Sitting on the 21.30 Stena Line ferry departing from Rosslare, Ireland to Cherbourg, France.   Our 8 day whirlwind adventure throughout the Emerald Isle has come to an end.  As I reflect back on the trip the first thing that comes to mind is how much we, in Canada, can learn about hospitality from the Irish.  With each step we made from Dublin to Rosslare, the people we encountered were extraordinarily friendly and helpful.  Questions asked were met with answers and delivered with a kind smile.  A good morning greeting from strangers was common place.  To put it simply, the Irish are welcoming.  We would do well as a nation to adopt this personality more freely.

 Our tour started on July 21.  After leaving The British Open and our week in beautiful Chester, we ventured into Northern Wales where we would board the ferry from Holyhead for our 3 hour crossing of the Irish Sea into Dublin. Along the way we stopped in a seaside village called Llandudno.  For the record, this is the first seaside village we have visited in the UK that is picturesque, clean and interesting.  Maybe it due to the fact that this village was purposely built as a resort destination back in 1848, including train service from Chester and ultimately London.   Yes, there is the obligatory pier with a small carnival......but no Ferris wheel this time.  The pier, a Grade II listed structure, was built in 1878 and at almost 2300 ft, is the longest in Wales. The half moon beach is adorned with colourful Victorian buildings like sentries guarding the entrance to the main town.  We walked along the coastal road to the end of the pier.  The view was warm and inviting.  The interior streets were also well kept,, pride of ownership clearly on display for all to see.

With a little more time to explore before the ferry departure, we moved on to Beaumaris, almost directly west of Llandudno across the Menai Strait.  This village of 2000 inhabitants started life as a Viking outpost, however it really became significant after Wales was conquered in 1295 by Edward 1 of England.  Eddie commissioned the Beaumaris Castle to be built as part of a chain of fortifications around North Wales.  Today this place is just plain quaint.  Small streets wrap around the coastal waters, with inviting cafes aplenty.  The castle interior is mostly ruins now, but the exterior walls and moat are still in good repair and create an interesting photo op.

We are off to the ferry now.  A new country on the horizon.  If you are keen to learn what you can accomplish in 8 days of touring the southern parts of Ireland stay tuned as my next post will spill all the details.  Until then....

Be Well

Cheerio