Shamrock (#2 Report)
We finally have some time to catch up on what's been going on. A lot! First, our stop in Cork Ireland. The port is actually Cobh. We went on an excursion called "Exclusive Home and Garden Visit. We headed from the pier to North Cork/West Waterford Blackwater Valley in Southern Ireland. We arrived at Ballyvolane House, an award-winning Irish country house situated on an estate of landscaped gardens and parklands. Originally built in 1728, Ballyvolane House was modified 120 years later in the Italianate style. There were six beautiful bedrooms upstairs for guests to stay in, and we enjoyed a very nice lunch: vegetable potage, roast beef (we were expecting Irish stew), vegetables from the gardens, and a terrific lemon tart with homemade ice cream and whipped cream.
After lunch, we headed along the Lee River for a visit to Lakemount Gardens. Its owner, Brian Cross, has created one of Ireland's top gardens; its quality of planting an wonderful contrasts has won widespread acclaim. Brian took us around for a personal tour. We were very lucky as the morning light rain gave way to sunshine at the Gardens. I took lots and lots of flower photos. The sun on the rain drops on the leaves looked like diamonds.
After the Gardens, we headed toward the port but stopped for a tour around Cork itself. I think the only place that I got off the bus was at St. Finbarr's Cathedral, which looked like a mini Notre Dame. It was a very enjoyable excursion.
Gail and I had dinner on our own, and it was excellent.
Yesterday, we were in Dublin. Having never been there, we chose to do a Highlights tour--and I think we decided that they are not necessarily the best idea. We departed from the pier and passed the Customs House on the north bank of the River Liffey. It was completed in 1791. We crossed the river and headed for Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I; it is Ireland's oldest college. It's Library is home for the world famous Book of Kells, a hand illustrated manuscript of the Gospels on calfskin. Turns out that this year's Olympic flame was going through Dublin yesterday having come from Belfast, and we saw it. Only trouble was that it caused all sorts of traffic problems because of the large crowds.
Our other major stop was St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was founded in 1190. It is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713-1745. We toured around the city, viewing more highlights from the coach before heading back to the ship for lunch.
After lunch we had a little time to catch our breaths. Then we headed to tea and trivia, which was fairly quiet as many passengers were on afternoon excursions or just went into Dublin on the shuttle. Our little team, including Ngaire and Ken, Gail and me and someone who asked to join us won by scoring 15 out of 15! (We actually tied another team.) I have to confess, the questions were not very challenging.
For frequent cruisers, there was a special performance from the "Gaels Afloat Irish Traditional Dancers," which was excellent--sort of like Riverdance. I hope I was able to capture a few good photos.
We had dinner in Signatures--the fancy French restaurant--on the spur of the moment with other friends and a new friend traveling by himself who is part of our group. We had a really good meal and had fun getting to know him.
Today we were supposed to stop at Douglas, Isle of Man in the U.K. but the captain came on about an hour ago to tell us that a low pressure area and possible cyclonic winds precluded the use of tenders, and so we headed directly for Belfast and arrived at about 11:00 AM, so it is obviously not very far.
On the way this morning, several of us played either Pooch or Hearts. After lunch they are offering a few of the Belfast excursions that are also planned for tomorrow since we now have an extra day here. We decided to take the shuttle with several others of our group and head into Belfast to see the new Titanic museum, which is supposed to be terrific.
So that's about it for now.
Gail and Eugene
