 6. Thought we would get accommodation near the airport but that was not to be! Fully booked. We drove into Dublin, tried a few hotels and B&B’s no luck. Started to get a bit frantic and then decided to drive back the way we came. Turned off at Swords and found a Hotel and it was just near the airport! Luck of the Irish.
Visitors to the sites are strictly controlled and although we arrived at 11.45 AM we could not get on a tour until 2.15PM. At the visitor’s centre there is an excellent display of Neolithic life and of how the archaeologists believe the structures were built.
We were able to visit 2 of the 3 major sites, Knowth and Newgrange Tumulus. At Knowth, we were unable to enter the underground chambers as they had collapsed in over the thousands of years. However, there were 2 main tunnels and these were aligned perfectly east west and the sunlight from the equinox would enter the chambers. The mounds are covered with grass.
At Newgrange, we were able to enter the underground chamber. These people had constructed a dome from rock in the central chamber and it has never leaked in thousands of years. How amazing is that!!! Pity the guy who put my skylight in didn’t have this ability!! There is a special light shaft that is aligned to the shortest day and for 17 minutes the sun’s rays penetrates the chamber and give it a golden glow. The guide simulated that experience for us. Was mind-blowing to think that these people had the ability to quarry these huge rocks, then transport them from 20 miles away, then put them into place!
Our tour did not finish until 5.15 PM so by the time we got back to Dublin, it was after 6. Thought we would get accommodation near the airport but that was not to be! Fully booked. We drove into Dublin, tried a few hotels and B&B’s no luck. Started to get a bit frantic and then decided to drive back the way we came. Turned off at Swords and found a Hotel and it was just near the airport! Luck of the Irish.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Friday 24th September - Waterford – Graiguenamanagh – St Mullins
Today was the highlight of the trip for Jo. We visited Waterford Crystal!!! Did she leave her credit cards with me? No!!! Instead she had a wonderful time in the sales department. We did the tour first of all and after witnessing the process to make the crystal, blow, cut, engrave it is no wonder it is so expensive. Some of the pieces that they have on display are so beautiful. In the factory entrance, there is a grandfather clock, made from crystal. The Church of Ireland here in Waterford has 3 magnificent Waterford crystal chandeliers.
We then did a drive to Graiguenamanagh. It has a 6.5 km walk along the river to St Mullins. Unfortunately we did not have the time to do the 13km walk (we would have had to walk back to the car) so we drove to St Mullins where there are ruins of several monasteries one dating from 9th century. There was also a Norman fort. The high dirt mounds were used before they eventually built the stone Norman castles.
In the Lonely Planet they talked about a café at an old grain store and we ended up there for lunch. The owner asked us how we found out about it so told him we saw it in the book. Had to go and get it and show it to him as he did not know that it was in the book. Martin & Elmer O’Brien were their names – lovely people and tasty lunch.
It was a really pretty drive back to Waterford as we passed along several ridges and you could see out over the valleys to the picture postcard green pastures, separated by hedges.
We then did a drive to Graiguenamanagh. It has a 6.5 km walk along the river to St Mullins. Unfortunately we did not have the time to do the 13km walk (we would have had to walk back to the car) so we drove to St Mullins where there are ruins of several monasteries one dating from 9th century. There was also a Norman fort. The high dirt mounds were used before they eventually built the stone Norman castles.
In the Lonely Planet they talked about a café at an old grain store and we ended up there for lunch. The owner asked us how we found out about it so told him we saw it in the book. Had to go and get it and show it to him as he did not know that it was in the book. Martin & Elmer O’Brien were their names – lovely people and tasty lunch.
It was a really pretty drive back to Waterford as we passed along several ridges and you could see out over the valleys to the picture postcard green pastures, separated by hedges.
Thursday 23rd September - Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel
Although we set out in rain, the sunshine broke through for our first stop at Blarney Castle. Here we spent the morning around the castle and walking the extensive wooded grounds. Blarney castle of course is home to the much kissed Blarney Stone. One hundred tiny spiral stairs and you are held over the edge of the castle to kiss the stone. Jan has picture proof of her daredevil pursuit. Jo held the coats at the bottom of the stairs.
The castle has extensive gardens and grounds. We spent some time in exploring the gardens.
From Blarney we skirted around Cork and headed up the M7 to Cashel. It was a very different day for driving as we were now following major highways all day rather than the one lane roads of the coastline.
At Cashel we explored the iconic Rock of Cashel. Basically it is a pretty spectacular roofless chapel and abbey on a very large rock and hill. Again worth the visit particularly the exhibition of tools, bishop’s staff, chalice and stone carvings from 900.
We left Cashel early in the afternoon and headed to Kilkenny. Both of us were not too impressed with our quick drive around the town and so we headed towards Waterford. We have a nice hotel on the River Suir.
As we arrived here early (for us) we have been able to spend a bit of time on emails etc. Tonight we will walk down to the old part of the town for a good Irish pub meal and music. We also will stay in Waterford tomorrow night. Jo is in absolute heaven as Waterford Crystal is a mere stroll down the road!!!!!!!
The castle has extensive gardens and grounds. We spent some time in exploring the gardens.
From Blarney we skirted around Cork and headed up the M7 to Cashel. It was a very different day for driving as we were now following major highways all day rather than the one lane roads of the coastline.
At Cashel we explored the iconic Rock of Cashel. Basically it is a pretty spectacular roofless chapel and abbey on a very large rock and hill. Again worth the visit particularly the exhibition of tools, bishop’s staff, chalice and stone carvings from 900.
We left Cashel early in the afternoon and headed to Kilkenny. Both of us were not too impressed with our quick drive around the town and so we headed towards Waterford. We have a nice hotel on the River Suir.
As we arrived here early (for us) we have been able to spend a bit of time on emails etc. Tonight we will walk down to the old part of the town for a good Irish pub meal and music. We also will stay in Waterford tomorrow night. Jo is in absolute heaven as Waterford Crystal is a mere stroll down the road!!!!!!!
Thursday, 23 September 2010
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