Avoca, Glendalough, Wicklow

Yet another lovely day.

Woke up and the sun was shining. I had a plan for today. I wanted to go to Avoca and Glendalough. Avoca was the town where Ballykissangel was set, and last time I was here I only had a limited time there, so I was hoping to get there and just take my time and have a good look around.
Point A on the map is Avoca, and the little green blob just to the North East of Avoca is Glendalough (Don't forget the Irish correct pronunciation - Glenda-lock!)

Little Gaby Garmin got me there with no worries at all. We are starting to work out our relationship now. I'm learning when to ignore her...! If the road she suggests looks like a country lane or back road, I just keep going and she just re-calculates...

The scenery continues to be spectacular..
Avoca was a little quiet when I arrived, so I headed straight for the pub (as you do!) to have my lunch. Those who have seen Ballykissangel may recognize the pub - Fitzgerald's - where Assumpta used to work.
I also took photos of the bridge and the Church...





I said a prayer for you all in the Church, and lit a candle for you. I especially said a prayer for my Mum who used to love Ballykiss. You didn't dare ring whilst it was on telly! You would get very short shift.

After lunch I moved on to "The Meeting of the waters", where two rivers meet.... There was a famous song about it, that people of my parents generation might remember...
There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet,
As the vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet;
Oh, the last rays of feeling and life must depart,
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart

Using my little Gaby GPS I moved on to Glendalough, which means the "Valley of two lakes". It is a most beautiful place, just outside Dublin. It's in County Wicklow which is called the "Garden of Ireland". The Wicklow mountains are just outside Dublin, and provide the prefect backdrop to a truly beautiful place.
It is centred around the ruins of St Kevin's abbey, whic lie just above the lakes beneath. If you would like to read a little history about this place, click on the link below
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/glendalough

I was very lucky with the weather. While I was out walking, the weather was chilly but fine. The wind made my eyes water.... But as soon as I got back inside and was having my coffee, down she came.... It bucketed down! I was so lucky.

Decided to drive home through the Wicklow mountains - again beautiful scenery.... I stopped at the Wicklow Gap at the top of the mountains. I hoped out the car to take a photo, and I was nearly blown off the face of the earth....

It's been an interesting experience driving in Ireland. Our tour guide Bernard talked about how road rules are just guidelines!!! And I've seen it in practice so often... Speed limits mean nothing at all. The standard speed limit in built up areas is 50 km/h, but nobody takes any notice. And people just drive at the speed they think is OK. Double lines don't mean much at all either... I've had a few times when my heart was in my mouth with people overtaking. But also, they seem to be very patient, and they don't always rush to overtake either. It's a curious mixture.

Now, I've had my can of Fosters, and am about to have some tea - Irish stew and vegies... I'm very spoilt. How blessed am I to have been so looked after....