Seaside at Brighton

We flew out from Dublin Sunday morning, once we left it began to rain, we have been so lucky with the weather! We flew to Gatwick and caught the train to Brighton and made our way to our B&B. We headed down to the seafront and wandered along the foreshore and down along the pier. It was a nice mild afternoon and evening. Brighton has lots of lovely laneways and streets and buildings. We photographed the West Peir or the remains of it, it had been burnt down after Eric had photographed when he was here.

Seaside Trip to Howth

Today we headed out to the seaside town of Howth about a 30 minute train ride out of Dublin. We wandered down past all the fishing boats and went for a boat ride around Irelands Eye (a little island) We saw all the birds nesting on a little rocky outcrop and were entertained by the singing Belgians on the boat with us ! After a seafood lunch we headed out for a walk up to the cliffs with wonderful views back over Howth. All the Irish were out enjoying the sunshine! Great day out with the Mamouney's for our last day in Dublin.

Last Day at Butterworth Farm

Last day at Butterworth Farm! We walked to the next village and saw a WW1 German bunker. 

We went to The Australian Memorial at Le Hamel and just revisited a few places Bill wanted to see. We found s few bits and pieces of WW1 stuff just lying around in the fields.

Cliffs of Moher

Today we did a day tour out of Dublin. It was a long day but a chance to see a bit more of the countryside. We headed across to the west coast to County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher. Spectacular cliffs rising out of the Atlantic Ocean, we had about two hours to walk around and enjoy this wonderful area.

We drove along the West Atlantic Way a wonderful coastal drive, through little villages, emerald green fields bordered with dry stone walls. We drove through the Burren region with its vast limestone rock formations.

We then drove to Galway where we had the chance to wander around, do a bit of shopping( I really needed an Irish scarf) grab something to eat for the two hour Tri back to Dublin (am using this time to update my blog)

Dublin

We have arrived in Dublin and am staying with my brother Simon and his family. On our first day we checked out Trimity College and learnt about student life, saw the Book of Kells and were most impressed with the Trinity Libtary Long Room. We wandered the streets and just soaked up the atmosphere and the good weather.

More Dublin

I had a visit to an Irish dentist to get a repair and dressing to a broken tooth the night before we left Australia. Fortunately it wasn't too much of an ordeal so continued with our Dublin Explorations which included the lovely St Stephens Square. In the afternoon we caught the DART to Bray and did a lovely coastal walk to Greystones. Lots of people out walking and enjoying the good weather. We surprised a lady when we recognised the Kerry Blue Terriers she was walking- there were just like our Clancy!

Last Post at Menin Gate

Decided to leave the country! Headed to Belgium after lunch, we wanted to go to the Last Post Ceremony at Ypres. Had a lovely time wandering around this lovely city, purchased some Belgium chocolates, and went to the Last Post at eminent Gate at 8 pm. Quite a crowd and a very moving ceremony.