( just a few!)
It’s wonderful to be back in Ireland again!
-Oh, and by the way, The Queen is still Queen of Scotland!! I’m not sure what to think of that as we watched the news of the results of the Scottish referendum in Ireland.
In Dublin we had supper at the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Ireland at a location that’s been an inn or tavern since the 1100’s- great lamb stew and Bailey’s Cheesecake to die for! There was great “Craic” in a pub in Cork where we listened to the traditional Irish Music that I love.
The Wicklow mountains are breathtaking and there is a lake deep inside the mountain heart that is the jewel in the glen. The mist added to the atmosphere of history and wild beauty but for most of our stay the weather remained quite mild and often sunny. Everywhere in Ireland, especially in the countryside you can turn a corner and come upon a grand estate behind the trees or a ruined castle on a hill.
Yes, that is me kissing the blarney stone though it’s really not necessary as I already have the gift in my blood ( or so I think). However, I should say, I am not a talker as a rule but if you get me started on a subject dear to me then you pretty much have to knock me on the head to shut me up.
As an interest to photographers, Father Francis Browne sailed on the Titanic, boarding at Southampton and disembarking at Queenstown ( now Cobh) on orders of his Jesuit superiors. While on board he took the superb (now famous) photos of life aboard the great ship before she sailed to her final, tragic destiny. He remained a keen photographer all his life.
I’ve written a bit more on the historic sites of Ireland on my google blogger “Gateways and Journeys” so as time is limited I will leave this post as is and get ready to go and enjoy Killarney.
Do visit Ed Mooney for his histories of old ruins in Ireland.
Dublin, the River Liffey
The Brazen Head
The River Liffey, Dublin
Glendalough
Path by the lake
Castle Blarney
Real estate in County Cork
Kissing the stone
Morning in Cork
Titanic Museum at Cobh ( formerly Queenstown and last port of call of the Titanic)
Fr. Browne photo of dock workers loading
Cobh Harbour
Great Craic in Cork
Blarney River
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Gorgeous photos, Cybele! Taking me a while to get caught back up, but so happy to read your great adventure! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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thanks so much Aisha, my friend. It’s taking me some time also!!
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Marvelous gallery, dear Cybele…
Thanks for sharing you experiences with us… I almost felt I was there.
Love, Aquileana 😛
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thanks so much Aquileana!! what a lovely comment!
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I think the Scots were willing to keep the Queen, whatever the outcome of the referendum. It was only the English government some of them wanted rid of; but take it from me, they’re not the only ones!
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😀
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So enjoying your photos, commentary and storytelling Cybele… You are having a wonderful time xx
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Great photos, so glad you’re enjoying your trip Cybele.
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What a place, Cybele!
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Amazing photos Cybele, love the night shot, very inspired!
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thanks so much Della!
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Nice range of pics, you must be having a great time 🙂
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thanks Six!!! and yes I am!!
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Wonderful!
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🙂
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These are magnificent photos! The first one and the last one are poetic, the river is too beautiful… great post!
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thank you Amy!!
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Lovely photos – I really love that lake with the rocks in the foreground. I also remember kissing the Blarney Stone and almost had a heart attack realising what you had to do suspended high up flipping around to kiss it!
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I hear you Kaz!! I got a touch of vertigo!! Thanks!
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So happy you’re having fun! Great pictures and stories. I think you just might have enough material for a book 😉 Just a thought!! *planting the seed!!* Big hugs!
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thanks my dear friend!! Who knows!
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You didn’t influence the vote by any chance??? 🙂
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😉
But truly I had mixed feelings about the outcome!
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These are great photos, I can see you had a wonderful time.
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thank you Snow!! Not home yet!!
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Wonderful post and photos!
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Thank you!!
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I have put Ireland on my bucket list.. Lets see
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go for it!!! 🙂
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You’re certainly covering some ground Cybele! I’m envious.Do you remember which Cork pub it was – Coughlans perhaps?
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It was called “The Oven Bar” on Oliver Plunkett!!
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