Carlingford, Ireland

Josh putting up the Irish courtesy flag
Day 24/25 We arrived in Ireland yesterday after a rather unpleasant six hour trip. It was, what I would describe as, a "Rock and Roll" journey, which in context means I wasn't able to put the kettle on for the first three hours! We had an early start just after 7 a.m. so arrived just after 1 p.m. After a sleep (we were both tired) we went up to the marina bar for a Guinness and a G&T.

A very welcome Irish Gin & Tonic
 We are now in Carlingford Lough, a very picturesque setting with the Mourne Mountains on the North bank, which is in NI, and the Mountains of Slieve Foye on the South, which is in Ireland. The village of Carlingford is a 15 minute walk from the marina and is a very quaint medieval town awash with tourists of all nationalities. Our marina has good modern facilities, a very nice bar and probably one of the best Indian restaurants we have ever eaten in. We sampled it last night as we were too tired to cook. It was simply delicious. Although the marina buildings are modern and pleasant the harbour wall is not pretty nor is the large derelict concrete barge sitting in the marina that one has to go across to get the marina buildings. 

Concrete barge, part of the marina.

The Indian restaurant and Marina Bar.
They have an innovative charging system here, Euros 25 a night whatever size your boat. They are trying to attract more visitors, especially bigger yachts.They have also diversified by providing a venue for motor homes and  by offering self catering apartments. 


Self catering apartments and motor home park at the marina
View from our deck with sheep gently baa-ing on the hillside.


The weather is slowly getting better and it has been pleasant today. Luckily we don't have the sultry sticky heat you are getting back home. Tomorrow we move on to Howth, a 40 mile trip so will probably take us 8 hours . Sandwiches are made, dinner is in the freezer ready so wish us fair winds and a calm sea and I will blog again soon.

P.S. Jokes heard on Irish radio ....well I thought they were funny.....
I have just taken my massage exams but I failed, seems I rubbed someone up the wrong way!
I have just taken my Aboriginal music exam. Oh yes, how didgeridoo?
A Dutchman has just invented a shoe that can tell you how far you have walked. Clever clogs!


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