Family, Friends and Ireland; a journey full of surprises!

A drive through Spain from south to north to catch our ferry to the UK meant we could hit the road running after two days at sea. We had numerous get togethers with family and friends organised and were eager to start catching up.

We first headed to the Midlands and Northampton areas before making our way to Norfolk where we would be based for nearly a week. Then it was on to Co.Durham, Manchester, Anglessey and finally Ireland, where we intended to spend a week exploring the most southerly part of the island.

These are just some of the photos of friends and family we were able to meet; there were a few others whom we met and aren't here because I didn't always remember to think about a photo! (Alexis, Baz, Richard & Margaret, Bernice & Will, Nicole, Valerie & Robert, Paul & Jayne, Mark). It was an enjoyable, albeit busy time.

It had been over 2 years since I'd last been back to Norfolk on the east coast of the UK. As well as meeting friends and family, I was keen to fly my drone for the first time in the county as well as take photos with my camera. Norfolk is flat and having my drone enabled me to capture perspectives which would otherwise not be available. The Norfolk Broads used to be my place of work and I was keen to capture the essence of what it meant to me. Other areas in Norfolk are well known to me as well and the variety and beauty of the county was really on display during the time I was there.

The beauty of the north of England next awaited. An enjoyable day was spent on the fascinating Lindisfarne Island, which can only be visited when the tide allows passage over the causeway. There were more seals basking in the good weather than I'd previously seen. A visit to the Moors offered a different face of the area. Several degrees cooler and much greener, wildlife and sheep abounded.

Crossing the Pennines to reach our next destination in Manchester we were amazed that the sun was still shining! Local knowledge helped us to make the most of the glorious weather conditions.

A brief overnight stop in Anglessey then buzzing with anticipation, we were ready to catch the early ferry across to Ireland and start the next part of our trip.

The most southern part of Ireland was our chosen destination. We were keen to find places off the normal tourists routes, however we soon found that narrow roads and steep inclines didn't deter coaches or mini buses. It was impossible to park alongside narrow roads and parking spaces weren't easy to find especially close to well known features; we needed to find other areas to explore.

Continuing to seek places away from more popular areas, we came across the rushing sound of flowing water and glimpses of waterfalls cascading down moss-covered rocks. Noticing a small 'Motor Museum' sign, we decided to follow the narrow country road to see where it led. The road twisted and turned through a forested area, and we began to wonder if we'd taken a wrong turn. Then a sign pointed us towards an entrance. In a small clearing, we came across a cluster of unassuming corrugated roofed barns. This was it! The elderly owner soon came and opened up the museum. He had a wealth of knowledge and knew the history of each vehicle. He clearly enjoyed the opportunity to talk of the cars and how they'd come into his possessions as well as his adventures in many of them.

Leaving the museum we'd been given directions to take us over some high hills with lovely views. I was able to fly my drone and get more of a feel for the area in which we were travelling.

We decided on a coastal drive with the aim of reaching a lighthouse around which I wanted to fly my drone. En route, I didn't see much that I wanted to photograph, nothing seemed to stand out and once at the location of the lighthouse, it became apparent that there was no public access. Once at the lighthouse location, a daunting 'Private Property' sign quashed my aerial ambitions, leaving a sense of unfulfilment. Disappointed, we turned inland, aiming for the heart of the town of Waterford. In the labyrinth of streets, the city breathed new life into my lens. The vibrant murals told their stories, each alleyway seemed to offered a fresh perspective and another hidden story etched in paint.

After a stop in a traditional Irish bar for a Guiness, the lively chatter drew me in, Irish music played and I really had a sense of being in Ireland for the first time since our arrival. Eventually, leaving our little bit of authenticity, we stumbed upon a shop tucked away between premises. It was overflowing with guitars which hung from every little space, their polished surfaces gleaming in the dim light. There was a faint scent of wood and resin and a mood of music just oozing from every orifice of this small place. A man sat behind the counter, carefully tuning a mandolin. It was a far cry from the anticipated beauty of the coast, but far more rewarding.

Our ferry home didn't leave until late at night, giving us a full day to explore the southeastern coast of Ireland. This time, our destination was the imposing Hook Head Lighthouse. I knew beforehand that drone flying was strictly off-limits due to its protected status, however hoped the rugged beauty of the headland would provide a worthwhile visit. We spent time scrambling over the salt-encrusted rocks; there was little wind and the sea was calm. We explored small tidal pools and watched gulls wheeling overhead and although I'd have loved to fly my drone for the aerial perspective, the sheer power and drama of the landscape beneath my feet more than compensated. Eventually, heading towards Rosslare where we were due to board our ferry later than night, we took a smaller ferry as a short cut.

The ferry port at Rosslare was a hive of activity; we waited above the port watching the movement both of land and sea transport. We eventually boarded ready for our two-day journey back to Spain began. Our second trip to Ireland was complete and home beckoned.

Final Thoughts

Ireland, with its verdant landscapes and dramatic coastlines, holds a siren call for travellers seeking breathtaking beauty and a taste of authentic culture. After a previous, unforgettable trip to the Galway region slightly more to the north, I'd hoped to explore more of the Emerald Isle's rugged southwest. I envisioned bracing winds as I witnessed the raw power of the Atlantic crashing against the cliffs and understanding first hand the impact of the relentless storms that define this corner of the world.

Much of the area I'd wanted to go and many of the attractions, fall under the protection of national parks, form part of well-trodden tourist routes like the Wild Atlantic Way, or stand as significant tourist attractions in their own right. My anticipation was high, imagining early starts or late finishings when others might have returned to their accommodation, providing me with opportunity both with my camera and drone.

However, my eagerly awaited adventure encountered an unexpected obstacle: closed gates and hefty price tags. We quickly discovered that despite the promise of accessible natural wonders, experiencing them proved more challenging than anticipated.

Beyond the initial frustration of being denied access, the realization that entry fees were charged once the sites opened added another layer of disappointment, it felt like a barrier, transforming what I hoped would be an immersive experience into a commercial transaction, one I would resist. The weather throughout our time in Ireland was bright, sunny and perfectly still. There were few clouds in the sky and not many ripples on the sea. I wasn't meant to experience the rawness of nature nor of this part of Ireland. It was nevertheless an experience.