Wood Walkabout- July Part 2 - Cumbria, Wales, & Ireland
Cumbria (UK) - 10th July – 20th July
Temps. – 13 deg. C – 24 deg. C. Dusk – 11pm
After a massive drive from Oxfordshire, with a day trip stop over thrown in, we arrived into Centre Parcs at Whinfell Forest in Cumbria about 9pm, that evening. Centre Parcs was a new concept for us this trip. It was similar to the Coolum Resort back home, with self catered, free-standing cottages, and loads of facilities and activities on hand for the kids. The pre-booking of activities with the added bonus, of babysitting, and the availability of a spa also meant that we too, were in for a much needed reprieve from the 24/7 of everbody’s company. In addition to the bikes we needed to get around each day, we undertook a no. of activities between us including: The Climbing Wall, Tree Trekking, Lama Walking, Pony Trekking, Boxercise, Wildlife Photography, Pony Pals, Ten Pin Bowling, Racquet Ball, Dance Fever and Urban Funk - Dance Classes, Yoga, Soccer Circus, Table Tennis, Putt Putt Golf, Mini Tennis, Swim Centre and Slides, the movie, and a wonderfully entertaining, in house show to boot! The abundance of rain and the resulting cabin fever for much of our stay, inspired us to do as much as possible, and also served as a much needed incentive for getting through the school work.
Kids on bikes outside our cabin
Steve with Mitch and Cassi going Tree Tree Trekking
Mitch scaling the 10m climbing wall
Once again, the planes in England made a big impact upon us. It was a regular treat given our apparent proximity to the local RAF base. Roaring past at a seconds notice they’d often give everyone quite a fright. Funny enough, when two FA18’s roared past the riding school one afternoon, not one of the 43 horses flinched! Amazing how de-sensitised they were.
Cassi and Barney the Lama
Sheri on Robbie
Everyone with Nick & Kirsten in Penrith
Whilst we were in Cumbria, we all enjoyed a weekend visit from “Uncle Nick & Aunty Kirsten,” who were only two hours away up in Edinburgh. We caught up with them for most of Saturday, lunch and an adults-only, Indian dinner out, thanks to some in-house babysitting. They stayed in the neighbouring village of Penrith which we enjoyed exploring on the Sunday,as it was the namesake of the city Julie grew up in back home. We learnt by talking to a man in the toy shop, that the town’s church, St Stephens, was the sister church to the St Stephen’s church I grew up with back in Penrith. This was our main church, where my brother and I’d been baptised, where my nan had been remarried, and where sadly years later, we’d held her funeral. Upon meeting the man’s son at the church, (who turned out to be the editor of the Parish newsletter I’d picked up in the toy shop at the start,) we got to see the plaque that had been presented by the Australian church in the rectory. This had been an amazing coincidence that had come about by just having a chat to a man in a shop!
After a trip around the gardens and the obligatory photos, Mitchell noticed her car was back so we followed up with the curator, who then called her. Next minute, the door to the North wing opened, and who should be there, none other than Mrs Strickland herself. To our surprise, she welcomed us into her personal home, and ushered us to sit all around her dining table. We were all in awe of the occasion, as she spoke to us like the queen. Here we were, a family of five, a bunch of colonials from Australia, claiming to be her relatives. She consulted my family tree and said how authentic it was, before telling us all about her husband’s father’s time as governor of WA and Tasmania. Half an hour or so later we bid her farewell, as she said, “Good bye, my long, lost relatives.” I was absolutely blown away with our meeting and rejoiced in the fact we were the first of our “Sidery” clan to meet a Strickland!
20th July – 7th August. Temps. 12 deg. C – 20 deg. C. - Dusk 10.30pm
We left Cumbria, bright and early after a 10 day stay and headed for Holly Head on the Welsh coast. It was here that we would board the car ferry for our two hour crossing to Ireland. Despite a few rolls, our crossing on Irish Ferries was relatively calm. The kids thought it was really cool to park our car down stairs (with all our worldly chattels,) come up stairs and sit around in one of the lounges. We dared not go anywhere near the refreshments. Not wanting to tempt fate, we distracted ourselves with books and games.
Walking & feeding the goats
Sheridan, having shaken off her virus, was back on deck and looking for some horse riding time. Having picked up a brochure at the local tourist office, we tracked down Kelly’s Equestrian at the nearby village of Kilmessan. She signed up to a four day Pony Camp, where she thoroughly enjoyed meeting other girls her age, and advancing her skills. Frank the owner, Caroline and the rest of the family, were very welcoming, and pleased to take our little Aussie girl under their wing. The last day, all the parents were asked to come along and see what the girls had got up to during the week. We were quite blown away to see her cantering and doing jumps for the first time ever! Needless to say her mum nearly dropped the video camera... Sheri was so excited to have achieved so much and was very sad to say goodbye to Caroline, who was an incredible mentor.
Pony Camp:
Taking full advantage of our first child-free time during the day, in seven months, we made sure we patronised some of the local coffee houses and attractions. The Knightsbridge Hotel and Spa and the Station House at Kilmessan were favourites because they made the best tasting capaccino’s since Italy, and served up a mean jam and cream scone. In between all the farming and horse activities, we also discovered a few of the local sites. Firstly, we went to Newgrange, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, older than both the pyramids and Stonehenge. Set amongst the Boyne Valley, it is a stone- age passage tomb illuminated by the sunrise of the winter solstice each year. Believed to have been built in 3200BC, it was an amazing feat of engineering not to have leaked a drop of rain in a country with one of the highest average rain falls in the world. We also visited the Hill of Tara where the ancient Irish Kings were believed to have met , and Trim Castle which was over 1000 years old, in our local village.
We also met some lovely Spanish people during our time there at Kiltale Farms. Mercedes and Alex from Spain and their 18mth old daughter, Martina, were our next door neighbours whilst we stayed in The Dairy Cottage. They were there funny enough, to escape the heat of Spain, whilst on their summer holiday break from Teaching. They were enjoying the cooler conditions but had not prepared themselves for the amount of rain, (with showers four times a day on average.) The weather reports were never about whether it would rain or not, but more about how much rain, was likely to fall. No wonder it was so green and no wonder there was an indoor play area for the kids at the farm. Luckilly we hadn’t come to Ireland for the weather.
Thankfully, the drive to Kinsale after the show was not as draining as we had anticipated, (contrary to the SAT NAV,) as much of the road had been improved to freeway status. After two and a half to three hours, we found ourselves about 10 - 15 mins out of town, on the banks of the Brandon River. Once again we were surrounded by cows. It was an amazing rural setting once again. What, was more amazing, was the fact that we had only booked this year old, modern free standing, double storey house (at Quay Cottages,) the week before. More surprising, was our discovery that it was a long weekend, and the town regatta was scheduled. As a result, Kinsale was a busy little town for the first couple of days so we did our best to just settle into the new-found space of our new lodgings. Relishing in it, we did this without any trouble at all, steering clear of the tourists in town until mid-week.
Once it was all clear, we ventured into Kinsale , known as the gourmet capital and Irish heritage town. It was particularly picturesque, with its narrow streets, brightly coloured buildings and long harbour. We thought in order to orientate ourselves with the history of this cute seaside town, we’d go on one of “Barry’s Walking Tours.” Barry did a wonderful job of bringing to life the Battle of Kinsale of 1601, the third Spanish Armada and the sinking of the Lusitania. Once again, Mitch and Steve listened in closely, before hitting the poor guy with a barrage of questions. At his advice they later explored the star shaped Charles Fort, while we girls, investigated the local produce & art and crafts market in the town square. The food all mainly organic was or exceptional quality, so we did our best to sample what we could before taking some home for “afters.”
The only day trip we had planned besides this, whilst at Cumbria, (also the reason for our chosen location,) was to Sizergh Castle near Kendall. This had been the family home to the Strickland’s (from Julie’s family tree) for the last 700 years. I had made the pilgrimidge twelve years before, having followed up on the work my grandma had put into researching our family’s past, although this time it was a special thrill to be there with Steve and the children. Like most places of this size, it had been handed over to the National Trust back in the 1950’s for ongoing maintenance and the associated tourism. We miraculously squeezed onto a guided tour of the house that very morning. Having slightly rattled the guide with questions, she passed me onto the Curator. She was noticeably impressed with the apparent authenticity of our family tree, and went off to take photocopies. She said we could have seen “Mrs S” (Mrs Strickland) who still lived at the castle with her family, had she not been out shopping.
Sizergh Castle and Grounds
After a trip around the gardens and the obligatory photos, Mitchell noticed her car was back so we followed up with the curator, who then called her. Next minute, the door to the North wing opened, and who should be there, none other than Mrs Strickland herself. To our surprise, she welcomed us into her personal home, and ushered us to sit all around her dining table. We were all in awe of the occasion, as she spoke to us like the queen. Here we were, a family of five, a bunch of colonials from Australia, claiming to be her relatives. She consulted my family tree and said how authentic it was, before telling us all about her husband’s father’s time as governor of WA and Tasmania. Half an hour or so later we bid her farewell, as she said, “Good bye, my long, lost relatives.” I was absolutely blown away with our meeting and rejoiced in the fact we were the first of our “Sidery” clan to meet a Strickland!
We enjoyed our stay at Centre Parcs despite the few frustrations we had with the people running the place. The kids got to do some fun activities, with Steve and I getting to do a few of our own, with a small amount of adult time thrown in. We were half way through our adventure so at this stage of the year, it was much needed. The fact we got to see Uncle Nick and Aunty Kirsten & Sizergh Castle though, were the special highlights of our stay.
Ireland -
Riverdance, Kissing The Blarney Stone, Cows & more horse riding...
20th July – 7th August. Temps. 12 deg. C – 20 deg. C. - Dusk 10.30pm
We left Cumbria, bright and early after a 10 day stay and headed for Holly Head on the Welsh coast. It was here that we would board the car ferry for our two hour crossing to Ireland. Despite a few rolls, our crossing on Irish Ferries was relatively calm. The kids thought it was really cool to park our car down stairs (with all our worldly chattels,) come up stairs and sit around in one of the lounges. We dared not go anywhere near the refreshments. Not wanting to tempt fate, we distracted ourselves with books and games.
Pretty window-box in village of Kilmessan
The national staple -Irish Queen potatos in bulk bags lining the street in Trim
Once on Irish soil, we headed 40 mins north west, just outside the village of Trim, to a working farm called Kiltale Farm, which offered self catering accommodation. Our hosts, Mary and Michael (pronounced Mi-hale in Irish Gaelic,) were very welcoming, having left fresh scones and a fully set table in readiness for our arrival. Once we caught up with the quick pace of their brogue, we took note of a no. of their tips, for things to see and do in the area.
Before heading out to explore the local area, we had an important rendeavous with The Brennan family from school. They had recently left Sydney for a two year posting to the UK, and were there in Dublin visiting family, for just one more day, before beginning their own adventure in Windsor. Unfortunately, poor Sheridan had come down with a virus coupled with a raging fever, (similar to the one she had back in Amalfi,) so our plans for the whole family weren’t meant to be.
Steve and the girls, drove a very excited Mitchell and Julie into Dublin and dropped them off for the day. There they met up with Sheelagh and Zac and spent a wonderful day exploring Dublin city, doing “boys stuff.” We went to the Dublinia (Viking Centre) by bike, and learnt all about how the Vikings came up the Liffey River and invaded Dublin, and later went on to a Viking Splash Tour (one of those amphibious vehicles,)where we got a more comical version of events from Irelands history. The boys really enjoyed themselves roaring loudly at the people on the street as we passed. Sheelagh and Julie, having refrained from the dress ups on board, (this time,) enjoyed a good giggle and natter on the side. The day culminated with a lovely home cooked meal at Sheelagh’s mum’s house. It was lovely to catch up with Deedee again after her visit to Sydney last year, and also to meet Sheelagh’s sister, Aileen. In short, it was just really nice to be there with friends, with the comforts of home.
Catching Up with the Brennan's In Dublin:
Two little Leprechauns
Four Irish Fanatics
Two Viking Warriors (1 & 2)
Back at Kiltale Farms, the kids were having a great time. Although Sheri was still under the weather, Mitch and Cassi, had enrolled in “Farm School” which was the summer camp run for all the local kids there on our farm. Complete with packed lunch, they’d join the other kids each morning between 10am – 1pm to feed, walk and milk the goats, and to have horse and donkey rides. You have never seen two kids up in the morning, dressed, fed and so eager to get out of the house. Often, they’d be running out the door well before any of the kids showed up. If we could wave a goat in front of them at home and capture the same level of enthusiasm, we’d be sure to get to school on time. Whilst they enjoyed the routine of it, preparing the lunches each morning was a reality check for the rest of us. This we hadn’t missed! They really enjoyed their time with kids their own age, with each of them making some little Irish buddies: Mitchell befriending Ryan and Cassidy befriending Queaver and Holly.
Farm School - Summer Camp:
Walking & feeding the goats
Cassi and her new friends
Meeting the baby donkey
Mitch having a ride of the Mother Donkey
Sheridan, having shaken off her virus, was back on deck and looking for some horse riding time. Having picked up a brochure at the local tourist office, we tracked down Kelly’s Equestrian at the nearby village of Kilmessan. She signed up to a four day Pony Camp, where she thoroughly enjoyed meeting other girls her age, and advancing her skills. Frank the owner, Caroline and the rest of the family, were very welcoming, and pleased to take our little Aussie girl under their wing. The last day, all the parents were asked to come along and see what the girls had got up to during the week. We were quite blown away to see her cantering and doing jumps for the first time ever! Needless to say her mum nearly dropped the video camera... Sheri was so excited to have achieved so much and was very sad to say goodbye to Caroline, who was an incredible mentor.
Pony Camp:
Sheri jumping for the first time on Magic
Sheri and her new Irish friends
Caroline, her wonderful instructor at Kelly's Equestrian
Taking full advantage of our first child-free time during the day, in seven months, we made sure we patronised some of the local coffee houses and attractions. The Knightsbridge Hotel and Spa and the Station House at Kilmessan were favourites because they made the best tasting capaccino’s since Italy, and served up a mean jam and cream scone. In between all the farming and horse activities, we also discovered a few of the local sites. Firstly, we went to Newgrange, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, older than both the pyramids and Stonehenge. Set amongst the Boyne Valley, it is a stone- age passage tomb illuminated by the sunrise of the winter solstice each year. Believed to have been built in 3200BC, it was an amazing feat of engineering not to have leaked a drop of rain in a country with one of the highest average rain falls in the world. We also visited the Hill of Tara where the ancient Irish Kings were believed to have met , and Trim Castle which was over 1000 years old, in our local village.
Another visit to Dublin, this time so Cassidy could see the dentist, (which thankfully, didn’t amount to anything,) meant that we got to see Trinity College to see the infamous, Book of Kells, ( a 9th Century Gospel manuscript, ) and the amazing Old Library ( where the Long Room with its fourteen rows of reverse sided, oak shelving contained over 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The enormous space of the Long Room with its high arched and vaulted ceiling up top, and the double row of busts lining the floor was quite amazing.
Newgrange:
Entrance to the tomb at Newgrange
Sheri inside a replica of the inside
Trim:
Trim Castle - Trim
Hill Of Tara:
Hill Of Tara Monument
Mitch at the statue of St Patrick (who was believed to have visited the site)
Dublin:
Kids with famous Molly Malone statue at the end of Grafton Street
One of the ornate Dublin doorways
We loved the Irish as they were ever so friendly. Our best and probably most memorable experience was probably the night we went to the Local GAA Football Club for some traditional Irish music that our hosts had recommended. We were told it started late, so we had our host’s niece who was also one of the Farm Camp carers, come and look after the children. When we got there, it was pelting down with rain, yet the boys out training on the field outside the club kept on practicing their Gaelic football. Once inside we quickly saw that it was just us and three other people. Thinking we may have it wrong, we ordered a drink and sat just to see what happened. Gradually the place filled up and by half past ten, the musicians started entering, one by one and laid their instruments in the corner. Fearing we’d unknowingly sat ourselves right in the middle of centre stage, we asked some neighbouring locals where the action took place. They said they’d never been before themselves despite being local, so we got talking and eventually moved over to join them. Tony Hegerty and his wife Bridie were such lovely people. As it turned out he played cards with our landlord’s brother. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we really enjoyed our night chatting to them and listening to the traditional music humbly played by anyone who came in the door with an instrument. There was no stage as it turned out, just a group of musicians all in a circle (some with their backs to the audience, )doing impromptu tunes. One local lady got up and sang an impromptu solo which was very moving, and obviously struck a cord with the locals. The highlight of our night though, was when Bridie & Tony requested Waltzing Matilda on our behalf. The next minute the whole place was singing it to the rafters, which was quite an emotional moment for us, as we thought of home...
We also met some lovely Spanish people during our time there at Kiltale Farms. Mercedes and Alex from Spain and their 18mth old daughter, Martina, were our next door neighbours whilst we stayed in The Dairy Cottage. They were there funny enough, to escape the heat of Spain, whilst on their summer holiday break from Teaching. They were enjoying the cooler conditions but had not prepared themselves for the amount of rain, (with showers four times a day on average.) The weather reports were never about whether it would rain or not, but more about how much rain, was likely to fall. No wonder it was so green and no wonder there was an indoor play area for the kids at the farm. Luckilly we hadn’t come to Ireland for the weather.
Outside The Dairy (our second cottage) at Kiltale Farms
Having drinks with Alex, Mercedes and little Matilda in the kids indoor play area
The changable skyline - four seasons in a day, well two anyway...
On the morning our departure to Kinsale, a funny thing happened. As were saying our goodbyes to Mary, our host, the kids were asked whether they’ like to take part in feeding the goats with Mary’s husbands nephew, who was appearing in one of those reality tv shows, “Irelands Young Farmer Of The Year.” Mitch and Cassi were keen so we all got kitted up back in the Wellies and took off to the muddy paddocks, following the camera men. Any excuse to see their goats again. .. It was a really fun experience for them, and who know’s, they might even end up on Irish TV.
On our way through to Kinsale, we called into Dublin for the matinee performance of River Dance at the Gaiety Theatre. The show was fantastic and the children loved the whole concept of the tap-like dancing, with arms held straight. Cassi and Mitch have been trying to master it ever since. Who knows, Steve and I had seen The Lord of The Dance some time ago, but being there in Ireland, having got a really good taste of the Irish heritage, we were a much more appreciative audience this time round. Before bidding goodbye to Dublin, we had lunch at Bewley’s (the historic coffee house down Grafton St) before retrieving our car, packed to the brim in a nearby hotel carpark.
Kinsale (Cork) - The Irish Riviera
Temp.s 12 deg. C – 20 deg. C. - Dusk 9.30 – 10pm
On our way through to Kinsale, we called into Dublin for the matinee performance of River Dance at the Gaiety Theatre. The show was fantastic and the children loved the whole concept of the tap-like dancing, with arms held straight. Cassi and Mitch have been trying to master it ever since. Who knows, Steve and I had seen The Lord of The Dance some time ago, but being there in Ireland, having got a really good taste of the Irish heritage, we were a much more appreciative audience this time round. Before bidding goodbye to Dublin, we had lunch at Bewley’s (the historic coffee house down Grafton St) before retrieving our car, packed to the brim in a nearby hotel carpark.
Kinsale (Cork) - The Irish Riviera
Temp.s 12 deg. C – 20 deg. C. - Dusk 9.30 – 10pm
Brightly painted, narrow streets in Kinsale
Picturesque harbour of Kinsale
Rural seaside scene in north Kinsale
Thankfully, the drive to Kinsale after the show was not as draining as we had anticipated, (contrary to the SAT NAV,) as much of the road had been improved to freeway status. After two and a half to three hours, we found ourselves about 10 - 15 mins out of town, on the banks of the Brandon River. Once again we were surrounded by cows. It was an amazing rural setting once again. What, was more amazing, was the fact that we had only booked this year old, modern free standing, double storey house (at Quay Cottages,) the week before. More surprising, was our discovery that it was a long weekend, and the town regatta was scheduled. As a result, Kinsale was a busy little town for the first couple of days so we did our best to just settle into the new-found space of our new lodgings. Relishing in it, we did this without any trouble at all, steering clear of the tourists in town until mid-week.
Our cottage (and neighbours) on the banks of the Brandon River
Some of the brightly coloured shopfronts in the town centre
Once it was all clear, we ventured into Kinsale , known as the gourmet capital and Irish heritage town. It was particularly picturesque, with its narrow streets, brightly coloured buildings and long harbour. We thought in order to orientate ourselves with the history of this cute seaside town, we’d go on one of “Barry’s Walking Tours.” Barry did a wonderful job of bringing to life the Battle of Kinsale of 1601, the third Spanish Armada and the sinking of the Lusitania. Once again, Mitch and Steve listened in closely, before hitting the poor guy with a barrage of questions. At his advice they later explored the star shaped Charles Fort, while we girls, investigated the local produce & art and crafts market in the town square. The food all mainly organic was or exceptional quality, so we did our best to sample what we could before taking some home for “afters.”
Mitch and Cassi at the Lusitania Monument
Kids at the fresh produce markets in town square
Steve and Mitch with Barry, (our guide) in Main Street - Kinsale
We ate at Jim Edwards, which was suggested to us in the guide books, as well as the historic Mother Hubbard’s Cafe in the centre of town, (although we probably got both of them on a bad day it seemed.) We also ate at the Speckled Door Inn over near some of the beaches, and subsequently stumbled upon the historic residence of “Anne Bonnie,” Ireland’s famous female pirate, who inspired Kiera Knightley’s character in The Pirate’s Of The Carribean. Barry (on our tour) had given us a great account of her life here in Kinsale before she ran off to become a pirate.
Speaking of pirates, our youngest had lost her second tooth by this stage and was very much looking the part, having lost her second tooth. Cassidy and Sheri were eager to get back in the saddle, so we sort out Kinsale Equestrian. Mitch, wanting to see what all the fuss was about, came along and had his first real riding lesson in a class with Cassidy. Unbeknowingly, he had been given “Wally the headbutter” as he later became known, a white horse that looked harmless enough. It wasn’t until he was led over a small pole jump by an instructor, that he reared and Mitch got the resulting knock to the face. You’d never have seen a nose bleed for that long, but to Mitchell’s credit, once it stopped ten minutes later, he got straight back on, and got himself a free private lesson. Cassidy enjoyed herself meanwhile on a showy pony named, George, learning to do some tiny jumps unaided with a rise and trot, and Sheri, got to do more of the larger jumps she’d learnt in Dublin, on Champ. Despite the day’s ordeal, Mitch was determined to give it another go, which he did, as you’ll see in August’s blog.
Speaking of pirates, our youngest had lost her second tooth by this stage and was very much looking the part, having lost her second tooth. Cassidy and Sheri were eager to get back in the saddle, so we sort out Kinsale Equestrian. Mitch, wanting to see what all the fuss was about, came along and had his first real riding lesson in a class with Cassidy. Unbeknowingly, he had been given “Wally the headbutter” as he later became known, a white horse that looked harmless enough. It wasn’t until he was led over a small pole jump by an instructor, that he reared and Mitch got the resulting knock to the face. You’d never have seen a nose bleed for that long, but to Mitchell’s credit, once it stopped ten minutes later, he got straight back on, and got himself a free private lesson. Cassidy enjoyed herself meanwhile on a showy pony named, George, learning to do some tiny jumps unaided with a rise and trot, and Sheri, got to do more of the larger jumps she’d learnt in Dublin, on Champ. Despite the day’s ordeal, Mitch was determined to give it another go, which he did, as you’ll see in August’s blog.
More Horse Riding:
Cassi on George
Mitch on Wally (The Head Banger)
Sheri on Champ, all at Kinsale Equestrian Centre
The only day trip we did whilst in Kinsale (when not at home enjoying the cottage or the horse riding,) was a trip to Blarney Castle in Blarney. Here we kissed the infamous Blarney Stone, which was quite a feat in itself. Hanging your upper body backwards and upside down, at the highest point of the castle roof, supported only by a very casual attendant around the waist was not easy. We saw people turning the honour down, and having only just done it ourselves, we understood perfectly that it wasn’t for everybody. The trip to the Blarney Woollen Mills on the other hand, seemed to be everyone’s cup of tea, being full of people all seeking out some good Irish wool.
View from the top of the castle looking down
Steve kissing the Blarney Stone
Whilst we’d had some lovely sunny days, the weather had turned cold again, with that diagonal rain again. Since leaving Oxford, we had grown very accustomed to our winter clothing again, wearing at least two long layers and wet weather gear most days. Our five days at Kinsale had rushed by, and it had come time again, to post off the school work, pack our bags, and head for Roslare via Waterford, (home of the infamous Irish Crystal,) for our overnight ferry to Cherbourg in France. We left Ireland with some sadness, as we’d had an amazing time, met some wonderful people. We’d also gained a good insight into Ireland’s unique history and culture.
The cue to get on the ferry to Cherbourg (France)
The Oscar Wilde, our overnight car ferry
The boy's luxury pad
We boarded the Irish Ferry, the Oscar Wilde late in the afternoon. We parked our car downstairs with the carefully guided assistance of the crew and headed up stairs with our overnight bag to our two cabins. They were small, basic, but comfortable, and had good sized windows. We couldn’t get them on the same deck initially, so we’d had to settle for a couple of doors apart. The girls got the 2 star four berth, whilst the boys got the slightly more upmarket, 3 star, two birth. Thankfully the conditions were good for the sailing, and we were not in the cabins for long, choosing instead, to spend our time up in the lounges. We cautiously tried something to eat, and later took in a great cabaret show to pass the time. Next morning we disembarked at Cherbourg tired, but unscathed, happy to be (in the words of Inspector Cluso,) back in the Great Nation Of France!
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