Category: Travel (Page 1 of 3)

Day Tripping with Mom

August 4, 2024 / Hughena MacDougall / 11 Comments

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0002-1.jpeg — Gaelic/English sign at the Gaelic College, St. Ann’s.

Departure: Dundee, Richmond County 9:00am

Destination: Indian Brook, Victoria County

I decided to take Mom on a day trip today. We both mind the heat and humidity so much, and although I work in air conditioning during the week, Mom doesn’t get much relief. I thought it would be nice to at least spend some time in the car in cooler conditions.

Our destination was Indian Brook, Victoria County. Why you ask? Through my workplace, I had been communicating, via phone and email, with a lady named Judy Brown. Judy operates a business called ‘The Other Cupboard Emporium’ in Indian Brook and I wanted to check it out.

Our first stop was the gift shop at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s. I hadn’t been there in many years, but I remembered it always had some lovely items. I found a CD I had been looking for “Home” by Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen. (It’s a cork’er. I’ve already listened to it twice.)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0001-1.jpeg — Gift Shop, Gaelic College, St. Ann’s.

From St. Ann’s to Indian Brook is about 30-35 minutes. It’s a pretty drive following along St. Ann’s Bay (I think) and North River. There was a bit of traffic but everyone seemed to be just taking their time and enjoying the surroundings.

Our next stop was Cabotto Chocolates. Oh my. This is not a safe place for me to be.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0004-681x1024.jpeg — Cabotto Chocolates and Colouratura Art Gallery

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0003-681x1024.jpeg — The shop and gallery are in an old church.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0007-1024x666.jpeg — Photo called “Waiting for Spring”, on the outside wall. Oh how we wish it was spring.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0009-1024x681.jpeg — Gorgeous display of chocolates.

We sampled both dark and mild chocolate and pistachio/orange fudge. All VERY delicious. Of course we came home with a bar each.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0059-1-1024x681.jpeg — Mom chose the Seaweed Dark Bar and I chose the Mint Dark Bar.

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0008-1-681x1024.jpeg — I thought this was a cute barrier in the parking lot.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0015-1-681x1024.jpeg — Gorgeous blue hydrangea just opening.

From the chocolate shop we were only a minute or so from The Other Cupboard Emporium .

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0016-1024x681.jpeg — Love the bank full of daylily’s.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0017-1024x681.jpeg — A few steps but very easy to navigate with the handrails. Mom isn’t fond of steps but she found them great.

I introduced myself to Judy and I was very happy to finally put a face with a voice. She is every bit as lovely as I expected too. She really has a wonderful shop filled with EVERYTHING! “At The Other Cupboard we believe in offering healthier, local and affordable options to fuel your mind, body and soul. ” This quote is taken from their website. Check out their website for the many items they stock. I came away with a bottle of haskap juice.

We had planned to turn around at this point, but Judy encouraged us to continue on for just a couple of kilometres as there were a glass blowing shop, woodsmith shop and The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery. We took her advice and had lunch at the Clucking Hen.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0027-1024x681.jpeg — The Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery

The cafe was quite busy but there were still several empty tables. A lovely waitress came with menus, utensils and water. She was so nice and accommodating. We debated between the lobster sandwich and the lobster roll. The waitress said the lobster sandwich on oatmeal porridge bread was the best. As we took a few more minutes to decide, she returned with a full loaf of bread to show us what it looked like. We both decided to have the lobster roll. It was a grilled bun with a lining of lettuce and stuffed with delicious lobster. But we did ask to purchase a loaf of the bread and two cinnamon buns to go. All in all, a great place to eat and so many hen things to look at around the dining area.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0029-1-995x1024.jpeg — A felted fiddle playing hen hanging on the wall.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0023-1-681x1024.jpeg — In the yard at the Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery. I was tempted to run around it three times hoping for rain or snow, or at least cooler temps.

Our next stop was the Glass Artisans Studio.

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The glass blower demonstrating and working today was Mervi Haapakoski. She grew up in a rural area not far from Helsinki, Finland. She lived in Ontario for several years, and then came to visit Cape Breton in 2015 and moved here in 2016. She was very nice and also hilarious.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0042-1-681x1024.jpeg — Mervi beginning the process. She was making a starfish.

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We watched Mervi for a while and then went into the gift shop. WOW! What a collection of gorgeous glass works. Tumblers, vases, pitchers, birds, tiny animals, pendants, brooches, buoys, balls, etc. I loved going through and looking at the different artists works.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0046-1-681x1024.jpeg — Buoys

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0033-1024x681.jpeg — Lots of pretty balls.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0030-681x1024.jpeg — Glass and metal sculpture in the front yard.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0044-1-647x1024.jpeg — Glass tube amongst the hostas.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0031-681x1024.jpeg — Another glass and metal structure.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0060-1-1024x870.jpeg — I bought a starfish made by Mervi. It wasn’t made today as it would not have cooled enough. It’s about 4″ wide or so. I love it.

The Woodsmiths Studio was next. Oh the lovely scent of wood when we walked in the door. I didn’t get his name but a very pleasant fellow who shared some of his travel experiences. I had asked him if he was open year round and he said no, that he travels for about 3 months each winter. He has beautiful cutting boards, interesting bandsaw boxes, business card holders, pencil boxes, pen holders and lots more.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0050-1-1024x681.jpeg — The Woodsmiths Studio

We were heading back but still checking out some more shops and still in Indian Brook. What a great place with so many artisan shops to visit. Our next stop was the Leather Works.

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Another distinctive scent when we opened the door. The lovely scent of leather. I had remembered visiting the business many years ago but I remembered it being high up on a hill. I asked if they used to be located where the Other Cupboard Emporium was and that’s exactly where they were until 6 years ago. Lots of purses, belts, wallets, change purses, bracelets and much more. I bought a leather pony tail holder which I hope will work with my thick hair.

Our last shop was Piper Pewter. I have a couple of Piper Pewter Christmas ornaments but I had no idea they were a Cape Breton company until today. I have no idea why I didn’t know this.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0055-1-1024x681.jpeg — Piper Pewter shop

This isn’t a big shop, but it is well displayed and a wonderful place to visit. They have Christmas ornaments, Clan Crest brooches, bookmarks, earrings, pendants, keychains and kilt pins. I’m sure I’ve missed some products.

At this point we were both getting tired, so we decided we’d make Baddeck our next stop. We managed to get a place to park not far from the Flying Kite Artisan Shop where I found the other CD I was looking for today. This one is “The River She Knows” by Rose Morrison. We played this one on the way home and we both enjoyed it very much. We also had Death By Chocolate ice cream in a cup. Yummy. A quick stop for potatoes at The Baddeck Co-op since they were sold out when we picked up groceries in Port Hawkesbury last night. Another quick stop at The Farmer’s Daughter for a turkey pie which we’ll have for dinner tomorrow.

Although I’ve been hearing tourism is down in Cape Breton, all the places I asked said they thought it had been much busier. We saw lots of tourists and plates from many places; Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and that was without really looking.

Mom asked to go back home through Orangedale and Marble Mountain so I accommodated. That’s a nice drive, but a bad road in places.

We had an awesome day. Thankfully everywhere we visited had air conditioning. It was hot and humid with the temperature steady at 32C. We blasted the A/C in the car too. We did some Christmas shopping, visited lots of shops, had a great lunch, met some nice people, everyone we encountered at every business was so very lovely, but most of all Mom just thanked me for taking her on this day trip and keeping her cool.

I hope you enjoyed my day with Mom, as much as I did. As always, leave a comment if you wish.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_0028-1-1024x835.jpeg — On the wall at the Clucking Hen

Ireland 2023 Part 8

August 27, 2023 / Hughena MacDougall / 2 Comments

Molly Malone statue – nicknamed the “Tart with the Cart”

May 26 – Day 9 Dublin City

Today is our last full day in Ireland. It seems impossible that the trip is winding down. This morning we sit back and enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin. Dennis points out many sights and explains a great deal of the history of Dublin. We stop in Phoenix Park at the Papal Cross. In 1979 Pope John Paul II delivered an open-air sermon to more than 1.25 million people. The park is is 1750 acres of recreational space. It contains the Dublin Zoo, many gardens, many monuments, the residence of the President of Ireland and the residence of the United States Ambassador to Ireland, a castle, a fort, headquarters of the Garda, a seniors home, a cemetery, several ground for hurling, football, soccer, cricket and polo, and Farmleigh – the official Irish State Guesthouse.

Looking up at the Papal Cross from the base.

Entrance to the US Ambassadors residence in Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park Monument in the middle of the main road.

The most photographed door in Dublin at 46 Fitzwilliam Square. It was installed in 1907.

After our tour of Dublin we visit Epic the Irish Emigration Museum. Epic opened in 2016. Here we learn the history of the Irish Diaspora and emigration to other countries. We are provided with an audio guide for our self guided tour. I took my time going through and realized that I needed to step it up if I was to get through the whole museum in our time allotted. There are many interactive areas and one needs to have several hours if you are to partake in all. There are motion sensor quizzes, video galleries, a place to try your skills at step dancing, remastered audios from over 100 years ago, and videos that bring the history to life. Upon entering you get a passport and after each stage you have your passport stamped to show a record of the journey through Epic. There are 20 stages of the journey, some of which are; An Open Island, Leaving the Island, Arriving in a New World, Conflict, Playing the World, Leading Change, Music & Dance: Sharing the Tradition, amongst others. It’s a fascinating experience that I would love to revisit sometime.

Not often I see the name MacDougall, or McDougall, so took this picture in the museum. Isabella McDougall emigrated to Australia.

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, amongst others.

Looks so real but actually superimposed on the wall. Tribute to Irish authors.

Just a cool image from the museum. So much to see, and do, and watch. Much of it is interactive and you need hours to experience the whole centre.

Krista, Bob Cameron and I decided to get off the bus in the city instead of going back to the hotel. We wanted to walk around and were looking for a shop selling bonafide Irish products. We lucked out and did find a wonderful shop. We walked around for a couple/three hours visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral. We did not tour the interior of either, but viewed them from outside. We just enjoyed walking around the city before heading back to the hotel for a light lunch at The Bleeding Horse pub beside our hotel.

John Behan – Millennium Child Statue – 2000.

Thought this was cool. Seen on the side of a flat during our walkabout.

Not a great picture, taken from a moving bus. Anna Livia statue or commonly called the “Floozie in the Jacuzzi”. I love their send of humour.

This evening we were off to Taylor’s Three Rock for a farewell dinner and a cabaret. Taylor’s is located in the heart of Rathfarnham and is named for the Taylor family and Three Rock Mountain which rises directly behind the pub. There were several coaches there and the place was likely sold out. I’m not sure how many it would hold but a few hundred for sure. It was a nice evening, but a bit too polished and schmaltzy for my liking. Did I enjoy it? Yes, some aspects. The fiddle player and bodhran player and the dancers were wonderful. The male singer just didn’t fit the role. I’m sure he is very talented but just not what I would expect. I didn’t dislike the event, but perhaps I didn’t quite expect what was presented. I’m glad I experienced it but I’d not go again. It was a fun atmosphere and a wonderful crowd. I’d have preferred a traditional Irish music event, than a stage polished performance.

Arriving at Taylor’s Three Rock for our final supper and a cabaret.

Decorative critters on the roof of Taylor’s Three Rock and photobombed by a crow.

Another great menu for our group. We ate well. Soup and traditional turkey/ham for me. I passed on the dessert.

Dancing and playing on the tables; John O’Brien

There was audience participation and Tom and Frances’ daughter, Fionnuala Sweeney was randomly chosen from the crowd.

The bodhrán player was also chosen from the audience.

First the spoons, but then the bodhrán. Multitalented.

The many faces of Fionnuala. She was so much fun to watch.

It was a lovely drive back to the hotel, with the sun setting for the day. My heart was heavy as I was sad to be heading home the next day. I stayed up way too late and had a 5:30 wake up call. I was surprised that I actually slept a bit. We were late leaving the hotel but we had lots of time once we arrived at the airport. I experienced no delays getting through check in and security. I had the most amazing Air Canada agent who was funny, accommodating and who loved his job. He was from Turkey and only arrived in Ireland 9 months prior to learn English. He said he knew very little English when he arrived. He has picked up the language very quickly and when I commented to him how well he was doing, he was genuinely appreciative of my compliment.

A 7 hour flight to Toronto, 2 hour layover, 2.5h hour flight to Halifax, pick up luggage, pick up car at Park N Fly and a 3 hour drive to Dundee, arriving home at 8:30pm. It was a long day but the memories of the past 9 days filled my heart so much.

I cannot really put it into words how hard it is to leave Ireland. I relate it to saying goodbye to a relative or friend, who you may not see again. I really get overcome with sadness. My throat tightens as I walk to the plane, and my eyes well up with tears. I have been lucky to have been to Ireland three times. I can only hope I’ll get back again someday.

In closing, I hope you have enjoyed my blog posts and following along on this amazing trip. Many thanks to Nuala, James and Sinead at Brack Tours, the best tour company ever. And also many thanks to Brian Doherty, Kevin Evans and Tom Sweeney for providing the music and hanging out with our group for 9 days. To the many friends I’ve travelled with, most of whom I didn’t know prior to, but many who I can now call friends, thank you for your company, not only on this trip but those on the 2019 trip as well.

As always, all photos taken by myself unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to leave a comment, or two, or three. There may be one additional post to come answering some questions I’ve been asked and sharing pictures of just cool things that didn’t make it in the blogs.

Ireland 2023 Part 7

August 26, 2023 / Hughena MacDougall / 6 Comments

St. Kevin’s Monastery grounds, Glendalough

May 25 – Day 8 Dungarvan to Dublin via Glendalough & Powerscourt

Accommodations: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin City

We leave Dungarvan this morning and head for Dublin where we will spend our final two nights. (The road to Glendalough was by far the narrowest, windiest road we’ve been on, and there was some very skillful driving by Dennis when we’d meet other vehicles. Not for the faint of heart.) We stopped in Glendalough, which means ‘valley of two lakes’; Upper Lake and Lower Lake. It is a glacier valley in County Wicklow. Wicklow is nicknamed the “Garden of Ireland” for obvious reasons. Here we visit St. Kevin’s Monastery. Glendalough is surrounded by the Camaderry Mountains, Turlough Hills, Conavalla mountain at the head of the valley, and the peaks of Lugduff and Mullacor.

Some information on Glendalough and St. Kevin

The rock slab with the cross engraved on it.

The Monastery was founded in the 6^th or 7^th century by St. Kevin. Kevin lived as a hermit and by all accounts he didn’t like people. Prior to Kevin’s arrival, Glendalough would have been a very lonely and remote area, which is likely what attracted Kevin to it initially. His companions were animals and birds. He lived his life by fasting, praying and teaching. He is the patron saint of the Diocese of Dublin. One story indicates he was a man of great patience. He held out his hand in which a blackbird built a nest, lays an egg, the egg hatches and the bird fledges and Kevin never moved.

I lovely poem by Seamus Heaney, an Irish author I enjoy.

St Kevin and the Blackbird

And then there was St Kevin and the blackbird.
The saint is kneeling, arms stretched out, inside
His cell, but the cell is narrow, so

One turned-up palm is out the window, stiff
As a crossbeam, when a blackbird lands
And lays in it and settles down to nest.

Kevin feels the warm eggs, the small breast, the tucked
Neat head and claws and, finding himself linked
Into the network of eternal life,

Is moved to pity: now he must hold his hand
Like a branch out in the sun and rain for weeks
Until the young are hatched and fledged and flown.

And since the whole thing’s imagined anyhow,
Imagine being Kevin. Which is he?
Self-forgotten or in agony all the time

From the neck on out down through his hurting forearms?
Are his fingers sleeping? Does he still feel his knees?
Or has the shut-eyed blank of underneath

Crept up through him? Is there distance in his head?
Alone and mirrored clear in love’s deep river,
‘To labour and not to seek reward,’ he prays,

A prayer his body makes entirely
For he has forgotten self, forgotten bird
And on the riverbank forgotten the river’s name.

Seamus Heaney 1996

Some of the monuments in the lower glen of the site are the Gateway, Round Tower, St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Priests House, St. Kevin’s Church, amongst others.

The Priest’s House – usually this is not accessible to the public, as gates are locked on the doorways, but our tour was permitted to go in.

The ruins of the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Glendalough

As well, the property has hiking trails and waterfalls. Vegetation consists of lots of oaks, many mosses, bluebells, bracken, ferns, holly, hazel and mountain ash. Wildlife consists of deer and various species of birdlife such as common merganser, great spotted woodpecker, common redstart, peregrine, cuckoo, and eurasian jay.

Little brook running through the property.

Deerstone – click the link to find the story. There are several stories as to its origin and purpose.

Cattle country – on the way to Powerscourt

Lots of room here. Not like the narrow road on the way to Gledalough. Wish I had pictures of that.

After a guided tour and some time on our own to roam about the property, we then headed off for Powerscourt Distillery located on the grounds of the Powerscourt Estate. Distilling began in June 2018 with the first barrels being laid down in August of 2018. According to the website they offer a “complete sensory immersion experience from grain to glass.” We had a guided tour which explained the distilling and maturation process before settling in for a sampling of the award winning Fercullen Irish Whiskeys. I can’t really say which of the three samples was my favourite. 😉

Taste tasting – samples are on barrel staves.

No, they weren’t trying to hold one another. The samples were that strong.

They were trying to get the Brack Tours logo.

With the taste tasting complete, and some purchases of their products were made, we were soon on our way to Dublin. We had a lovely group meal and our last musical session by our trio of talented men.

Another menu with fabulous choices. Soup, Salmon and Fruit Salad were my choices.

Delicious – forgot to take pictures of the main course and dessert.

One of our tour mates, Greta, joined the guys for a song.

I hope you enjoyed Day 8. One more day to go. I’m feeling sad by this point as our time is winding down. Please leave a comment if you wish. I always enjoy the comments.

As always, all photos taken by myself, unless otherwise noted.

Ireland 2023 Part 6

July 30, 2023 / Hughena MacDougall / 4 Comments

French Church, or Greyfriars Abbey, Waterford City. I love how flowering plants grow out of the walls.

May 24 – Day 7 Waterford City

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. Our first event was a walking tour led by a very funny and informative gentleman named Jack Burtchaell, as our tour guide. It is a one hour tour around the core of the city known as the Viking Triangle, and covers 1000 years of history. The city was founded by the Vikings 1100 and taken over by the Normans in 1170. They sealed their victory by the marriage of their leader Strongbow to Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster. Jack had some of our group reenact the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, with much hilarity. He explained the history of the water to the city making it one of the best trading links to other Viking settlements. We passed Reginald’s Tower, a replica Viking longship, Christ Church Cathedral which had a service going on and we were not able to enter, and City Hall. We also saw a Viking Sword which is over 15 metres long and carved out of one single Douglas Fir. The carvings detail Waterford’s history. It is the world’s longest wooden sword sculpture and was carved by John Hayes and James Doyle.

We had a spare driver today whose name escapes me. He was a character.

Jack Burtchaell, tour guide for our walk around Waterford. He was hilarious.

Plaque for Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher

The Irish flag, or tricolour, was first flow by Thomas Francis Meagher in Waterford City in 1848 at this location, which at the time was the Wolf Tone Confederate Club.

Various pictures of the carved Viking sword

Our second event was a tour of Waterford Crystal. I toured Waterford Crystal in 1986. On the drive into the city today, we passed the old factory that has been left derelict. It is quite sad to see the condition of the old factory knowing it was a bustle of activity for so many years with upwards of 1500 people working there during its prosperous time. A second factory in Dungarven employed around 500. Most of Waterford Crystal is now made outside of Ireland, but there is a small production site still existing in the city. Waterford Crystal chandeliers hang in Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C. Waterford Crystal makes the 2,688 crystals that cover the orb of the famous New Years Eve Ball that is dropped every year in New York City. Many sporting trophies are made by Waterford Crystal. Sports such as tennis, snooker, golf, Formula One racing, and college football. Many one off pieces are made at Waterford suchas a ball and bat presented to Derek Jeter and a tennis racket made for Boris Becker. Two of each are always made in case something happens to the first one in shipping.

The original Waterford Crystal factory, now a dilapidated building. Apparently there are rumours it is supposed to be converted to some kind of IT training site. This is the factory site I would have toured on my first trip to Ireland.

Some of the pieces on display in the showroom and some from the factory tour.

It takes five years of apprenticeship to be classified as a master. In the fifth and final year the apprentice would be required to complete the Apprentice Bowl. There are 600 precision cuts that are done by hand. The apprentice has only three opportunities to complete the bowl. The cutter would be graded and if passed they would receive the Waterford Crystal watermark.

There is quite a collection of crystal in the showroom displaying bowls, glasses, vases, Christmas ornaments, animals, globes, and chandeliers. The prices are mind boggling, but once you do the tour and realize the time, precision and inspections (6) that go into making each piece, it is understandable.

We had some free time in Waterford to have lunch, shop or walk around. After a nice lunch, Krista and I headed out for a walk finding our way back to Christ Church Cathedral. It is an Anglican/Episcopalian Cathedral that has been a place of Christian worship for over 1,000 years. This Cathedral is home to an impressive Elliot James Organ. It is one of the most important organs outside of Dublin. The case is solid mahogany and facade pipes are gold plated. During renovations in 1891, the organ was taken down from its gallery and relocated to the front left of the cathedral. This compromised the appearance and sound. In 2003 the organ was restored and returned to its original position. The cathedral is gorgeous but I did find it a bit tacky to walk into a church and immediately see a souvenir shop selling imported Irish knick knacks.

Ceiling inside the church. So delicate looking.

Clock Tower at Meagher’s Quay, Waterford City

We arrived back at the hotel around 4pm. We were due to leave for the Marine Pub at 7. Time to call a cab for a short trip to Ring. I asked the lady at the front desk to call a cab for me. I wasn’t entirely sure just how far I was going, but knew it wasn’t a great distance. Perhaps 10-12kms or so. She dialed on cab, but no answer. She tried another, but no answer. She told me many don’t start working until 6. The third try connected her to a cab and she requested a pick up at the Park Hotel. She hung up and said they would be there within 5 minutes. I went outdoors to wait. I was a bit apprehensive about riding in a cab. Had visions of a creepy cab driver, run down car, dirty interior. Well, not even close. The car drove up and I asked if I could ride in front. The driver very happily said I certainly could. I was shocked with the interior. Absolutely spotless, leather seats, and looking brand new. I asked the driver to take me to the New Cemetery in Ring. His name was Anthony (Tony) Ahearne, and I could not have found a better driver. We talked the whole way to Ring. He asked if I was on a tour and I told him I was. When I told him the musical hosts we had, it turns out he had bought a house from one of them several years ago. He was shocked and we had a great laugh over that. He couldn’t believe. A small world for sure. He was very curious asking me about the trip and where I lived. He was just a genuinely nice guy. I was so thankful that the first two cabs that were called were not available. We passed the cemetery to turn around as it is easier to drive into from the opposite direction. I was looking for Liam Clancy’s gravesite. This is something I had planned to do when I first signed up for this tour in 2020. I have loved the music of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem from the time I was born. I was brought up on their music. I was lucky to see the original group perform, and the various combinations of the group. I also saw Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem as both soloists and Makem & Clancy. In the later years of Liam’s life he had a website. The first one was designed by Michael Corbett and had a very active messageboard which I assisted in maintaining and monitoring. Later Paul Grant designed Liam’s website and the messageboard continued to be a big part of the site and I continued to monitor it until it no longer existed. It was interesting. I exchanged emails with Liam often. Sometimes I’d get an email out of the blue. I miss those spontaneous correspondences with him. I miss his music. I miss him as a person. I needed to find his resting place. I had no idea where to look, but it wasn’t a large cemetery and I knew it was right along the paved path going through the cemetery. I hurried up a small hill, so as not to keep Tony waiting too long. I immediately noticed Tom Clancy’s gravestone to the right. I knew Liam’s was across from Tom’s. When I looked across, it was right there. A gentleman was visiting the site, so I held back so as not to disturb him. When he turned to leave, our eyes met and we greeted one another. Then I realized I recognized him. It was Paul Grant who backed up Liam and preformed with Liam and designed the last website for him. We had a few words and he turned and went on his way. I stood at the site, my throat became tight and soon my eyes watered. I thanked Liam for all he was; a singer, musician, performer, artist, but most of all I thanked him for just being himself. I told him how much he is still missed and loved by so many. I had three Canadian dimes with me. I placed them on his tombstone, Bluenose side up. I know he loved coming to the Maritimes to perform, so I thought it was appropriate to leave them. I rushed back to the cab. Tony said he was going to come help me look but noticed I was taking to the gentleman so assumed I had found the site. He was so happy I did find it. We had wonderful conversation on the drive back to the hotel. Tony didn’t charge me full fare. What a kind man he is. Such a special time and I think he knew it meant a lot to me.

Mooney’s pub, Ring. We turned here as it was easier to park at the cemetery coming from this direction.

Tom Clancy’s resting place.
Epitaph – “Goodnight sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet

I left three dimes for the three Maritime provinces; New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. I knew Liam loved to visit the Maritimes. I wished I had a fourth for Newfoundland.

After a quick bite for supper it was soon time to head to the Marine. It was about a 25 minute drive on a gorgeous night. When we arrived the pub was rocking with locals. We quickly made our way to the empty chairs and stools. I talked to a couple of local ladies who were so sweet. We were jammed in pretty tight. We were so close to the guys singing that I swear we were getting spit on. And what a performance they put on. Brilliant. Kevin Evans sang one of my favourite songs he wrote, The Orchard. I’m not sure I ever heard him sing it better. I should have asked him if it means more to sing a song about home, at home. I would think it was a special time for him. Oh my happy heart. A wonderful way to end an amazing day.

A few seals performing in the harbour as we left for the Marine Bar.

Many pictures adorn the wall. Two of several of Liam Clancy.

The lady on the left is the lady on the right, whose name escapes me.

The three music-a-teers, or amigos; Tom Sweeney, Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty. I highly recommend travelling with your own musicians. 🙂

That completes my visit to Waterford, Ring and Dungarvan. It was a busy but special day. I enjoy adding my own side trips to the regularly schedules events. If you enjoyed this blog, please leave a message. As usual, all photos are taken by myself.

Ireland 2023 Part 5

July 12, 2023 / Hughena MacDougall / 5 Comments

May 23 – Day 6 Killarney to Dungarvan via Blarney Castle & Cobh

Accommodations: Park Hotel, Dungarvan

As we leave the Kingdom (Kerry) we make our way to the Dungarvan, County Waterford (The Deise). Dennis is sad to leave Kerry, but Kevin is happy to be home in the Deise. The ribbing on the bus between the different counties is fun. Tom and Brian are from Omagh, County Tyrone.

Our first stop today is Blarney Castle and the Woollen Mills. Of course Blarney Castle is home to the Blarney Stone where folklore confers the gift of eloquence for those who kiss it. I did not kiss it in 1986, nor this time. However, perhaps I should have as it might help with my writing skills. Blarney Castle and surrounding grounds were filled with hundreds, more like thousands of people. Many coaches were already parked by the time we arrived. The place was literally crawling with people. A far cry from what I remember on my first visit. I remember climbing to the top with no wait time and absolutely no one in front or behind me on the way up. What a difference. In fact, I don’t remember anyone else on the grounds when I was there. Krista wanted to kiss the stone and I decided to join her on the journey to the top. The wait time….1.5 hours. Imagine. We had a 3 hour stopover, so that was lots of time to enjoy the wait and walk to the top and to visit the woollen mills as well. There was much that I didn’t remember from my first visit, but being only 20 perhaps I didn’t pay as much attention. I didn’t recall the steps getting smaller and smaller as we got closer to the top, to the point I could not put my foot fully on some steps. Perhaps my aching knees pointed out the size of the steps this time. But it was well with the climb and discomfort as the views from the top of the castle are spectacular. The process for kissing the stone is to lay on your back, reaching back to hold onto iron bars in each hand, leaning backwards over the wall and kissing the stone, while an attendant holds your sides/waist. Nope, not for me. One lady attempted it and could not complete the stretch over and downward. Krista was as limber as a 5 year old, laying back, kissing, and getting up in a matter of seconds. Good for her.

The lineup ahead of us, winding its way to the entrance

“Wait time to enter the castle and kiss the stone from this point is 90 min.”

But the scenery, as we made our way was glorious.

Looking up, from the ground, as people prepare to kiss the stone.

Narrow stairs to keep people out, not let them in.

A view from one of the windows on the way up.

The walk up is definitely worth it when you get to see views like this. Stunning.

Blarney House view from the top of Blarney Castle

The attendant patiently waiting for the next daredevil.

Looking across to the other side of the top of the castle. There is a walkway around the perimeter of the top of the castle. Don’t look down.

Descending was a breeze with no wait at all. There is one set of steps leading up and another coming down. We did meet an employee heading up while we went down and I asked him what happens in the event of a medical emergency at the top. He said they use a helicopter of which one is always on alert nearby. And it has happened several times in the past. Believe me, with the narrow staircase, there is no way of getting a stretcher up and down.

There is so much more to Blarney than the castle and the stone. There is a poison garden with many plants from around the world and signs posted with information about their toxicity, tradition and uses today. There are arboretums, woodland and riverside walks, a fern garden and water garden, waterfalls, dolmen, druids cave, wishing steps and so much more. Only after looking at the brochure did I realize there is so much more to see on the grounds besides the castle and the stone. Three hours is not nearly enough time to take it all in.

After visiting the castle we made our way to the woollen mills. The woollen mills started in 1823 and was known as Mahoney’s Mills. In 1923 Christy Kelleher was 13 when he started working in the mills. He left in 1951 and entered the insurance business. In 1967 he started a souvenir shop. In 1973 the woollen mills started to decline and closed. Eventually Christy Kelleher purchased the woollen mills and transformed it into the Blarney Woollen Mills as it is known today. It is the largest Irish shop in the world, consisting of three floors, and sells products from every county in Ireland. Over half a million people visit each year and over 400 people are employed. There are crafts, food, folklore and fashion under one roof. After a little shopping I had a light snack and another 99. Surprisingly I didn’t take any pictures of the woollen mills. I was too focused on a 99.

On our travels we passed this castle. It is Belvelly Castle, built in 14th or 15th century. It has fallen into ruin in the 19th century. It was somewhat modified by the Irish Army between 1939-45. It was sold in the 21st century and underwent major restoration which was completed in 2018. It is a private dwelling and the owner is a sponsor of the local football club the Cobb Ramblers FC.

We resume our journey to the coastal town of Cobh. The first site we see is the massive cruise ship which explains the many people and coaches at Blarney Castle.

This explains why there were so many at Blarney Castle

Cobh, previously known as Queenstown, is the last port of call on the Titanic’s ill fated maiden voyage. We stop at the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn more about the Titanic. I had other plans while in Cobh. I had seen the amazing Titanic museum in Belfast in 2019 and decided to visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, only if time permitted, after making my way to St. Colman’s Cathedral. I had seen pictures of this spectacular church and knew several people who had visited and I wanted to see it as well. I asked a local how far it was and she told me it was not far, but it was a bit of a walk uphill. She gave me directions and off I went.

Still climbing. Lots of wind turbines in Ireland.

Deck of Cards houses. The church is to the right of this picture.

The Crescent. A row of 13 terraced houses built in 1850.

St. Colman’s Cathedral is Roman Catholic. It was started in 1868 and not completed until 1919. The ever changing plans and increasing costs caused many delays. It overlooks Cork harbour, is a single steepled cathedral and is the tallest church in Ireland with the steeple measuring 300′. It is primarily constructed of granite and limestone, on a bed of sandstone. The architectural style is Gothic Revival. The tower contains Ireland’s only carillon with 49 bells and is the largest in the British Isles. The largest bell is 3.6 tons and is named St. Colman. The carillon was originally installed in 1916 and restored in 1998.

A closer look at some of style of the cathedral.

The walk to the cathedral was very steep but well worth the climb. There was a funeral just letting out when I arrived, so I continued with my walk where I stood admiring the view. A gentleman in a suit was approaching me and I assumed he had been to the funeral. He stopped and we had a short conversation. He assured me it was fine to enter the church as everyone had exited and were only milling around greeting one another. I had seen some tourists enter and he said to go ahead back down and tour the interior. He said ‘the best part is no one will be in there yet’. Although I felt a bit awkward considering the hearse and many people were still around, I kept my distance and proceeded to enter the cathedral. WOW! Absolutely incredible.

A view from slightly beyond the cathedral. I was waiting for the funeral to clear.

Inside. So much to see and not enough time to photograph much of it.

Just amazing. I’m getting goosebumps as I look at these pictures.

When I was finished at the cathedral I made my way back to the Cobh Heritage Centre. The admission ticket is a replica of the ticket that would have been given for passage on the Titanic. On it is the name of a passenger and Dennis suggested finding the history of the passenger on our ticket. I had Margaret Rice. I had enough time to try to find her story. She was born in Athlone, County Westmeath. She married William Rice. They had a son who only lived 2 months. They moved to London where they welcomed another son. They made there way to Quebec, where another son was born. They settled for a time in Ontario, welcoming two more sons. Eventually they crossed into the US and settled in Spokane, Washington, where one more son was born. William Rice was crushed by an engine and died in 1910. With a payout from her husband’s company, Margaret and her sons return to Athlone. Apparently her stay in Ireland was not to be permanent and she and her sons made plans to return to Spokane on the Titanic. The whole family was lost and only Margaret Rice’s body was recovered. She is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was only 39. How sad. Now I want to visit her resting place which I hope to do soon. I recently found out a friend lives right across from the cemetery and said she would like to go with me to see Margaret Rice’s resting place.

It was a short drive from Cobh to Dungarvan, our stay for the next two nights. We had a group dinner but no music tonight, as there will be a concert tomorrow night at a local pub. Krista and I went for a walk around the town this evening. A pretty place, along the harbour.

Another menu from our group supper. I had Sorbet and salmon. I passed on desert.

It was delicious. Lots of mashed potatoes under there and the bowls of veggies on the table were plentiful and delicious.

“A Stolen Ringbuoy is a Stolen Life” – these were all along the rock wall.

I hope you enjoyed my visit to Blarney Castle, Cobb, and Dungarvan. All photos are taken by myself unless otherwise noted. Please leave a comment if you wish.

Category: Travel (Page 1 of 3)

Day Tripping with Mom

Ireland 2023 Part 8

Ireland 2023 Part 7

St Kevin and the Blackbird

Ireland 2023 Part 6

Ireland 2023 Part 5

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