TAKING A BREAK

Today we took a break from our break to regather and revive. All that driving and sightseeing wore us out! After a false start to the day with the fire alarm in the hotel waking us at 6.30 am we went back to sleep and rose for the day close to 9 am. We really needed to get some washing done as we were getting a little on the nose after wearing clothes for a few days each and starting to run out of clean ones. After a bit of a wild goose chase trying to find a laundromat we ended up at a launderette only to find that this was what we call a dry cleaners. Sick of looking for a do-it-yourself I paid them ten euros to wash and dry which turned out better value for money taking into consideration what my time is worth! After this we took the kids to Aquadome which was a FREEBIE also included in our accommodation package - bonus! The kids had a swim and some fun. A quick movie here. We're now relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on the Ring of Kerry tomorrow. Sofie and I are off to see Eat, Pray, Love shortly.

THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

After a hearty Irish breakfast we hit the road this morning heading for The Cliffs of Moher. Along the way we sighted many more spectacular scenes through The Burren area.















Such as castles.

The limestone pavement at Ballyallaban.

A natural spring inside a stone hut.

Land of Marram Grass at Murrooghtoohy.

Our "Paddy" destination, The Cliffs of Moher.

Simply stunning.

Then we boarded the ferry to take us across Shannon River on our way towards Killarney.

We've stopped a little earlier than Killarney at a town called Tralee. You should see the swanky joint we're booked into for the next three nights. The Carlton Hotel turned out to be a better deal than a B&B. Irish luck has been delivered our way! 3 nights + breaky + a 4 course dinner on 1 night for 298 euros. We've seriously rolled back to our room from the restaurant tonight (haha).

More simply stunning photos here.

GIANTS CAUSEWAY & DUNLUCE CASTLE

We must be one of the luckiest families alive being able to see all of these spectacular landscapes and sceneries around the world.

Giants Causeway is one such wonder. Truly beautiful sights as far as the eye can see.

Giants Causeway photos here.

It was then a short drive to Dunluce Castle. Again, amazing!

Dunluce Castle photos here.

There are legends surrounding both of these tourist attractions but I'm using the ladies internet where we stayed last night so don't want to be on here too long.

We drove 5 hours to Galway or more specifically Barna, a village just outside of the city and stayed at Freeport House. Dave's just packing the car now and we're off, but I'm not sure where.

NORTHERN IRELAND

We've had a change of plans and decided to visit a few places in Northern Ireland before heading to the Southern end so this morning we picked up our hire car and were pleased to welcome "Paddy" (Tom Tom) on board with us for our adventure in Ireland.















Plugged in our destination and away we went arriving at Ballycastle approximately 3.5 hours later (an hour North of Belfast). First stop lunch.















Then onto the amazing Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge with its surrounding absolutely spectacular scenery.

Sofie embraced the thrill of it whilst Jayden opted to stay with the Irish National Trust volunteer and not cross the bridge.

We then went onto Ballintoy Harbour and the kids and Dave did some exploring.

We're camped here tonight, The Smugglers Inn, on the Causeway and honestly this place is fabulous. Our room is awesome and dinner was wonderful. Included is breakfast. Room and breaky all for 80 pounds (pounds not euros in Northern Ireland).

Tomorrow we're going to see The Giant's Causeway and then who knows.
More truly amazing photos here.

GUINNESS COUNTRY (DUBLIN)

Phew, what a day! We're buggered tonight and settling in for an early night. We started the day with some, actually a lot, of shopping at Carrolls. We're stocked up and ready for St Patrick's Day next year ;) We were lucky that they offerred shipping home so another parcel is on it's way Pugsley's.

A few quick stop's to see the sights. This one for Rob ;) of Molly Malone.















Jayden found what he was looking for. Another McDonald's in a different country. Jayden hasn't been sick for a long time and guess what happened after eating this? Luckily Sofie and I had gone to the loo so Dave was left to clean it up. Apparently, it wasn't pretty. Needless to say Jayden's not sure if he's going to eat McDonald's anymore!

Today was all about the beer though. Specifically Guinness and the Guinness Store House. We took the tour. Drank the beer.

Even I got in on the act!

Dave got his free pint in the Gravity Bar at the very top giving 360 degree views over the city.

We had done soooooo much walking today that the kids were exhausted so we treated ourselves to a horse and carriage ride home at 20 euros (roughly $33).

All of Dublin photos here.

FROM UK TO IRELAND

Firstly, sadly, Charles passed away in the early hours of last night with his final words being "don't be sad, I had a great life!"

Rewind a tad and it was a very nervous wait at the airport for Dave who was getting the Dragon's footy game score text to him. Yay - go the Dragons! First bloody year they're in the Grand Final and we're not home to watch the game. Rest assured, we'll be sussing out where we can see it though.















Whilst for the rest of us it was just long and boring.

We arrived by taxi to our hotel, the Jurys Inn. Hmm, how shall I put this? Well, firstly we were allocated what was supposedly a "family" room. It wasn't big enough to swing a cat in and Sofie was suppose to sleep with Jayden in a single fold out bed - wtf? I rang reception and told them it was unacceptable. The receptionist came to the room to discuss but because Michael Buble was in town the hotel was fully booked but upon a second look she came up with a room that was much more appropriate and we were happy.

Tired and hungry we headed out for dinner and a quick look around. Dave had his first Guinness.

And we all shared this. Any guesses as to what it is? We had to do it, just to try. A deep fried mars bar. And yes, it was delicious!

We're off to the Guinness Store House today, once the rest of the lazy buggers get up. A few more photos here.

I'MA COMIN' IRELAND

We spent the day packing up our little cottage. Amazing how much "stuff" one accumulates in five weeks. Another 6.5 kg parcel boxed up and sent home, this time costing 89.95 pounds. We were sure to include in the box some "clotted cream fudge" and "oaty flapjacks" with expiry dates after our estimated arrival home. It'll be like Christmas all over again opening up our boxes.

In the morning we'll head to Birmingham airport, drop off the car and wait to board. Then, arriving into Dublin we'll grab a taxi and go to our hotel where we'll stay for the first couple of days.

Will write when we can. Until then "au revoir." Yes, started practicing our French again.

Oh, and sadly Charles' health seems to be deteriorating rapidly. We're not sure he make it through the next couple of days :(

MAKING THE MOST OF OUR REMAINING TIME

Yesterday, we took a drive to Cambridge, 2.5 hours away. We just had a look around the shops which, like all the other towns, are set in a mall like arrangement with no cars allowed entry. I was delighted to meet the Author of a book I have just read and lunch at Taste of Cambridge.















Today, we were invited to tea at Jane's property (the owner of Carol Cottage where we are staying) on Dovers Hill. We were served scones with butter that a local farmer makes from his milking cows and homemade plum jam. Dave had a coffee with fresh cows' milk whilst I had a lemon kind of tea which was simply a piece of plant dropped in boiling water. True, divine, real food from an English country farm. The kids enjoyed some biscuits.

Whilst we were chatting with Jane, Sofie, the photographer, and Jayden set off exploring and to take some photos. She did a marvellous job. The property is stunning and somewhat self sufficient. Something we aspire to when we get home. More photos here.

The afternoon was spent in Evesham doing some last minute tasks - Jayden shoes, handbag for me, both boys haircut, and a couple more books (we're stocking up before we get to France expecting English books to be non-existent or expensive).

THE NORTH DEVON COAST

On Sunday morning, just after 6.30 am, we drove off for our "weekend away." We were heading to Ilfracombe on the North Devon Coast. After a three hour drive we reached our destination thanks yet again to Charles (Tom Tom). We wanted to go firstly to the tourist information centre but were a bit before its opening time so had a quick look around, and then drove 15 more minutes to a village named Woolacombe. Once we arrived here, we knew this was it, the place we wanted to stay for the weekend. The tourist information suggested a Bed & Breakfast and it was here at "The Imperial" owned and run by Roger we stayed for two nights at 90 QUID a night. Bargain considering a meal with drinks out costs us around 30 QUID. We were served an English breakfast each morning which kept up going throughout the day. First up we headed up the street to get Dave and the kids decked out in wetsuits for swimming (the beaches here are a lot colder than Australia for swimming- can you believe this beach is covered in snow in winter?) We ended up buying the kids one each figuring they will get use out of them in Ireland and also France.















Dave said the water was so cold it hurt but kids being kids didn't feel a thing! Roger lent us a boogie board so they had an absolute ball.

As it turned out, Roger's daughter and her children from Noosa on The Sunshine Coast, Qld had been visiting during the summer so the kids made friends real quick. Then, yesterday morning, after a fabulous breaky Roger took us down the beach to catch crabs and little fish.

This is Roger. He's a lovely, lovely man whom made us feel very welcome. His B&B is located right on the beach and just near the main street. Again, we'd thoroughly recommend him and his B&B. Details as follows:

The Imperial

Bay View Road

WOOLACOMBE

N. DEVON EX34 7DQ

01271870594

07855819056

After our crabbing expedition Roger introduced us to a "Cream Tea." Scones with jam and CLOTTED cream. De-lic-ious! I reminded Dave to take his cholesterol tablets! Especially after dinner out of traditional cod, chips and peas.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and of course we've no regrets but if we knew how great Woolacombe would be we would have stayed there for at least a week. Woolacombe photos here.

This morning we packed up and sadly left after a fabulous weekend. It was definitely a highlight of our time in the UK. We again stopped in at Ilfracombe (Allan, the place in Qld was named after this) to look around further and snap off some pics. These villages are definitely tourist destinations with lots of ice-cream and homemade fudge shops. The smell of this one we simply couldn't resist.

Dave was most impressed with the eleven metre tides. We checked out St Nicholas Chapel which is located at the very top of the headland. Ilfracombe photos here.

EVESHAM AGAIN

Random post number two.

Sofie went to the library today to use their computer for internet access and to check her emails. She loves getting emails from her friends and keeping in touch with them.




















On the way home Dave called into the pub to snap a pic of me working away on my laptop. And yes, I was actually working! Property and book stuff.















He'd been to the library to google where we are off to tomorrow and also found a lovely little cafe for us to go to lunch to at Evesham. We'd promised Jayden we'd take him back to play with his friends who weren't there but there were plenty of others for him to play with.

We fed the swans before we left to come home. Sofie got her finger bitten and yelped like a girl!

More of today's photos here. We're off to Ilfracombe on the coast tomorrow for an overnighter or two.