Ireland day 1014. Monday 08 July 2024- Travels

Today’s summary	Went for a walk round the demesne with Val in the morning and had lunch at Avoca. Took Val to the airport in the afternoon, to catch a flight to London where she’s meeting a friend for a couple of days. Afterwards I drove on down to Cashel where I’m staying for a couple of days to do some hiking. Dinner at Baileys Hotel Cashel in evening.
Today’s weather	Lovely bright dry sunny morning in Dublin, dull and raining in Cashel in the evening. Moderate easterly wind. Appx 19c

Today’s overview location (The blue mark shows the location of my route)		Close-up location (The blue line shows where I walked) (No GPX today)

Commentary

(Summary blog only. Last full blog was Day 0368).

It’s been quite a busy day today, with lots to do.

First up, as the sun was shining and the sky was brilliant blue this morning, we decided to make the best of the weather and headed out into the demesne for a quick trot round the castle grounds. It turned out to be an excellent plan, with the vivid greens of trees and fields contrasting with the brilliant blue above. The grounds were a hive of activity as the contractors got to work putting away the concert paraphernalia, to be packed safely away until the music season is upon us once more next summer.

We enjoyed the morning so much that we decided to throw caution to the wind and have lunch at the Avoca café instead of returning straight to the flat.

Once back at the flat, we didn’t have long to hang around, as Val had an afternoon flight to London to catch. Then, as soon as I had dropped her off at the airport, I had a long drive ahead of me.

Val’s going to be in London for a short while, meeting up with a friend. While she’s away, I decided to go down to Co Tipperary for a couple of days, to do a bit of walking in the Galty mountains.

The drive down the M7 and M8 was straightforward and quick, and now I’m comfortably ensconced in my B&B in the town of Cashel. My accommodation is close to the centre of town and, of course, the eponymous Rock is lurking in the distance, with the ruined cathedral glowering on the top like something straight out of Game of Thrones.

Against this dramatic background, I enjoyed an excellent dinner and pint in the bar of Bailey’s Hotel. But now I’m going to sign off and get my things together ready for tomorrow’s adventures. Next instalment to follow!

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


Cricketers turning out into the sunshine this morning	Everyone busy clearing up after the 2024 concert season

Amazing fairy circles in the playing fields near Malahide castle	The uber-deluxe (and uber-expensive) Cashel Palace hotel where I’m not staying

St John The Baptist’s Cathedral, Cashel, built in 1784. I think it’s Church of Ireland, but to be honest, I’m not 100% sure	St Dominic’s Abbey, also in Cashel, founded 1243. It’s a ruin now, right in the middle of a housing estate

Dinner is served, Bailey’s Hotel Cashel