AH SURE AZURE

Category: Travel

  • December Sunshine in West Cork

    img_2108What an end to the year! This day was slipped in as an extra as if we are not really coming up to the shortest day of the year.

    Fuschsia still bloomingimg_2102sunrise dramatic and temperatures abnormally high.

    It is so sad to hear of the death of another prominent figure AA Gill restaurant critic of the Sunday Times  he entertained us so well with his incredibly witty columns  His last insight into the compassion of a NHS nurse said so much about his true nature.

    He knew that compassion is not something you can pay for .  He got that from the public sector and I hope it gave him some comfort in his last agonising days. On a beautiful day like today it is hard to believe that such suffering exists.

    His only desire was to have more time with his family . A lesson for us all as we rush around getting ready for Christmas .

     

     

  • The Irish ‘Orient Express’ all set to roll into Cork

    Belmond_Train_observation_car01-600x250
    Luxury travel

    Maybe next time I will take the Grand Hibernian to Cork instead of the old road or the N7!

    CORK is set for a major tourism boost next month with the arrival of the country’s very own ‘Orient Express’. The arrival of the Belmond Grand Hibernian, the country’s first luxury overnight train, will result in a marked increase in the number of people visiting the city, and attractions such as Blarney Castle, the English…

    Source: The Irish ‘Orient Express’ all set to roll into Cork

  • August weekend road trip

    Instead of taking the usual N7 to Cork from Dublin, I decided to turn off to follow the alternative route. This is the old road. I found myself in the middle of a Festival in the picturesque town of Durrow Co Limerick.

    Scarecrows lined the roads into the town and stood or leaned or hung on outside all the shops, public buildings and village green. A wonderful market set up on the green with the best of food, gifts and banter.

    DSC_0275
    Hang in there
    DSC_0266
    Don’t pull too hard!
    DSC_0267
    Let Down your Golden Hair!
    DSC_0268
    another night on the tiles

     

    Driving to Cork from Dublin can be fun. Just don’t take the Motorway the whole way.

    The brown alternative route opens up the heart of Ireland with its imagination, sense of community and sheer fun. With tolls savings amounting to nearly €5 you can afford to stop for a coffee anywhere along the road. It may be slightly longer but the experience is superior – less cars, more scenery, more “facilities”, if you feel the need.

    What a wonderful achievement by the people of Durrow!