YMA O HYD

Bit later after a long day yesterday but we are " still here". Perhaps a true taste of Ireland today, everyone has been incredulous at the wonderful weather we have had so far, today though was more of a rainy feel, but embraced it as part of the experience, got my waterproofs on and did my morning run, a little shorter than normal for a Sunday, but more exploratory in feel, taking in the quiet homesteads surrounding Duncormick, and even venturing off road very briefly on a very sanitised river path on the banks of the Muck.  Love that as a name for the river that runs through the town.

It was a last breakfast in our Air B nb and then a big thanks to the hosts of this truly wonderful place that has allowed us to find a home away from home but a launch pad for many little adventures.  If you are looking for a great place to stay in this part of the world take a look at The Courtyard Mary and David have a lovely place and make you so welcome to the area.

We drove over to Wexford, taking in some of my earlier running route, so was able to stop a bit more and point things out to the family, riverside walks and normal, innocent men.

30 minutes later we were in Wexford, and very impressed at the wide range of car parks, charging stations galore here some of our readers will be noting this I'm sure.

Had to borrow Chrissi's rain coat with mine sodden from earlier run and we strode purposefully past the churches and shops to Centenary Stores, as recommended by our Air Bnb hosts.  It did not disappoint.

Beuatiful irish melodies, home cooked food, a nice pint of guinness, old pub style feel, gaelic footie on the telly. Where else would you want to be on a rainy Irish afternoon.

On the food front, we all went to town as our last meal before post holiday puritanical eating returns.  I really pushed the boat out and had 3 courses. They serve so fast here, and another thing, you don't have to get the bill, you just go to the bar when you are ready to pay. How refreshingly normal.  In terms of food I had vegetable soup with thick, soft, spongy rye bread. Main was sole bites in Brioche with chips and some gorgeous coleslaw, multi coloured swap shop, so much going on. And then the piece de resistance, banoffi pie with ice cream with layer upon layer of biscuits, cream, custard, banana, who needs trifle eh, this is the real deal.

A final walk through Wexford admiring amusingly named pubs and shops, spirits still high even with the end post of this particular trip now in sight.  Collected our car and made the 30 minute trip down to the Port of Rosslaire and joined the car ferry queue.  Wales kicking off against Ukraine to got tuned into 5 live for the first half, big cheer as we boarded as the Bale deflected free kick went in.

Dashed straight to the bar on board where wall to wall TVs with the football on and I created my own living room space for the second half, Guinness in hand.  Couldn't quite believe Wales managed to qualify after all these years, quite a number of people around me couldn't quite believe how vociferous my non belief was.  

Rest of the journey passed quickly and ebulliently with a couple more pints which meant Chrissi picked up the driving reins for the 2 hr 20 ish trip back east to our home and the first trip of the Summer ending on a perfect high.  We're "still here" though, check back in around 9th/10th July for the next instalment, where I might start with a tally of firsts achieved on this trip. Watching Wales qualify for a World Cup would have to be on the list.

- Carys - 

Another little lie in this morning, appreciating our final few hours in the cottage. I had some toast for breakfast and did a little bit of revision but was feeling less productive today. We packed up and sorted the house to the best of our ability - leaving it in what I thought was a very nice state.

We said our thanks ans goodbyes to Mary and David and started to journey into Wexford, with a quick stop at Dad's new favourite nature spot, a short walk by the riverside. I agree it was pretty but a bit of a random stop but either way, nice to have some fresh air.

Then we continued on into Wexford city, where it was now tipping down with rain. Just our luck, but in all fairness, we've been very fortunate with a lovely few days, so I guess this provides a bit of balance. We found shelter in a pub recommended by Mary, where as we'd hoped they were playing live music. Keyboard, flute, double bass, and a bagpipe type instrument, you name it, I'm sure they were playing it. 

I enjoyed 3 courses - cream of vegetable soup with that lovely thick rye bread again, then goats cheese tartlet with chutney and salad, and my favourite course: rhubarb and apple crumble tart with custard and cream. I realise I had this dessert just a few days ago, but it's delicious, so I couldn't resist. It's cropped up on multiple menus since arriving here, so maybe it's a local favourite? 

We stayed a long while in the pub, but it was a nice place to stay settled and we had plenty of time to kill, so we enjoyed our food, the music, and general ambience for a good few hours. When we eventually did set off, it was still spitting of course, and we made our way back to the car via some shops to have a look around. From then we drove to the port, and waited a bit to get onboard. We parked up and I casually sprinted to find the seat where I knew there was a plug, but Dad had found a better spot situated just in front of the TV, where they were playing the Wales game, with plugs also. I was extremely happy with this, and even better, it was next to a window too. I had an enjoyable trip home, relaxed a bit, then did some revision.

 It wasn't long before we were back in Wales, and by this point I felt very tired. We didn't get home until after midnight, and feeling like I might fall asleep at any moment, we got ready for bed. So, although it felt like it went very fast, I'm really glad to have had a little taster of being away again, and it's all the more got me excited for the rest of our adventures this year! That's me signing of for now. See you soon.