Irish Holiday 2004

We all set off bleary eyed, but I am sure excited, with the first pick up at the Coach Depot at 5am on the Friday morning. Gradually, as the rest of the group were collected and with the last pick up at Sourton at 6.45am, we could see what a glorious day we had in front of us. We couldn't have asked for better weather knowing we also had a sea crossing to make.
The next stop was at 7.15am at Exeter Services for breakfast. We then continued on our journey, with everyone alive and kicking by now, through lovely countryside across the new Severn Bridge into Wales for our next stop at Pont Abram Services on the M4 which was approx 1 hours drive to the ferry port of Fishguard. We needed to arrive at 1.30pm, one hour before our sailing time of 2.30pm. By this time our Currian Tours coach driver Brian realised he had an articulate, sensitive, knowledgeable and very friendly group on board for his first trip to Ireland. What a super chap he turned out to be too! We boarded the ferry and climbed our way up the several flights of stairs to the upper decks to find a restaurant, cafe, and bar and shop etc. A well equipped ferry.
The crossing was perfect , an absolute millpond. Not a soul sick anywhere! We ate, talked, drank and walked the decks stopping to gaze out on the sparkling sea and to sit awhile to enjoy the warm sun on our faces. What a start to a holiday.
The ferry arrived spot on time at 6pm and we boarded our coach once again for our hours journey to The Dooleys Hotel in Waterford. On the way we saw many little cottages, some thatched, and lovely scenery. Arriving in Waterford at approx 7 pm to find our hotel right on the waterfront. A receptionist from the hotel alighted the coach and welcomed us to Ireland and particularly to her hotel and Waterford. Within the next few minutes a list of room numbers were allocated to us and our keys all ready in reception. They obviously knew we were coming! We were informed of and when our evening meal would be served and we all arrived in the restaurant with great eagerness wondering what we were to receive. I can say that anyone who got up from their table hungry it was their own fault. The food was really good, three courses and plenty of it, served by smiling staff that couldn't do enough. Breakfast next day (Sat) a buffet style was also good, juices, cereals, bacon, sausage, eggs, beans etc., toast, rolls, well after that we said goodbye, see you Wednesday and left for our pre-booked tour of Waterford Crystal.
That was something else; we were shown through the factory to see the different stages of manufacture and cutting, all done by hand. It takes eight years of apprenticeship before becoming a cutter. We saw trophies that were skilfully made for different prestigious occasions and a hug replica of the Millennium Ball that was made for Time Square, New York.
The end of the tour was to visit the showrooms and shops where we saw the full collection of chandeliers tableware, trophies, gift and literally thousands of items. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the experience. Our lovely young tour guide Jolene was just about to take her exam to be a doctor, we wished her every success. Hope she makes it!

Leaving Waterford we headed for our visit to Blarney Castle, where, if wished, one could kiss the !Stone!, or walk the grounds, look around the town, visit the Blarney Woollen Mill and have lunch. It was a lovely relaxed stoop, which we left at 4pm to arrive in Killarney, at the Tower Hotel, for our evening meal and the first of our four night stay. As we travelled along, what struck us all was the somewhat lack of cars. Nowhere near as busy as home and the new houses that have been built that were, in some cases, quite palatial with landscaped 1/4 to 1/2 acre gardens, dotted everywhere in the countryside. Planning obviously not as strict as home.
Our Killarney Tower Hotel was right in the town, a beautiful building ideally placed for us. They were very well organised with room numbers and keys issued within minutes. With dinnertime announced we were off to our rooms to unpack, change and arrive at the restaurant on time. At this hotel it was all carvery/buffet style on a grand scale in grand surroundings. Eat what you like and however much you wanted. Three courses again and what fabulous food. It could not be faulted in all our opinions, and super staff to boot. The evening was free to sit and chat in the lounges or walk the streets! so to speak.
The next day (Sun) after our buffet breakfast, with everyone thinking that was the last meal we were ever to have, we puffed our way up the coach steps for our days excursion to 'The Ring of Kerry'. All were bright-eyed and bush tailed as we set off to admire the wonderful countryside, the little cottages and farmsteads, not forgetting the palatial residences it was much quieter here though, with less urban areas and cars, more beautiful landscapes of hills and dales. Our coffee shop was at the 'Bog Village' the interest was the village I think, more than the coffee. The village, although very small, was very interesting with two roomed thatched cottages, (peat fire lit, we came out spluttering!), and old machinery lying around. However, on we went stopping at various breathtaking viewpoints and talking to various locals who were delighted to chat. We arrived at The Scaffif Inn at Caherdaniel for lunch where we found a tiny Inn dealing with lots of people but they knew we were coming and dealt with the situation of serving us with food very well, almost with military precision. This spot was one of the best viewpoints on the Ring. The Irish say it's the best in the world in their opinion. It was beautiful, have another Guinness!

To complete the journey we visited the very pretty town of Sneem By The River where we wondered through this tiny place looking in the shops, eating ice cream and inspecting a visiting Jaguar E-Type, then more scenery as we headed back through Molls Gap to our Hotel for dinner. More food!
Monday was to be our free day to explore Killarney with many many things to do. Some went on the jaunting carts through Killarney National Park with sights being pointed out along the way by the drivers who were full of Irish nonsense. There was much laughter emanating from the carts as they trotted along. The Lakes and Ross Castle here were beautiful.
The National Transport Museum was visited by several of the men, while there was some serious shopping done by the ladies. A good relaxed day.
After dinner some went to a show at a neighbouring Hotel where Laim O'Connor (an accordionist with Michael Flatley of River Dance) and Lisa Aherne performed Irish music and song, along with two very fit young ladies dancing. A great show. Others sat and chatted in the Hotel lounges where music was played each night, or went out to the pubs to hear music in the bars.
On Tuesday, after breakfast, easing up on the sausages now, we left for Glengarrif where we climbed aboard a boat to visit Garnish Island, passing seals as we cruised along the sheltered water. This island was very small and built and planted in the Italian Style some eighty years ago, with pergolas and pool.
If you walked to the summit there was beautiful views over to Bantry Bay, and we saw oyster beds in the closer waters, it was quite stunning. We had time for a quick bite before our boat arrived on time to collect us for our journey back to join the coach. On the way back, as it was on the outward journey, we enjoyed spectacular scenery with several oohs and ahs as we inched our way through three tunnels which were narrow and low, with only inches to spare. A couple of our men folk actually got out and watched the coach through at one point. Brian as cool as usual. He then managed to find a little private collection that we had been told about. A phone call was made the previous day so as to enable us to visit. It was a large barn and adjoining outbuildings full of a few tractors and lots of associated machinery, washing machine amongst it. The gentlemen were very happy to see us and mingles and chatted. We thanked them and gave a small collection. With that Brian whisked us back in time for our last dinner at Killarney and our packing ready for the next day.
We said goodbye to our Killarney hosts on Wednesday morning and headed into Middleton for a pre-booked tour of the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery. We arrived in good time, so had a quick coffee and a look around the shop before our tour.
It started with the story about whiskey and the distillery etc. Then we were off with our guide who showed us the various buildings which were used and we followed the story through the different areas passing the old lorries and casks, the fire tender, the old tractors and machinery and waterwheel until we reached the spot where one of our group rang the bell that was used to signal to add to the fire below and such other messages and in some cases warn the workforce when the boss was about.
The tour ended with everyone being given a glass of whiskey and two gentlemen and one lady (they will remain nameless) were volunteered to do a full whiskey tasting.

We staggered into the restaurant en mass for a quick lunch, then after some quick purchases, left to pick up our Irish club members who had booked into The Dooleys Hotel for our last night together, and were waiting to join us on our visit to Johnstown Castle and the Irish Agricultural Museum there.
On arrival at Johnstown we found glorious grounds and lakes around the beautiful castle. Unfortunately the Castle is not open to the public, but in the stables and outbuildings we found the Museum and were welcomed by the Curator, Dr Austin MN O'Sullivan.
The men enjoyed the afternoon, but could have spent more time there I'm sure, perhaps on another occasion. As we drifted back to the coach our driver Brian found some 'QT' in a locker and members turned automatically into tea ladies. Then the 'QT' ran out, sachets of sugar, teabags and allsorts came out of cases etc. what a giggle! Suitably refreshed, onward we went to our dinner at Dooleys, our last supper.
It was lovely to reminisce with our Irish friends and the evening passed quickly. It was suggested an early night was needed as our breakfast was at 6.15am next morning. Not all took heed!!
Thursday had arrived with sadness as we ate yet another hearty breakfast and said goodbye to the Hotel staff, who apparently would love us to come again, and our Irish friends, who would be coming over for our Rally in June. We made our way to Rosslaire for 8amto be ready to sail at 9am.
Another beautiful day and calm sea for our sailing home, arriving back at the coach depot, after the 'drop offs', at approx 8am.
We now look back to a superb holiday, Ireland was beautiful. the food, well now on a diet. Serious!! Very hospitable people, must go back but only with our super coach driver, he couldn't do enough for us and joined in with everything, must order him for next time. Good Coach Company for organising skills, but most importantly what a super crowd to be away with, couldn't pick better if you tried. So till next time!!

Sue Morcom