We drove off the ferry at Dublin, found ourselves on a motorway (thanks Tom) and ended up in Galway in a nice B&B. We were sent off to Galway town to have dinner and had a fantastic night in the hub of the town where the pubs were pumping out music and there were people everywhere, very festive. We made yet some more best friends in the restaurant, Di and John from North Ireland on their weekend away, and had a magic evening chatting and surrounded by the atmosphere. We exchanged emails and addresses so who knows??! Got back to B&B and accidentally deleted the evening photos instead of uploading...rats. The breakfast setting was very noice the next morning.

Here are a couple of photos of the drive to Cong, we had our first rain would you believe. Then Ashford Castle is ahead.

I can't believe Ian is asleep in his chair after 3 sherries, yes we are at Ashford Castle and it is AMAZING! From our bedroom window we have views of the lake and front gardens and it is luxury, luxury, luxury. So glad we did this! Dinner in the dungeon (yes, that is right) and hours to kill in garden and grounds. And, YES, we have our own chandelier in our room. Ian is awake now (the pace is furious!) and we are off to explore the grounds.

Wales to Ireland

Wales has diverse countryside including lakes, mountains and pretty villages. We drove through a slate mining area where the hills were literally all slate and the village and port were very 'werka's cottage' style, lined up along the hillsides around the port. Wales has rhywbeth i bawb (something for everyone)!! I know, impressive, we are speaking fluent Welsh already! The town names are like my texting!! Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Ffestiniog etc., and we got horribly lost en route to Porthmadog! Eventually, found Holyhead (sort of still talking) and hopped, well drove, onto the ferry for Dublin!!!

St Andrews to Manchester

St Andrew's is a beautiful and ancient town with the ruins of its cathederal overlooking the ocean below. The town and streets are lined with grand buildings that are nestled down narrow streets and in courtyards that you glimpse as you drive past. Would love to have spent more time wandering the streets discovering more of the wonderful buildings but sadly had to head off.

We overnighted at Pooley Bridge in the Lake District and went for a walk along a stream through fields and turnstiles. After another huge breakfast, we drove the scenic lakes and hills to finally hit the highway and continue down to Manchester to meet Penny and James at the White Lion for a drink. We stayed with James and Sheila in there lovely spot overlooking Manchester in the hills behind the city.

Purple Tuesday!

The girls from work will confirm Purple Tuesday is too important be missed even though I am away!!! I enlisted the assistance of a local lad who obliged me with a coat of purple paint! Unfortunately, the photos of the finished effect didn't turn out, so you will have to imagine how it looked!

Back to the Lake District

We drove back across Scotland winding through bleak, bare hills and picturesque Lochs, every corner bringing a new photo opportunity (if only Ian would stop!). We spent the night half way across the country in the hills at a Hotel, where we discovered the new manager (Chris) enjoyed a tipple and so kicked on with the local entertainment. Ian and Chris propped up the bar till the early morning discussing random stuff, and were both a little seedy next morning! We happened upon Rob Roy's grave just off the beaten track and also popped in to the Beatrix Potter Museum for a quick visit.

Castles and Wee Scotland

Ian and I dusted off our brooms and headed to Alnwick Castle. It was so interesting hearing about the defence of the castle in those times, death pits and dungeons people were dropped into never to be seen again! You have to wonder why would you attack a castle in the first place!!! There was also the ghostly presence of Harry and his co-horts zooming around the keep. A chattering group of children dressed for the same sporting brooms and swords added to the magic of the day. There was this amazing tree house on the grounds where a young couple were having their wedding reception at later in the day. WoW!

Scotland was our next destination and the open hills and hospitality made us feel instantly welcome. Our B&B first night was Alden Guest House in Callander, the exterior being the film location for a doctor series in the 60's apparently. I am loving the B&B experience, every night is a new location and new best friends!!! The seafood and local fare has been amazing, like the sea scollops cooked in butter and garlic and served with salad and dressing that we ate on the pier at Oban with the cry of the seagulls all around and fishing boats bobbing about in harbour. The tides here are ferocious and rush in and out of the river.

To York and Beyond

On the road again and into the ancient Roman city of York. We stayed overnight so we could stroll through the streets and visit York Minster (a huge cathedral like church in the heart of the town). It was worth the effort, really beautiful to see.

Then we headed north to the Northumberland coast and castles, castles everywhere. The daffodils are everywhere and yellow daisies through the grass in the woodlands, magic. We stopped in Alnwick where Harry Potter's castle is located. Will see that today. Beautiful blue skys today and gentle breezes with a balmy 16 degrees outside!!! Almost like home!