Tag Archives: Europe
West Coast Coolers – Part 3
The journey from Galway to Doolin involved scenic drives through Clare, showcasing the Burren landscape. After exploring Doolin, including the Cliffs of Moher with their dramatic views and rich wildlife, the family visited relatives in Limerick. They enjoyed outdoor activities at Curraghchase Forest Park, a beautiful historic estate.
West Coast Coolers – Part 2
Connemara and Galway – October 2022 You can read all about how we got up to Galway in Part 1 here. After collecting Emmet from his place in town we headed west along Galway Bay, past the village of Spiddal. It was quite a windy day. Our destination was Kylemore Abbey and would take us […]
West Coast Coolers – Part 1
In October 2022, a road trip to Galway, Clare, and Limerick offered a chance to visit siblings. Highlights included visiting Bunratty Castle, enjoying lunch at Durty Nelly’s Pub, and exploring Galway’s cultural history. Despite rain, the family visited the Galway Atlantaquaria and experienced the city’s vibrant music scene.
Putting a Cork in it!
In October 2022, a family trip to Cork reunites loved ones after years apart due to Covid-19. They explore the evolving city, highlighting its cultural significance through St Patrick’s Street, the English Market, and Fitzgerald’s Park. Notably, Cork’s vibrant street art reflects its rich history, including Viking heritage showcased along North Main Street.
Highlands and Low tides
In September 2022, a trip to the Scottish Highlands began with stops in Glasgow and Loch Lomond. The journey featured scenic views, notable sites like the Glenfinnan Monument, and the famous Jacobite Steam Train. The adventure continued in Balloch, where the family explored nature trails, enjoyed a boat cruise, and visited Luss village, rich in history.
Return to Leith
In September 2022, we visited Edinburgh with Cillian, focusing on family-friendly activities. Highlights included Edinburgh Zoo, featuring unique animals and art installations, and exploring the Royal Mile and notable sites like St. Giles Cathedral and Greyfriars Bobby. We enjoyed the Leith foreshore, history, and local cuisine, marking a memorable trip.
Rothesay and the Isle of Bute
The first sign of trouble was the amount of notices and placards that adorned the till at the coffee shop. Each one a variation of “Keep Calm and wait for your coffee” or “This may take a while so behave yourself”. We had arrived at Wemyss Bay Train and Ferry Station with around 20 minutes […]
Family Reunion
In September 2022, after a long absence, a family returned to Scotland with their two-year-old son, Cillian. They experienced moments of joy, including Cillian’s second birthday celebration and visits to local attractions like Culzean Castle and Belleisle estate. The trip was marked by family connections and memorable explorations amidst historical contexts.
Lake Como
After spending sometime exploring the town of Como – it was time to jump on a boat and head up the lake. After Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore this is Italy’s third largest lake, Europe’s deepest outside of Norway and with a distinct inverse ‘Y’ shape provides a varied backdrop of mountains, shore-lined villages, beautiful […]
Como
After our wedding in Tuscany, we jumped back on the train north, with a quick change in Florence, back to Lombardy. At the same time Karen’s parents – Iain and Bernadette were piling into their car and heading to the airport in Scotland to grab their flight – they would be joining us for the […]
Lucca – In Search of Puccini
Taking a break from the city of Florence afforded us an opportunity to visit nearby Lucca on the train. Located 75km due west and on the banks of the Serchio River in a fertile plain near the Liguria Sea this one time rival to the Republic of Florence lies. This makes it ideal to visit, […]
of the Flowers…
And when I thought of Florence, it was like a miracle city embalmed and like a corolla, because it was called the city of lilies and its cathedral, St. Mary of the Flowers Marcel Proust In our previous posts we talked about how much we enjoyed the city of Florence – its various piazzas, palazzos […]
Return to Florence Part 2
In our previous post we discovered the popular sights and sounds as we sauntered through the city. This time we would work around the margins of the centre of Florence to see what else we could find. The Mercato Sant’Ambrogio is known as Florence’s second market. Second after the Mercato Centrale and its tourist market. […]
Return to Florence Part 1
Our Taxi from Firenza Santa Maria Novella Train Station drove past an open square with a single statue in the middle of a circle of trees – Piazza della Indipendenza. It had changed very little in the preceding 12 years. The last time we were here the watchful gaze of Ubaldini Peruzzi’s Statue (He was […]
There and Back Again – Falkirk and Fife
Chariots of Fire During our Hogmanay Hootananny in Pitcarlie House we found ourselves a short drive from a lovely spot of Scotland. Located between Dundee and Edinburgh is the coastal town of St Andrews and it’s West Sands Beach. This provided the perfect spot for a brisk walk and chance to blow out the cobwebs […]
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