74 Search Results for ""hill town""

• Our Budget Travel Trip to Irel

  • From: CliffK
  • Description:

     

    

    This trip actually began last June, when I was notified by email that I had won the Budget Travel Photo Contest with a photo I had taken in Costa Rica. My wife didn't even know I had submitted an entry, and she was in a meeting all afternoon, so I could not call her. We were meeting friends for dinner and had all of five minutes in the car together for me to inform her, "Um, honey, I have some news for you..." She screamed and quickly responded, "Well, I guess we know how we're going to use our furlough days this year!"

    After doing our research, we settled on a region (southwest Ireland) and a time frame (October, after the high season but before it gets too cold). I worked with Una at Sceptre Tours to iron out the details, and before we knew it we were on our way.

    We flew directly into Shannon, arriving at 7:00 a.m. on a Friday morning with a full day ahead of us. A friend had told us how beautiful it was to fly into Shannon where you could see all the green as you were landing. Well, at 7:00 a.m. on an October morning, the sun had yet to rise and it was still pitch black. Not to mind, we got our rental car and hit the ground running (that is, with a little adjustment for getting used to driving on the left side of the road). First stop: Galway. Although it was raining, we weren't going to let a little rain deter us from having fun. After stopping at the TI, we walked through Eyre Square (aka John F. Kennedy Park) and explored the old town center. We stepped inside the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, where I was impressed with the testament to the Widow Jane Eyre's generosity, commemorated on a plaque. We then walked, struggling to keep our umbrellas open against the wind and the rain, to the much more modern Galway Cathedral. This is a cathedral you want to visit during the day so you can better see and appreciate a more modern approach to stained glass artwork. Keep an eye out for the Irish Holy Family, where Mary is knitting and Jesus is offering tea to Joseph. Also look for the mosaic (hidden the day we were there behind a curtain, but that did not stop us) of John F. Kennedy.  Needing some lunch, we found our way to Busker Brownes, where my wife had Aubergine and Sweet Potato Gratin and I had delicious Irish Seafood Chowder, accompanied by tasty brown soda bread. We did not want to sit too long and let our jet lag overcome us, so we got back to our car and pushed on, driving northwest toward Letterfrack and the Kylemore Abbey. One of the best ways to combat jet lag is to spend time outdoors, and so our first activity at Kylemore was to tour the walled garden. Still nice in October, this must be even more beautiful in the middle of summer. The Abbey itself is lovely, though only a few rooms are open to tour. Also on the grounds is a small Neo-Gothic church, which is also worth a visit. Finishing at the Abbey, we still had a relatively short drive to Clifden and our first night accommodations at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. We checked in, dropped our bags in our room, and then walked about a mile into town to find a light supper. Back at the hotel, we headed downstairs to a common room where we thought we could sit by a fire and write in our journals. Ha! The combination of the warmth of the fire and the full day of touring, on top of our jet lag, and we were both dozing after writing only a sentence or two. However, it was also very effective: we got to bed early, got a full night's sleep, and when we woke up in the morning, we were both effectively over our jet lag.

    Saturday morning we woke up to the first of our full Irish breakfasts: a lavish buffet spread of cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, rolls, eggs, bacon, sausage, and the traditional Irish accompaniments of grilled tomatoes and black and white pudding. Although we had another full day ahead of us, we decided we did not have to be held hostage to our agenda and allowed ourselves to backtrack a bit, driving back towards Letterfrack and the Connemara National Park. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day to hike, so we took the trail to the top of Diamond Hill. This wasn't the Ireland I was expecting: instead of the lush greens one hears about, this area was still beautiful but much more in shades of brown. Partly this was due to the season, but also the geography, as the terrain is very wet and boggy. We made it to the top of the hill, and were rewarded with wonderful views both of the harbor and of Kylemore Abbey from above. Once back in the car, already past noon, we headed out towards our next destination: back past Galway and on to the Burren. The Burren is a region of massive outcroppings of rock that have been scoured by glaciers, rich in archaeological sites, the most famous of which is the Poulnabrone Dolmen. One look at this landscape and it is no wonder why there are so many stone fences and stone buildings in this country. It was getting late, and we had one more goal for this day: to get to the Cliffs of Moher. I had hoped we'd have a beautiful sunset looking out over the Atlantic from the cliffs, but although the sunset itself was obscured by fog, it was still light when we arrived and we enjoyed the day dwindling away to twilight while there. After another full day, we recognized the wisdom of our chioce to go in October: pleasant weather for hiking and no crowds to contend with. Saturday was the night of our castle stay, so we drove (now in the dark) back to Dromoland. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that they had upgraded us from a standard to a deluxe room. This is not your drafty medieval castle: the room was quite spacious and luxurious. Sunday morning I went for a run on the castle grounds, through a wooded area where I came upon (and frightened) many pheasant.

    Friday and Saturday were both extremely full days, but this was our first time in Ireland and we wanted to see everything. Recognizing the need to slow down a bit, we had planned to spend two nights at our next stop: Kinsale. Driving south past Cork on Sunday we got our first taste of the beautiful green countryside that Ireland is so famous for. As the sun breaks through the clouds, the lush green fields just pop out at you. Kinsale very much has a small-town feel, located on a beautiful, well-protected harbor, rich in history. It is one of Ireland's "Tidy Towns," a competition first launched by Bord Failte in an effort to improve the appearance of towns and villages throughout the country for the main tourist season. In addition to just wandering the streets and exploring the shops and restaurants, we took the "Historic Stroll in Old Kinsale." Our guide, Barry, was a wealth of information about the history of Kinsale, from the occupation by the Spanish Armada to thenearby sinking of the Lusitania, including stories as well of the real Robinson Crusoe. Fun side trips included Charles Fort across the harbor and the Cobh Heritage Center, about a 45-minute drive. Our mainstay through most of Ireland was basic pub food, which we enjoyed, but in Kinsale ("the Gourmet Capital of Ireland"), we had to try a nicer restaurant. We couldn't have been happier than with a visit to Jim Edwards, where we had a delicious meal of grilled salmon.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 week ago
  • Views: 27

• yellow streetcar

  • From: GL Salava
  • Description:

    A tourist streetcar in the town of Oporto, Portugal.  Oporto was major trading port during the prime of Portugal's expansion in the new worlds. It has many winding narrow hilly streets and a cathedral high on a hill with magnificent views of the city & river.

  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 43

• The Day We Couldn't Get There

  • From: rdon47630
  • Description:

    Some trips you just can't seem to get where you want to go no matter how many sideroads you take. This day was like that because the White River was literally everywhere. lol. The day started out wonderful we took a few sideroads off of Hwy 57 headed up to my favorite counties of Martin, Lawerence, and Orange counties.
    Along the way we found these awesome old buildings. This country store is still in operation in the small town of Stendal Indiana. Next to it we saw this other building that I thought was interesting.
    We saw a historical site marker and of course we went in search of the historical spot. At the edge of a cornfield, we saw this marker. It read: Burr Oak School/ 1903-1939/Burr Oak and Buffalo presided over this land. Then came a school for lives to grow and minds to understand./ In front of this marker embedded in the concrete was a plaque that read: Time capsule to be opened 2039. WOW interesting bit of history there.
    
    What you see here is a small cabin with a cook pit next to it. Nothing special right? until you realize that its only about 5ft tall notice the house in the background upper right. It was so cute and so exact I had to take a picture of it. Someone spent a lot of time on this. On the subject of architecture. Look at the pattern of the shingles on this house. Absolutely stunning.
    
    Like I have said before, you never know what you might find exploring backroads.
    
    Eventually we ended up to the white river. Several places we tried to cross but had to turn back. What follows are scenes from this.
    
    Doesn't look deep does it? Remember only a foot of rushing water on a roadway can lift your tires up enough to wash your vehicle off the road. As they say...Turn around...don't drown.
    
    
    
    This fellow's mother was on the same side of the water as we were. He was going to wade across and then drive her to his home which is about a quarter mile up the road at the top of the hill from here. As you can see, once he got out there, he thought better of it and turned around much to his mother's relief.
    
    As we wandered through the backroads, we found ourselves at Williams Dam in Williams Indiana. I've never seen the water up so high.
    What you see here are actually playground and basketballs plus a 55 gallon drum at the bottom of the falls churning in the water.
    
    
    
    
    Of course being so close to Williams and on our way home, we went across the Brooks Bridge. This is the longest and oldest covered bridge still open in Indiana. I love it, but won't drive across it. Tom has to drive at this point. lol
    As the sun was getting low in the west, we came across these two deer feeding in a cornfield. What a perfect end to the trip.
    
    
    
    

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 208

• St Colman's Cahedral (Cobh)

  • From: nlv4ever
  • Description:

    Cork was a fun cruise stop.  We landed in the seaport town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove")and took a tour to Cork to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.  We had the afternoon free to wander in Cobh where we walked up to St Colman's Cathedral on top of a hill and then wandered around the pubs and shops.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 76
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• Cork (Cobh), Ireland

  • From: nlv4ever
  • Description:

    Cork was a fun cruise stop.  We landed in the seaport town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove")and took a tour to Cork to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.  We had the afternoon free to wander in Cobh where we walked up to St Colman's Cathedral on top of a hill and then wandered around the pubs and shops.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 101
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• Blarney Castle

  • From: nlv4ever
  • Description:

    Cork was a fun cruise stop.  We landed in the seaport town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove")and took a tour to Cork to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.  We had the afternoon free to wander in Cobh where we walked up to St Colman's Cathedral on top of a hill and then wandered around the pubs and shops.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 49
  • Not yet rated

• View as you are leaving Cobh

  • From: nlv4ever
  • Description:

    Cork was a fun cruise stop.  We landed in the seaport town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove")and took a tour to Cork to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.  We had the afternoon free to wander in Cobh where we walked up to St Colman's Cathedral on top of a hill and then wandered around the pubs and shops.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 61
  • Not yet rated

• View as you are leaving Cobh

  • From: nlv4ever
  • Description:

    Cork was a fun cruise stop.  We landed in the seaport town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove")and took a tour to Cork to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.  We had the afternoon free to wander in Cobh where we walked up to St Colman's Cathedral on top of a hill and then wandered around the pubs and shops.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 47
  • Not yet rated

• Eze

  • From: wendydreaney
  • Description:

    A scenic view from the Riviera hill town Eze.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 83
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• Bonnieux

  • From: blake
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 161
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• Roussillon

  • From: blake
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 326
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• Market Day in Bonnieux

  • From: blake
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 92
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• Bonnieux

  • From: blake
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 85
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• View from Bonnieux to Lacoste

  • From: blake
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 74
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• Village of Bonnieux

  • From: blake
  • Description:

    My Journey To Provence

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 140

• LakeWalk, Varenna, Italy

  • From: marmat1711
  • Description:

    Varenna, on Lake Como, Italy, is a wonderful old town, and makes a good base for exploring the Lake region. The town is built on the side of a hill and has great views of the lake and adjoining towns. The lake walk is along Lake Como and is a relaxing, beautiful and scenic pathway along the town edge.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 279
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• Medora, North Dakota

  • From: Jerry Dusterhoff
  • Description:

    Medora, North Dakota is right off Interstate 94 in the western part of the state, almost to Montana.  This is the best place to center your sightseeing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (both units) and Badlands National Park, cycling, and/or hiking activities.  For cycling or horseback riding, the Maah Daah Hey trail provides strenuous exercise and for entertainment, the Medora Musical is highly acclaimed.

    The town itself, only several blocks square, has sufficient motel space to accommodate many visitors.  There are also other places to stay within a few miles.  We spent two nights at the Eagle Ridge Lodge and rate it A+.  One of the best scenic views in all of our sightseeing in this area came from sitting on the patio sipping a beverage.  Eagle Ridge, while technically a B&B, includes breakfast AND dinner.    The owners, Joann and Paul Douglas, really know how to be perfect hosts.  See their website for complete information: http://www.eagleridgelodge.com/index2.htm

    For standard sightseeing, drive through the Theodore Roosevelt (South Unit) National Park, the entrance located as you come into town.  There is a thirty-six mile loop, with many places to pull off and experience the view or to hike down a trail for an even better view.  Thank goodness for digital cameras, where you can take pictures of everything, then delete those that don’t measure up. 

    We spent the morning exploring the South Unit, then drove the seventy-odd miles to see what the North Unit had to offer.  Folks staying at Eagle Ridge had driven the North Unit the day before and saw the herd of bison (don’t call them buffalo!) with calves.  They must have known we were coming and wandered behind a hill or something.  We saw only one male. 

    One of the Medora establishments we can highly recommend is Western Edge Books, Artwork, and Music.  In addition to finding my book (signed copies) there, they stock an extensive selection of western and especially local, books and artwork.  If you stay more than two days, you have no excuse not to stop by.

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 223

• Positano

  • From: stephcohen6
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 207

• Positano

  • From: margie
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 146

• Overlook - Nice, France

  • From: SteveRose
  • Description:

    Morning overlooking Nice from a hill near the old town, looking west toward the Mediterranean.

  • 5 months ago
  • Views: 399