Ireland Aw2aits - part 4

 I still haven't fixed the connectivity problem with my camera, and to be honest, even if I had it is too late to go back and do any detailed posts.

So, I thought I'd do an overall impression of what we have seen and done in Ireland, plus a best of whatever photos I have,

It is currently 9 am on Sunday morning, and we are in a pleasant campsite in Skibbereen, down near the south coast, and have booked a whale watching trip from Baltimore (the original!) this afternoon.

The Wild Atlantic Way is just about finished for us, and will end tomorrow at Kinsale. However our ferry from Dublin to Holyhead is booked for 27th May, so we still have plenty of time to explore.

I've already mentioned the eye watering beauty of Donegal. You feel almost involved in the scenery as it is so close to you.

Here in the south, with the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, the beauty is breath taking in it's grandeur. It is on a larger scale and vista than Donegal, but still a new incredible eyeful around each bend. To use Wallace's favourite word - stunning.

The middle part of the trip was different, being plainer, and at times just mile after mile of peat bogs. The distances between sights was also much greater, and they weren't quite so dramatic.

The roads:

Good and bad, most of the bad being in Kerry. Much money is being spent on resurfacing, which helps, but you cannot get away from the fact the the narrowness of much of the roads was challenging. Driving was done by all at a modest pace.


The cost and standard of living:

This surprised us. We were expecting massive pricing, but not so. In fact food shopping was cheaper than UK, and given the remoteness of some of the places we were in, fuel and Guinness were reasonable.

The people:

The friendliest on Earth, without a doubt. They are happy to start a conversation and chat all day.

Schools:

There are schools everywhere, all well maintained. Even the remotest areas had them.

Houses:

Everywhere the Irish are building houses for themselves. Usually bungalows, but not exclusively, and all individually designed and different from each other. Many are painted white, but all were immaculate.

Litter:

Absolutely none!. There are no rubbish bins available, and you are expected to take your litter home with you. And that actually happens. Also no graffiti.

Sport:

Everywhere people were flying the colours of their respective county or province Irish Football teams. It is massive here. Rugby is down in about fourth place in popularity.

Weather:

We have been blessed - so far just one morning and one evening of rain (including a very loud thunderstorm). Plenty of sunshine everyday, and it looks like it will continue well into next week.

Come to Ireland - you won't regret it.



















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