2016 found us on an amazing journey for 8 weeks overseas in Ireland, Scotland, and England. We did an independent self-drive road trip from late April to mid June covering 4,000 kms by rental car. JR did all the driving along the opposite side of narrow, winding roads with high hedges. In Ireland we drove the perimeter from Dublin through the Wicklow Mountain National Park to Kilkinney and south to Waterford and Cobb. Along Ireland’s coast Atlantic Wild Way, historic treasures and a vibrant culture intermingles against a natural landscape that is endlessly magnificent.
There were newborn baby lambs everywhere and flowers budding in full bloom. The weather was grand and fortunately for us very little rain was encountered. Each day brought wonderful opportunities to experience the beauty and enchantment of the Emerald Isles.
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Venturing to lesser known sites in the Connemara region and County Donegal, we saw dogs herding sheep, rugged burren peat being harvested by farmers, and one of the last two family operated woolen mills knitting sweater.
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| Farmer digging turf blocks to dry for fuel |
The fascinating shores of Northern Ireland, where Vikings and Norsemen once evaded and St. Patrick trekked, found us changing currency from pounds to shilling as we drove the beautiful Antrim coast to Belfast before catching a ferry to Scotland. the fun of being independent travelers, rather than locked in with a tour group, allowed for spontaneous stops and opportunities to explore loughs, isles, villages, and historic sites off the beaten path. The lush green Irish countrysides are incredibly beautiful beyond ones imagination during springtime.
