flashman181

I made it! Just hope it was the toilet, it’s a big suite

So the big 60. Good nights sleep despite the obvious excitement of a day packed with being spoilt rotten by CLP and waking up to lovely messages from family and friends. It is indeed a good life . CLP has outlined the day ahead and methinks I am glad I have my trakkies with me. Breakfast served to our room, a massage at 9am, stroll into town for some morning tea, maybe a jaunty cart ride depending on weather , stay in for lunch and then scout a quiet pub for the 6 Nations – yeah right – before home for Champers and Cheese before a lovely dinner in the stunning Castlelough restaurant on site. I may not make 61 folks

The “beast from the east” has not arrived just yet but good to see the weather folk here get over excited about any changes to expected weather too . Looks like a progressively colder week ahead and maybe even snow . Bring it baby . We won’t escape it in Cork or Kilkenny either

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/meteireann-snow-ireland-weather-forecast-12078154

The Beast from the East ain’t met the Best from the West yet. Or it could just be that mail order bride I ordered weeks ago. You know what Australia Post is like

Got some lovely presents from CLP of course including some fantastic Bluetooth earphones and some new cuff links . Even my very own Lake Hotel Bath Robe as a momento. Family have also arranged various ways of me spending their money

Breakfast was massive and delicious . The chocolate covered strawberries a treat indeed. Time for my massage and then brave the outdoor hot tub which was surprisingly pleasant. Then time to dress like a tourist and blend in

First up a stroll around the hotel grounds

Usual pleasant walk into town as beast still at bay at present and had a couple of coffees before a rather excellent jaunting cart ride out to Ross Castle. Yeah maybe tourist stuff but was great fun with a very friendly host and a clever horse. Luckily Rusty behaved himself

Then into town for lunch. Our selected restaurant was closed so will head back for dinner tomorrow night. Instead we had some simple fish and chips at Scott’s and a beer just for a change . The crowd was building up for the big game and there was a beer garden set up ready to go. Then I had one of those non Senior moments and remembered I don’t like Rugby. We headed home and had a rather poor Irish Coffee back at Lake Hotel. Stick to proper pubs in future. Still, plenty of imbibing still to come

Back in room and rather appropriately for a religious place like Ireland the Holy Trinity was laid out before us. The Champers cooling in the ice bucket, the cheese maturing before our eyes, and my waistline expanding. The champagne and cheese were excellent of course and must say the Lake Hotel has been brilliant so far. Yes we are in expensive room – but not ridiculous – and CLP has paid for some stunning extras today but they have also chipped in with touches here and there with the most appreciated being a lovely print of the Lake and Ruins which I will certainly frame when I get it home. Hopefully in one piece . The luggage is expanding like afore mentioned waistline .

The Champers and Cheese followed by a sit down meal was probably a bit much but only young once. Entrees nothing special but the main meals were good

It has been an amazing day in a wonderful country and as Lou would say

Last day on earth as a youngun I guess . When I wake up again I will be a Senior with all manner of discounts now available to me like free bread with my soup . That is of course unless I fall asleep on one of two bus trips today. That is very unlikely as a surprisingly good nights sleep last night

First up another solid breakfast no doubt and bid goodbye to our lovely hosts. Galway is a strange city although to be fair only here two days so can’t really form a valid opinion. There is a condensed tourist area which is car free and great and the pubs all welcoming. Lots of buskers add to a good vibe. Our B&B was great but not an easy walk into town and no pub just around the corner – strictly residential area. There appears no need to return to find hidden Galway as likely a reason it is hidden

First bus to Limerick and then hop off and stretch legs before another soon after for Killarney . Bus left on time and relatively empty but that didn’t stop the two certainties on any long bus trip. Despite 50 empty seats the last one on board will sit in front of you and the guy with Tuberculosis just behind. And of course a fixed 30 degrees C on board ! The free wifi does work a treat though as do the charging ports . Now where is that Guinness tap ?

As hoped for off one bus and on the next had us in Killarney before 1 pm. Have to say decision to use trains and buses rather than rent a car seems good idea at present – all worked smoothly . Hard to find a taxi at bus station but eventually made it to Lake Hotel and easy check in to a rather salubrious room if I say so myself

On top floor with great views of lake. Dropped in to one of 3 restaurants on site and had very nice lunch and 2x 10 Euro G&Ts! Lesson for younguns there . Decided to walk into town then as a good solid 30 minute walk on a cool day and I am only 59 after all. Now this is more like the towns I was expecting in Ireland. Lovely. Did designated tourist drop in at The Shire for some Precious memories

After a couple of hours pleasant stroll around town dropped in to Cronins for a fantastic meal before catching a taxi back home. They knew how to fill up a wine glass too. Time for relaxing bath at last , a cuppa and a good lie down. When and if I wake up tomorrow it’s a whole new ball game folks . So for one last time 😰

#almost60alreadyfamous. 🕺🏼

The thing about early indications is they are usually spot on. Like a herd of stomping and rutting elephants up to about 11 pm last night and then try to sleep in the Leprechaun designed single bed with 6 blankets on it but internal heating . Sadly we have a few more B&Bs in our immediate future . Have not even tried the shower yet – I think it is in the desk drawer in the corner . You can tell a lot about a B&B from that first food experience – usually a cup of tea and fresh baking. We were told that on that plate in our room under the alfoil were some biscuits for our tea. Darool Darool

Wow I think that is the deluxe Arnott’s family assortment 😏. Mind you the hostess did drive us into town which helped with time and they are truly lovely people . Strangely at breakfast we found there were no other guests so that was just the host family making the racket !

Today we do a circuit of Connemara including a visit to Cong where the movie The Quiet Man was shot . There may be some more shooting there today if Euro trash turn up . In keeping with how Galway has gone so far we booked today’s tour yesterday as hosts assured us that today would be similar and great day to see Connemara . Rain is predicted by 7 am 😏 Oh well, to be honest not a lot else to do in Galway all day and did have a lovely afternoon yesterday . These things happen on holidays and we really had a knob kiss with weather in Dublin. It is Ireland in February after all

So another dull and poorly organised tour. Our promised pick up at 0930 was cancelled at 09:25 so had to make own way to town for 10 am tour. Only 4 of us on the tour so had to wait extra 10 mins while they sourced a mini bus – no issue and small group a bonus. Of the 4 tours available we chose Healy’s as they took the coastal route. The bus driver seemed to think it amusing he had been called in at last minute and knew nothing about the sights or indeed the actual route. After first dull village simply cut across country to go to our second last scheduled stop and no coastal drive. Why? So we could sit in bus for 30 mins waiting for the 7 suckers who took the 11:30 inland route . They then crammed into our mini bus! All this with no word of explanation from driver . Onto Kylemore Abbey which of course is impressive but of course also at present has 50% covered by scaffolding. The gothic cathedral was impressive but the gardens dull and we had 2 hrs here . Then onto my highlight of tour , a visit to Cong where The Quiet Man was filmed . We drove around town once and showed us statue and then the closed QM Museum and gift shop. Then parked at opposite side of town and said you have 20 mins here . This was at last the quaint village we had been looking for but no time to explore . Then back in bus and drive home to Galway an hour earlier then scheduled. Worst run tour ever been on

Day almost saved by the beers we had in Taaffes with excellent Irish music also . Then a very good Italian meal before the long trek home to ascend the stairs to the furnace

Look, we are having a great time and love the country and people but am struggling to name that memorable natural attraction at present . Both day tours have been dull with long periods on a bus before hurried time spent at an unexceptional “ must see “ sight

Off to Killarney tomorrow for 4 nights in hopefully rather luxurious hotel and a more relaxed pace . After all by Saturday won’t be able to use my catchcry anymore

#almost60alreadyfamous

And for the fans. Get a world clock so you don’t jump the gun early ok 😏🕺🏼👴🏻

Good old internal heating in Europe. Go to bed rugged up like Nanook of the North only to wake up sweating a few hrs later when the husband comes home. Oops, that was only a dream sorry. The heating is automatic of course so like a cyclist on a cobblestone street there is no way to control it. And they can be noisy . Especially when they fall off and hit those pesky cobbles. But man is it funny . Cyclists are right up there in my top 3 hates in the world. The other two are Lycra and helmets .

We leave Dublin today and catch a train to Galway for two nights and into a true B&B . There was a fear I may be fading away so thought it was time to add in some “traditional” full Irish breakfasts to assist the usual pint quaffing during the day . Has been a great few days but hard to pin down exactly what makes Dublin ….. well Dublin. It’s a gritty city in parts but also has many large green areas. Plenty of pubs of course and friendly locals but no real distinguishing architecture. Lots of bridges on a very pleasant river . Good public transport and an easy walking city . Loved our time here but hard to think of a particular thing that would draw you back again. Has a homeless problem like all major cities . Food is great, beer plentiful and varied and coffee passable. As in , pass that shit down the table and give us another beer ok.

There is another sheep graziers alert for next few days as cold weather comes in from Siberia but not convinced whether that warning is for humans or a more general standing one for sheep ? Ya with me.

But first a last stroll around Dublin on a brisk morning looking for breakfast, a good coffee and the “ Tart with a Cart” . Tick Tick Tick. Found a place that served Cortado which has rarely let me down. We also found the 4 Swans memorial which I assumed was from their AFL Premiership a few years back but was clearly wrong. I suppose the best thing about Dublin is everything is within easy spitting distance

Apparently

Train left on time which is always a good sign . As is the one with your names above your prebooked seats and no ignorant clown is sitting there already . Trust me it happens. Clever how they knew CLP preferred to be on top 🤓 Should I be concerned that the new bride from yesterday is on same train ?

Still a glorious day when arrived and after a quick check in time to check out the city. This won’t take long it seems . As weather so good and clearly not heaps to do just in the city we booked a bus tour tomorrow to Connemara.

Galway Cathedral was impressive across a raging river. We had a couple of beers in different pubs with the Kennedy themed one the best . Then had a very ordinary fish type dinner before the 15 minute walk home which is actually 40 mins! Beautiful night though

The B&B is quaint I guess but glad only two nights . Small and of course can hear everyone around you . Nowhere to sit and relax in room . It has been a full day indeed so let’s hope can get some sleep tonight . Early indications are not good

Your more astute avid follower may have noticed no liquid black stuff had passed my lips yet in the land of said fluid. That is because , dear reader, have been saving up for today. The thing that strikes you in Ireland -apart from pissed off Leprechauns – is the overuse of the word “ traditional” . Every pub has “ traditional Irish food “ and “ traditional Irish Music “ . Then of course there are your traditional tourist traps ( TTT) so we thought we would visit one today – The Guinness Storehouse. Of course being 10% of rolling in it we are doing the “ Skip the Great Unwashed Connysewer Tasting Experience “ . But first we have the odd experience of trying to get into Gaol. The Killedwithjammieson Gaol visit would appear to a very popular TTT. They suggest book online but are basically booked a week ahead. Must be no sheep grazing paddocks this side of town 😏 There is a “walk up” option daily with a few tickets so thought in our general carefree nature that defines us would give it a crack . After all only a 20 min walk from The Storehouse and will try for the “ limp in “ angle and play on the pity factor . If that fails have two large potatoes to bribe the guard with

Headed off early on a simply glorious morning and thought time to try out the LUAS tram system as have to use tomorrow and will drop us close enough to Gaol. Works well and fronted to Gaol around 9 am and informed we could in fact join the 10 am tour with the 12 other slack asses who couldn’t book online. Good hour long tour with informative host and stayed at end of field so could grab some shots of an almost empty Gaol. Some sad tales of woe also but then they haven’t heard mine yet #costanza

We then had about a 20 minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse for our Skip the Line connoisseur tasting experience. Certainly treat you special on this one with a superb bar that we had almost to ourselves apart from a recently married couple on their honeymoon. I would suggest she is a keeper Pal. Tried a variety of their products and the range surprised me . Their Quality Control in particular is impressive given they clean out the beer lines every 23 days in all the pubs that serve the stuff. They protect their reputation fiercely it would seem. Learnt how to pour one properly but of course then had to drink it. By now the wobbly boot was firmly attached and we still had a free pint in the Gravity Bar to follow . For some reason felt like Jack sitting in the bar from The Shining but that could also be my all work no play approach to life in general

Seemed it may be wise to have some food next so dropped into 1837 to soak up some of the alcohol and then onto the Gravity Bar . Guinness Stew may not have been smartest choice .Great views of Dublin in the GB but it was crowded not surprisingly . My head was struggling to fight gravity by now so it was time for some souvenirs before falling into a LUAS for trip home. Earlier plans to walk died after 3rd pint

So a great last full day in Dublin with the only negative maybe being spending so much time indoors on such a stunning, if cool, day . I feel a song coming on….

Against all better judgement we are doing a full day bus tour with The Great Unwashed up to Belfast today to see the Titanic Experience . Already experiencing a sinking feeling. Ah thank you very much, here all week, try the Veal. Also a visit to Giants Causeway, a Rope a Dope bridge somewhere and a possible GOT shooting location. Hoping it is where they shot the Ice Dragon as that would fit in perfectly with today’s theme of AVOID ICE! Hope bus driver is listening . Will be a long day but did have an early night . A short walk to our pick up point and head off @07:15 . That bus with the half cocky roo on it will suit the wild rover in me

Now first job on tours like this is pick out the clowns that will cause trouble . Easy. The mixed group of 8 Euro Trash Down the back – Ities I think but who cares. By mixed I mean both assholes and morons. Why are Euro trash so loud and laugh inanely like a brain dead vegetable? First stop was the Titanic Belfast experience. In a sign of what little research we really did for this trip it was mostly about the building of the rather inept Ice Breaker which is fair enough given it was Belfast . The display was large but not riveting which is odd given it was all about riveting. I got a million of them folks

Next on our way to our Friends in the North we drove through Ballymena – the birthplace of Liam Neeson and Poker machines. I wasn’t Taken by it. Then we got a flat tire and sat by side of road until a replacement bus could arrive for our full 60 seater . Note that number. It had a full complement of tyres but only 57 seats .3 people would have to miss the Rope Bridge. In hindsight I should have put my hand up . Many years ago at Carrick a Rede someone discovered there was a 20 foot gap between two large rocks so let’s string two ropes and a coffin lid between it and flog it to the Italian tourists . So basically you park the bus with the good wheels in the car park, walk 1klm out on a path that would test your average mountain goat , walk across a bridge for 20 secs, turn around, rinse ,repeat . Get back on bus . Beautiful scenery

Back on bus, wait 15 mins for the Pasta Pals to get back of course and then head off to Giants Causeway . Stop at top of mountain in bus park – our original bus was back now – catch a shuttle bus down with Ireland’s unhappiest worker for 1.2 Euro, walk on a lot of uneven rocks and maybe break an ankle , catch shuttle backup with Smiley and try to get something to eat as it is already 3 pm Cause Way too much time has been spent on the bus. You getting for these gems as I drop them ? The 1.2 Euro raises an interesting point. Would have been useful to be reminded in tour info that in the North they only really accept Pounds not Euro. I had really earnt my one and only beer for the day by now . Had a quick bite as time was limited and had to be back on bus by 4:30 pm for the 4 hr drive home. At 4:30 pm we were on bus and Euro T were just entering cafe to order some meatballs of course

Eventually on the road it was raining lightly by now. The weather was ok, grey and overcast all day apart from one hour of sunshine. Can anyone guess which hour that was. You win a used rivet if you correctly nominated “ Was it the hour you were sitting in the bus after Ballymena?” On the way home we did see the highlight of the day through a foggy bus window. Dunluce Castle used as House of Greyjoy in GOT

Back home by 830 pm and a brisk walk home had us snuggled up in bed just after 9 pm, a mere 14 hrs after we had left with high hopes of a once in a lifetime experience . Well, in the end they were right

Because I certainly wouldn’t do it again !

Interesting start to day. After late night not all that flash at 7 am but even less so after checking email and reading one from our ex Travel Agent

“ Hi David, Hope you are having a great time in Ireland. BA has contacted me to inform me that you missed your flight to Dublin and as such have cancelled your return flight in couple of weeks”

What the fuck? Apart from the obvious problems here why would you think we were not still at Heathrow rather than having a great time in Ireland! Naturally when I looked outside then it was raining . That sort of day . Still if there is one thing I am known for it is unfailing optimism.

We set off with no great plans except to have same breakfast as yesterday . Hey, routine is important at our age. We were heading towards Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s cathedral for my cultcha fix for the holiday. I was still tired but of course CLP was skipping along like a little school girl. The cathedral was of course impressive and Pat the Lad has hands almost as big as The Trumpster

Dublin Castle didn’t open until midday so thought we would walk to Jameson Distillery . On the way lucked upon The Brazen Head , Ireland’s Oldset Pub. As it was only just 10 am we opted for the Irish coffee and it was tres excellent . JD was an impressive place but could do with some more signage. You know something like “ We are actually an airport lounge and don’t serve alcohol until after midday “ Thought Irish were drinkers . Pussies

By now sadly the Dublin Castle was open. As usual the rooms are stunning but with no Meaghan on hand I lost interest

Always on the lookout for ways to make some money on trips so was pleased when I landed a gig as Security over lunch for the Castle

By now it was lunch time as always say two heads are better than one so we went in search of The Stags Head in Temple Bar. If only the search for The Meaning of Life was this easy. The light drizzle had kept the crowds down but do love walking the streets and finding things that amuse me . Like graffiti or the fact many stores also sell wigs as a second item! Maybe Trump got his here

The Stags Head was a great pub so also got lunch there. CLP had a superb Seafood chowder that only cost 8 Euro. Nice and quiet too as had only just opened . After that we headed home and did some souvenir shopping on way home. Grandkids sorted and was finally able to get rid of that pesky 100 Euro note. And a couple more small ones 👴🏻 😱

Back home now for a quiet afternoon as drizzle continues. Probably head out for easy dinner nearby later but early night as have a full day tour tomorrow to Belfast.

One quick comment on the Irish folk. They are spitters. Lovely people but they do like trying to clean the sidewalk one square cm at a time. Lots of smokers too. Maybe those two facts are related or simply independent fascinating anecdotes ?

Not a bad nights sleep considering the previous 36 hrs. It is a quite area and a warm unit so about as good as can be expected in a place far far away. Of course body still can’t work out whether it really should still be dark outside so about 4 am was it for me. Not sure when daylight dawns here but thinking the jammies will stay on for a couple more hours. Update : Sunrise 7:40 am – my body shall remain confused for longer than really safe methinks. I may need to purchase a foghorn to wake CLP up of course . Now the body just has to remember what to do with all the food and drink from last 36 hrs. Ya with me 😏

A leisurely day to be sure with a booked tour of the Book of Kells at 10:30 and then the Irish Music Pub Tour at 7 pm tonight . Better make it a quiet drinking day then. I tell ya, I crack myself up sometimes ….. Weather forecast is promising . As in we promise , we don’t know what it will do either but don’t we make lovely maps. Have resurrected Accuweather for this trip or “Star Trek” as I call it because it goes where no man has gone before . As in “ there will be 2.5 mm of rain in 27 mins lasting 3.6 mins” Or not . Good start mind you

With sunrise threatening it was time to head off for some breakfast , grab some Leap cards, a phone Sim and some statue photos before presenting at Trinity College for a book read. Hope there are plenty of pictures. Started with a simple breakfast at Pantry nearby and greeted by friendly and helpful hosts. Amazing to see popele drinking beer in Molloys Pub at 730 am . It was a simply glorious morning as then made our way to The Spire and then onto St Stephens Green

We then did the Book of Kells tour including the stunning Long Room at Trinity College and then onto the nearby Little Museum of Dublin. Both well worth a visit with the latter chockas of interesting memorabilia and a U2 room. We even did the 30 min tour with Mrs Brown

A short detour to an Oscar Wilde statue and then our first beer of the day across the road at , strangely enough, Oscars. As still a glorious day headed towards the Temple Bar area for lunch but it was getting crowded by now so time to wander back home across a couple of the several bridges before a short detour to see the Jeannie Johnston ship at dock. Time to rest for a couple of hours before tonight’s musical pub tour

Headed off under clear skies again for a quick dinner before meeting the group and it was a large group of about 50! It worked surprisingly well though and was a wonderful night. Great duo with witty banter and good music and rooms to ourselves in busy pubs. CLP almost stole the show with her Polka routine but it’s not often you can say the Irish Musical Pub Crawl was upstaged by a gay Icelandic couple. Towards end of show always try and get an audience member up to sing a song. Athor was pushed out by his boyfriend and did a great job of Under Pressure. Magic end to a magic night and then a walk home on a booteeful night. It had been one memorable first full day in Ireland

Hell on Earth has arrived and parked itself at Flashman Inc Sunshine Coast . What a shocker of a night for heat and mugginess. Very little sleep indeed, just as well no big day ahead ………

And this will be a long day but although we may leave at 35 degrees we should eventually arrive to 3.5 degrees. Yay. First up is leisurely drive to Brisvegas catching up with the both the oldest and youngest members of our extended clans. Fly out of Brisvegas at 5 pm to Melboring before catching the Qantas A 380 to London via Dubai as you do. Then straight onto a BA flight to Dublin arriving a bit after 5 pm on Friday. What may appear as 24 hrs in the air and getting frisked at airports is closer to 36 hrs. Speaking of BA I pity the fool who doesnt sleep on planes. Guilty as charged Your Honour. Luckily it will be a dry 36 hrs…….

Damn those decimal points again. Ok a dry 0.36 hrs. #IBF has returned and is in a black mood. May wait for Ireland for that though….

A full morning in the sweltering heat had us hanging out for that first cold one in the Qantas Lounge. Rocked up to check in and the lady suggested we can get u on earlier flight still with exit seats as there could be storms this afternoon . My grimace prompted “You will still have time for the lounge Sir”. Then a 15 min hassle with CLP’s new passport. Had to ring Canberra in the end . This was cutting into my drinking time sweetheart. Then we saw the Qantas Premium Lounge entry with Security check. Sweet, what a great service . Then settled in for a quick froth or 3 in the 30 mins before board our new 4 pm flight . Does mean about 4 hrs in the Melbourne Lounge before take off…….. help.

Smooth trip down once we skirted the storms . Missed our “dinner” being on an earlier flight but we shan’t starve. The Melbourne BC Club is a bit of a ghost town at 8 pm which makes sense when look at the board and only 3 flights before midnight. There is plenty to eat and drink of course but all a bit impersonal #firstworldproblems. Now the trick is not to get as full as a state school hat rack in the next 3 hrs before the next 14 hr flight 😏🕺🏼

Being a DCM (designated chick magnet)I innocently asked a passing service lady about a towel for a shower and now we are besties and I know her life story. Actually makes mine sound a bit better. A shower between flights is great way to put a smile on your face. Here is one I prepared earlier

The A 380 is an impressive if aging plane. Smooth take offs and landing and the PE cabin is very good. Still 14 hrs is 14 hrs and were glad to see the sun starting to rise as we approached Dubai. Off at one gate spin around 3 times walk to another gate and reboard for London

Another smooth flight had us arriving in plenty of time and no lounge to roam. Instead we had our first Pommy beer – and it was warm. Eventually 4 pm ticked around and we could board our Aer Lingus – hee hee snicker – for the quick trip to Dublin. 50 mins to be exact

Relatively smooth Customs experience and our Limo driver arrived soon after to drop us at our VRBO in Dublin at Customs House Harbourplace. Looks great but we are officially shagged now so a quick small salad from nearby and cuppa and time to find that bed. Looks like a quiet area so let’s hope we bounce out of bed in the morning ready to explore this wonderful city