Slieve Binnian: July 26th and 27th 2014

My sister in law Jean and her husband Kris, who live in San Francisco, came to stay with us for a few weeks. In addition to travelling around our beautiful country together I though Kris might enjoy a few hikes with some of the lads and maybe squeeze in a trip to Croke Park as well. 

We did get to Croker but not to see the Dubs. We did however go to see Mayo beat Cork. This was after spending some time in Mayo the previous week so Kris felt some attachment to the Mayo men and was pleased with the result.

Damian, Rob, Conor, Joe, Brendan, Stephen and Kris

Anyway, I asked my two brother's in law, Tim and Joe to lead us on a hike in the Mourne Mountains. My sons Brendan, Damian and Stephen joined us as well as my son in law Rob and my grandson Conor. Unfortunately my other son John could not make it this time. 

We were very lucky with the weather. It was overcast most of the day and misty on top but at least the rain held off. We all found this hike much easier than Donard which we did a few weeks earlier in very wet conditions.

Tim about to follow the group into the mist close to the summit. 

Taking a well earned rest at the summit. Had to use Photoshop to clear some of the mist from this image.

The last time we hiked up Donard we went into Newcastle (Co. Down) for refreshments before heading home. We agreed at that time that we would stay over in Newcastle the next time. So, I booked a dorm in the Hutt Hostel for seven of us. Joe and Tim were going to head back to Dublin as they had other business to attend to. 

I would happily recommend the Hutt Hostel to anyone staying in the Nescastle area. Anyone, that is, who is OK staying in Hostels in the first place.

We had a great day on the mountains walking up Wee Binnian on the way back from Binnian. Sadly Tim and Joe had to leave for Dublin after we shared some refreshments in the Harbour Bar in Annalong. We then set off for Newcastle and the Hutt Hostel.

After a refreshing shower and a change of clothes we headed for O'Hares, a great spot at the other end of the town. 

Unfortunately O'Hares bistro was fully booked so we went in search of somewhere else to eat. We had been advised it would be difficult to find a restaurant on Saturday night to take seven of us. 

So we chose the first place after O'Hares. We should have known better, they had no problem taking seven people. So we went into the Avoca Hotel where the bar staff were very pleasant but the food was dreadful

Maybe we picked a bad weekend to be in Newcastle but we did not feel comfortable on the streets after dark and finished our night with a drink in the beautiful Slieve Donard Hotel. 
 The following morning we enjoyed a walk along the sea front followed by a great breakfast in Maude's Cafe, lovely staff and great food. 

 CLICK HERE FOR A SELECTION OF MY PHOTOS FROM THIS TRIP:

****************DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME : ) ********************

Damian, Brendan and Kris

Jack

May 25th 2014, Slieve Donard on a very wet day

A great day on Slieve Donard with my sons Brendan and Stephen, Son in law Rob and Grandson Conor as well as my two brother's in law, Tim and Joe. 

I was wearing my new prosthetic, all in one, 'Moob and Belly' for this photo : )  There's a six pack somewhere underneath.

Conor taking in the first incline during a short break in what was mostly a very wet day on the mountain.

I think Tim's backpack may have been too heavy.

Still smiling, this was before the continuous rain and what felt like a never ending steep ascent

Stephen and Conor giving everyone a head start

Just before the steep ascent to the Mourne Wall

The Mourne Wall

Conor and Brendan considering an early shower

The Mourne Wall – built in the early 20th century – runs up the western and southern slopes of the mountain, joining a small stone tower at the summit.

Stephen: "You mean this is not the summit"

Rob: "So Joe, just to be sure, this is not the feckin' summit"? 

Cold and wet but enjoying a lunch break after reaching the summit of Slieve Donard.

There are Spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains from the summit of Slieve Donard

Brendan and Stephen, not far now to the end and a well deserved pint : )

Despite the very poor conditions we all had a great day. We all agreed that the next time we take on Slieve Donard we will stay over in Newcastle and enjoy a few drinks and some food in this charming town.

Flickr Link to all my photos from our day on Slieve Donard

May 21st. 2014 - Spinc and Miner's Village with John

The forecast was good so I asked my son, John, if he was free to take a trip to Glendalough. I have not been out on the mountains for too long.

Photo taken by 'N' (private joke)

 Well, 20lbs heavier than I was after returning from the Camino in Northern Spain, I knew I would find the going hard. I did not realise just how unfit I had become in just over six months. 

I promised myself I would lose the weight I gained and get fit again. 

Like his Brother Brendan, John is also a keen photographer. However, on this occasion we just wanted to enjoy the day together so there are not too many images to share.

John enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and we took time out along the way to chat with several people.

I think we have another convert to the great Irish outdoors. There's nothing like it, and, it's free.

John is going to join Brendan and myself when we get out here again all cameras blazing. (Snow mandatory)

Link to Flick and a few images from today

St. Patrick's weekend 2014 on the Burren Way

Typical scene on the Burren. Just beautiful : )

Click Here to see my photos from this trip.

The Burren National Park

***See other Links at the end of this page***

Let me start by thanking Ger for organising the weekend and proving me with copies of the maps of the route we walked each day : )

This weekend trip had it all. It was St Patrick's weekend 2014, The Irish rugby team was due to play in their final game of the Six Nations needing victory over France to claim the Championship, I was meeting up with some of my Kilimanjaro friends along with many more recent friends from the Camino, we were meeting in Lisdonvarna for three days of walking, eating and an opportunity to "drown the Shamrock" (have a drink or two). So often when it appears that all the planets must be aligned, and nothing is left to chance, an event fails to meet expectations. Not so our weekend. We had a great time.

Day 1: 
Kilnaboy, Father Ted's House, Burren Perfumery and Carron

Friday March 14th.: I picked Ger up at the M3 Parkway Railway station in Dunboyne at around 7:30am. Our plan was to arrive at our destination early enough to get our first walk in before daylight faded. We stopped off in Loughrea for breakfast before completing the final leg of our journey to the fabulous west of Ireland and Lisdoonvarna. 

Ger had chosen Sleepzone, a hostel in Lisdoonvarna as our HQ for the weekend. Sleepzone was once a small hotel and met all our requirements. We were in a room for six while other shared double rooms and private rooms. I have no hesitation recommending this hostel to hikers. 

Antoinette, Julie and Hugh outside Father Ted's House - (See Links below)

We met up with Ed and soon afterwards we were joined by Antoinette, Julie and Hugh. We drove to Kilnaboy the start and end point of our Day 1 Loop walk.  We set off on foot a bit later than we had originally planned and unsure we could complete the loop before nightfall. 

Ed beside the orange skin diversion sign

Antoinette discovers Ed's directions

Ed and Ger took off a bit quicker than the rest of us leaving a 'camino like' arrow indicating the turn they took. However this turned out to be the wrong road which afforded us slower walkers a chance to catch up with them as they made a hasty retreat having encountered some bulls with what Ed and Ger interpreted as menace in mind rather than just a passing curiosity.  

Later we came to a Y in the road where preferred route was flooded after recent heavy rains. This meant we could not visit the Burren Perfumery and had to make a circuitous route to Carron. We marked the diversion on the road with orange skins so Antoinette, Hugh and Julie would follow our new route (not that they had much choice really). 

We arrived in Carron hoping to take a break in Cassidy's Bar but it was not going to open until 7pm. With daylight fading we decided to call a taxi to take us back to Kilnaboy and our cars. We called Antoinette and advised her about our decision. We agreed that which ever group got back to the cars first would come back and pick up the other group. 

A local lad offered to take us back to Kilnaboy and Antoinette called to say they too had secured a lift.

Day 1 walk was great but it was all on the road which I found more painful on my feet and legs. Looking across the fields and the limestone hills I felt that it would have been more interesting to get off the road. On the other hand the limestone erosion would make it very difficult to navigate, (see some of my images). I knew I was paying the price of not having done any walking since the Camino walk last year. Despite what I said above I loved being out in the fresh air, walking with friend surrounded by our amazing countryside. 
It was time to have some 'refreshments' : )  

At the end of a long day we parked our cars back at the Sleepzone and walked 50mts to The Roadside Tavern where we enjoyed a few drinks and some food. Great atmosphere, good food, drink and the best company one could wish for : ). 

Oh, I nearly forgot, Ger brought his bodhran with him and enjoyed joining a session with the local traditional musicians. He was in trad music heaven.

Day 2: 
Our Day 2 included walking the famine road from Lisdoonvarna via Fanore to Ballyvaughan. Ending in Hylands Burren Hotel in Ballyvaughan. We hoped to arrive early enough to secure a prime position in front of the TV to watch Ireland’s last rugby international in the Six Nations 2014!!

Cameron, Niall, Lydia, Ger, Ed, Paula and Jack

This is group one above just before setting off for Day 2. We were followed closely by Antoinette, Aileen, Brian, Peter, Kate, Julie and Hugh. 

The previous night, in the Roadside Tavern, we had outlined our route for today to one of the local men with an in-depth knowledge of the Burren Way. He though we were being very ambitious and unlikely to complete the journey. 

Why could they not just turn around. What are they saying to us by pointing their backsides at us but still taking a look??

Our Day 2 walk was even more enjoyable than our first day. The scenery was spectacular. The weather, while overcast was perfect for walking, the rain held off and the sun even put in a brief appearance towards the end of the day.

Paula and Lydia

Unlike yesterday most of the pathways today were off road, and more sympathetic to the blisters I knew were forming on my feet. I also felt closer to the burren limestone pavements. I think the next time I walk the Burren I will take a shorter route and walk 
much slower to really enjoy this beautiful part of the country. I will also choose a time of year when the flora and fauna of the Burren are in abundance, a great opportunity for photos. However. I feel one could walk these pathways at anytime of the year and not be disappointed

I have to confess that I found the walk exhausting. This I put down to my own lack of fitness and not to the terrain or distance. My blisters were, by the end of the day, were well formed and I was concerned about walking day 3. We reached another Y in the road. Left through the forest or right along the road and three kilometres to Ballyvaughan. We hit the road while group 2 took to the forest. In hindsight I think they made the right choice. I walked at a snail's pace for this final stage with the prospect of a pint, some food and the rugby game keeping me going. Arriving in Ballyvaughan I made my way to the bar in Hylands Burren Hotel where Ed, Ger, Lydia and Paula had secured the tables and stools in front of the telly.

We enjoyed the well earned food and drink in Hyland's bar while watching Ireland claim the Six nations Championship. We were joined by the last two members of our group, Brid and Edele who had driven down today. We got a taxi back to Lisdoonvarna. After a shower and a change of clothes we came down to the dining area to find Brid and Ger had prepared a huge curry, enough for everyone. I could not resist my second curry of the day. Thanks Brid : ) Then off to our favourite roadside tavern before finally retiring for the night.

Day 3: 
Flaggy Shore – Newquay Loop walk. Lunch in Linnane’s Seafood Pub.

Day 3 and I was nursing a few nasty blisters. I went up the town and found a supermarket with something close to compede blister remedy. I stuck a few of these on the base of my feet and set off with the group. We drove to St' Patricks Church which was to be the base for our two loop walks.

The first loop walk took us along the Green Road around Abbey Hill. We had the hill rising on our right side and the Ocean to our left. 

We stopped off at Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory only recently opened. You can watch the chocolate being made while standing in the small shop selling their products. I wish them well with their venture but I have to confess I do not think they offer value for money. I bough three products and they were over priced by a very large margin. I feel this may impact on return business.

Lydia followed by Ger and Joe

Leaving the road we set off across a field to reach Corcomroe abbey

Corcomroe Abbey (see links below)

After completing the first loop walk we drove to NewQuay and Linnane’s Seafood Pub for lunch. Most of us enjoyed seafood chowder and brown bread. Ed had arrived ahead of us to watch Liverpool play Man United (3 - 0 to Liverpool). We decided we had enough walking for today and agreed to drive the second loop along the Flaggy Shore. 

What's left of the road along the Flaggy Shore atormsfter recent s

Our western shores took a real battering this winter. The image above shows whats left of the road along the Flaggy Shore. We circled back and stopped at an arts and craft shop, Russell Gallery, New Quay before going back up the road to the Linnalla Ice Cream Cafe where most of us enjoyed an ice cream cone while Lydia, a self confessed, ice cream fanatic, enjoyed a special (see my photos)

Brid, Aileen, Peter and Kate in the Roadside Tavern

Billy who took really good care of us in
the Roadside Tavern

Arriving back at Sleepzone we washed, changed and made our way to The Roadside Tavern hoping to see the Arsenal game. We should not have been surprised to find the TV showing the Clare V Waterford game and a massive victory for the locals.

We had a late night, a very late night : )
Cast:
Aileen,       Antoinette,        Brian,         Brid, 
Cameron,   Ed,                    Edele,         Ger, 
Hugh,         Jack (me),         Julie,           Kate,  
Lydia,        Niall (Neil : ) ), Paula,         Peter.

Links:_______________________________________________
My Photos                                             The Burren   
Sleepzone                                              Roadside Tavern 
Lisdoonvarna Town                               Ballyvaughan Town
Linnane's Lobster Bar                            Corcomroe Abbey
Linnalla Ice Cream Cafe                        Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory
Father Ted's House                                Russell Gallery, New Quay
The Burren Perfumery                           Hylands Burren Hotel
Six Nations 2014

Nov 27th. 2013: Spinc with Brendan

Hard to believe it's November 27th and we are here in Glendalough about to start a hike over the Spinc and into the Miner's Village. The weather is perfect for this hike with my son Brendan. 

Selfie with Brendan. We should have known better than to face into the Winter's sun.

My yodelling is just as bad as my singing but you have to, don't you? Just be grateful there is no sound with the image.

Brendan practising his Shakespeare

   

In the Miner's Village

Brendan is a great photographer and we have promised to return to this route with our cameras and tripods after a good fall of snow. It would be a great opportunity for me to get some tips from Bren.

Link to Flickr and my photos from today with Brendan