Ireland 2006
12th - 20th  MAY 2006


We left Cornwall early on Friday morning and headed for Pembroke Dock in Wales for what was a very smooth and enjoyable crossing to Rosslaire in Ireland. on our arrival we travelled but a short distance to the town where we stopped for two nights at the Crosbie Cedars Hotel. The following day after breakfast we made our way to visit two private collections. The first, we were told, would be a small Motorbike collection owned by the Ryan family.
We gathered in their yard and after introductions followed the family into various small houses where we were to find an "Aladdin's Cave". Just about everything you could think of, not just Motorbikes but a whole range of Stationary engines, collectables, spares and memorabilia, some tractors and a very rare Enfield car.
The Family made us very welcome but lunch was calling so off to the pub in the next village for soup and sandwiches.

The "Enfield "
from the Ryan Family Collection

The afternoon was taken up by visiting Pat Looby and Sons at Johnstown in Co. Kilkenny.
Mr Looby who was featured recently in one of the Tractor magazines was very good to us as he spent all afternoon showing us his vast collection of 260 tractors. Among them were some very rare examples, not just one but sometimes a range of the same make. So many in fact that they would be too numerous to mention, an absolutely wonderful collection. After this he gave us a tour of his business workshops where lorry bodies are fabricated which was very impressive. within the workshop he employs between 50 and 60 people. We are now looking at all lorries to see if we can spot a "Looby" body !  

Just one of the Looby collection

 

 

 

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The next day we were heading to Lisdoonvarna near Galway for a four night stopover. On the way we picked up our Irish member at Cahir then made a stop for lunch and a few hours in Tipperary and Limerick.
The three days spent in the Galway area saw us visiting Galway City in the morning and a river trip on the Corrib. The trip was very beautiful in the afternoon sunshine and almost all had an Irish Coffee on board.


The following day we toured the Connemara, a very rugged and beautiful place indeed. Our driver took us to a crystal making establishment where we were given a talk and a tour of the factory. Two of our group, who had recently celebrated their Ruby Wedding had the head cutter engrave a piece of Ruby glassware for them. Unfortunately due to not very nice weather we were unable to walk to Kylemore Abbey, which we saw from the coach, as it was stunning.


The other day we walked out to the Cliffs of Moher, which was breathtaking, lunched and spent he afternoon at Bunratty Castle. Not only did we tour the Castle but in the grounds was a reconstructed old village. This was a lovely afternoon enjoyed by everyone.


The following morning we headed across country for our last two nights to be spent in Dublin at the Stillorgan Hotel. On the way we stopped at the home of the Irish National Stud to tour the premises, the foaling unit, the hospital, stables and yard and then through the absolutely stunning Japanese Gardens with our guide. We were left to wander to view the stallions, mares and foals some only a few hours old. 


The last day was our own but most of us had a sightseeing tour on an open top bus around the City with jump on and off at leisure. I noticed that just about everyone jumped off at the Guinness Storehouse where we all learnt about its conception and brewing and rounded the tour off with a pint in a glass walled room with a wonderful view of Dublin. Back on the bus we completed the tour seeing such sights as the famous "Molly Malone" and her "Barra" 


The sailing home to Holyhead and the coach back to Cornwall completed yet another wonderful holiday. 


Look out for next years holiday, which will be announced soon. 

Thanks to Sue Morcom for the narration and Dorothy Beard for the pictures

 

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