Kinsale by the sea

We drove from Dublin down towards the southern coast of Ireland. There we stayed a few days in Kinsale, a fishing port along a natural harbor. We then drove west to spend some time on the Dingle Peninsula. We heard it was the prettiest country area of all Ireland....and we certainly agree with that !!

The Kinsale Harbor...with days of summer weather!

Of course, Kinsale has many historical buildings..

....and they have added color !

these residents certainly have....

Lovely sunny weather to investigate their huge Charles Fort ~ 1601

This model shows the existing bldgs overlooking their harbor.

Days in Dublin

Dublin.... charming mix of old 'n new 

A swing open / Pivot Bridge over the River Liffey '05

and in city center, Ha'penny Bridge over River Liffey built 1816

The Trinity University 

Old Trinity Library.....

...which contains the Book of Kells. Lavishly decorated copy of the first four gospels, done over 1000 yrs ago. Written and produced early in 9th century by the monks on Iona. 
For security reasons the books were hidden, then finally sent to Dublin about 1653 and now displayed in the huge Trinity Library. 

Dublin Castle ~ Chapel

The Temple Bar est. 1840 

A huge area devoted to "PUBS"

Dublin residents ... also interesting mix of old 'n new   

Ferry to Ireland

We left Conwy this morning, drove to Holyhead + dropped off our rental car.                     Got on the ferry 'n crossed over the Irish Sea to Dublin. 

May 25-29

No surprise !  Just one of many churches. This is Christ Church Cathedral, 
right across the street from our hotel. Wonderful to hear the chimes !!!

Lovely interior..

....with colorful 'n unusual tile floors, for a cathedral. 

....such fine decorative work !

Not only do they have churches....but they also have museums !!!  :>)

And ...just look at that ceiling !!!

Each support has such detailed iron work.... 

...and so many "treasures" on display !

   Kinsale /south of Cork ~ May 29,30

   Dingle Peninsula ~ May 31, June 1

   Galway area ~ June 2, 3

North Wales

.....in Wales !!!

~We stayed May 22-24 in Conwy and drove around in North Wales ~

The Conwy Castle above. There are also town walls that enclose
the entire original city.

Castle ~ interior court

This is looking down on their harbor area from the castle walls / town side. 
The town walls are visible along back of picture.

...and then looking down on another side.

And....their Suspension Bridge over the River Conway.

We spent a sunny afternoon enjoying these fabulous gardens.
  Founded in 1874 ~ 80 acres. The Bodnant family still occupy the original home...see below.

Many unusual plants...one above is Davidia involucrata 

also called the "Handkerchief Tree"

~ Menziesia purpurea ~ 

And of course at path end....there was a tea house !

Lovely, just lovely !

Folks come from all over to see this Laburnum Arch in bloom.

Believe this was our "favorite" garden !    :>)

A drive to Snowdonia National Park (that mt. is in the background)

Para sailing off the mountain side ! Then we drove on to visit....

Construction started in 1283 by King Edward 1 of England

Great visit to Wales.... now on to see Ireland.