Naquada

Well we got back from the trip safe and sound, although its not as nice being back as it was out in Ireland!!

We stopped in a small cottage halfway up the hill in Ballylickey, southern Ireland, between Glengarriff and Bantry. The cottage was wonderful, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, dinning room, study, and utility room, as well as a patio, and an amazing garden with stunning views. The views from just outside the lounge at sunset were also breathtaking.

We stayed in Rowan Tree Cottage, just up the hill from the Ouvane Falls Pub & Restaurant, which is right on the estuary, and has some wonderful views when you sit out in the pub garden. It was within walking distance of the cottage, so it was quite handy for the odd pint or two..

We took a whole ton of photos of the week, as we travelled round Glengarriff, Bantry, right round to the Ring of Kerry. The weather was so hot as well, as we came back with a reasonable tan and feeling like we’d been sun blessed over the last few days.

We even decided to head out to the beach on the Thursday traveling round the first part of the ring of kerry to Ballinskelligs, where we found a huge, very quiet beach. It also had some interesting stuff to photograph.

The last day we headed over (or rather up) to Blarney, and did the tour of the castle, including the almost required ‘Kissing the Blarney Stone‘ - which is basically hanging yourself off the side of the castle by your ankles whilst an old irishman says ‘go on now, you’re fine so you are, little more.. there you are so.. off yer go now..’ and other famour Irish phrases..

According to legend by kissing the Blarney Stone, one can receive the “Gift of the Gab” or if you like, eloquence. The legend has its roots in the response of the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth I to Cormac Teige McCarthy’s attempt to blandish his way out of a difficult situation, during negotiations of the takeover of the Blarney Castle by the occupying. The stone itself is rumoured to have been created by a witch during the Middle Ages, who revealed it when she was saved from drowning at the castle.

Overall it was a fantastic week away with great friends, amazing views, excellent weather, good food and great Guinness.. just a shame to be back to reality!!

Technorati Tags: ballylickey, bantry bay, Ireland