Author Archives: admin

CORK COUNTY By far Ireland’s largest county, most visitors ignore its massive hinterland of dairy farms, dotted with low mountains and evergreen plantations. The 170km coast with its wide diversity is the main draw. The ports of Cobh, Youghal, and … Continue reading →

CLARE COUNTY THE BURREN The Burren’s name derives from the Irish word boireann, meaning “stony place” – an apt description of this desolate plateau occupying Clare County’s northwest. Its northern and western edge hugs the coast road from Ballyvaughn to … Continue reading →

DONEGAL COUNTY May 13-14 INISHOWEN PENINSULA. In the NE of Donegal, it has beaches and towering headland bluffs (Malin, Inishowen, Dunuff and Dunree), mountains in the middle (Sileve Snaght) and the most northern point in Ireland at Malin Head. Dunaff … Continue reading →

Dublin May 26-29 2018 THE ABORTION REFERENDUM in IRELAND On May 25th the Irish voted to repeal the 8th amendment of their constitution, which effectively outlaws abortion. While Ireland has taken socially progressive steps in recent years, including legalizing same-sex … Continue reading →

CLARE COUNTY THE BURREN The Burren’s name derives from the Irish word boireann, meaning “stony place” – an apt description of this desolate plateau occupying Clare County’s northwest. Its northern and western edge hugs the coast road from Ballyvaughn to … Continue reading →

Prehistory. Originally connected to mainland Europe, and at times completely glaciated, climate change has had a significant role. The end of the last Ice Age saw sea levels rise and the gradual separation of Britain and Ireland from the European … Continue reading →

ANTRIM & DERRY North of Belfast, Antrim includes the east and north coast of N Ireland. Derry is simply west of Antrim. Carrickfergus and Carrickfergus Castle. This has guarded the approach to Belfast Lough since 1177. Beseiged by Scots, Irish, … Continue reading →

Northern Ireland May 9-13 BELFAST History. Starting as a cluster of forts to guard a ford across the River Farset (now underground under High Street), a castle was built in 1170 and the Irish O’Neills controlled the area for centuries. … Continue reading →

Isle of Mull & West Highlands  May 2-5, 2018 ARGYLLSHIRE OBAN (pop 8600) Oban is the gateway to both the Outer and Inner Hebrides (along with Mallaig and Uig on Skye). I arrived here by ferry from Castlebay. Oban is … Continue reading →

Glasgow and Southwest Scotland May 4-9, 2018 GLASGOW Scotland’s biggest city, it has a working-class background, black humor, and leftist traditions. There are good museums, architecture, an active street eating and drinking culture and friendly people. History. Glasgow grew around … Continue reading →