It's Got an Exotic Name

My friends and fellow travellers were rather surprised at the lack of public footpaths in Ireland. They struggled with the fact that they could see wonderful mountains just waiting to be climbed, but couldn't just get out there and climb them, as most of the land is private. This is of course very different to what they're used to in England.

I was keen to show them, that there are ways of enjoying a good walk in Ireland and so, I took them to a really special place, Gleninchaquin Park.

This is an award winning farm and park which offers a variety of different way marked walks through some truly breath taking scenery. True there is a modest admission charge, but for that you get car parking, toilets, a tea room, a friendly welcome and a choice of well planned and maintained walks to suit just about everyone. And the cost was no more than the National Trust charge for car parking at a local beauty spot near to our Norfolk home.

And there is more to the walks than simply lovely scenery. There is a lot of interesting local history. One of the first stops on the yellow trail that we did, was to see a farm restoration project. What we went to see was an old crofter's dwelling from the 18th century. There was an information board telling us lots of interesting information about how people managed to scrape a living from the land (have you spotted us amongst the greenery?)

It told us that in the 18th century there were over 100 people living in the valley, in houses just like the one we are about to show you. Now only 2 people live there; we think this is rather sad.

Having read about the house, we went to see it. The entrance was perfect for us vertically challenged bears, but our minders found it quite low. It was a very simple dwelling with just one room and we think it would have been quite cold most of the year. No doubt sharing it with animals would have helped keep the occupiers warm though.

We've loads more to tell you about our walk, so we'll be back soon.

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx

Not Nessie, but Who Else?

I'm not the most I.T. literate of Bears, but fortunately I have my contacts, and know just the right member of Bears Unlimited to help me show you what my was revealed by my patient wildlife watch. I hope you enjoy the following film clip.

I'm sure you'll agree that it's rather special, as it's footage of that rather elusive creature, the sea otter. Sorry we couldn't show you more but we were all so transfixed by this beautiful and magical sight, that we forgot to do any filming, and then, when we thought about it and grabbed the camera, it was only to discover that the batteries had run out. By the time we were back in business, dusk was well and truly upon us, so you'll probably just have to take our word that the moving shape is a sea otter.

It was one of the highlights of our holiday and we counted ourselves very priviledged bears to have been granted these special few moments. 

Lots of love Patrick and fellow nature lovers xxx

La Tour de Ireland: a Tough Stage

But the guys and Rosa were going to be kept in suspense a bit longer, as there was a bit more sight seeing to do before we worked up to Bear/Bere Island - I'd deliberately designed this trip for the mid point in our stay.

So first of all, it was back on the bikes. What a glorious ride we had, but I did get quite a few black look from the chaps, at the start as it was extremely steep: as I've said before I'm not very good at reading the contour lines on a map. There was certainly a lot of pushing that day, as we quite simply ran out of gears, and then ended up having to jump off quickly before we went too far backwards. It was quite like trying to cycle up a Lake District fell, until we got to the top and it all flattened off. There was even a convenient rock on which to take a rest.

The views were magnificent and, unlike the Lake District, we had it all to ourselves. What's more, there was a great downhill, which lasted several miles, and took us all the way to our lunch stop, and some easier afternoon cycling, taking in the tourist town of Kenmare.

That evening, after our meal, I resumed my usual dusk wildllife watch from the window, over the sea ...

... I was looking for something very special and, would you believe it, that night my luck was in.

You'll have to wait for the next post to find out what I saw.

Lots of love Patrick & friends xxx

Our Own Island

As we drove out of Eyeries we didn't turn left to go home. Instead we turned right and headed for the principal town of the Beara Peninsula, that of Castletownbere. While we wanted to replenish supplies in the local supermarket and take the measure of this town, famed for its fishing industry, our main reason for visiting was to research what was, for us, an essential day out: a visit to an island named after us - none other than Bere Island.

As you can see from our first picture we soon found the ferry that would take us across and we noted down the times of the sailings so we'd know when to come back. As we were there in season, there were plenty of crossings every day.

We then got back into the bearmobile and drove round to a viewpoint for our first proper look at the island. This was quite an important occasion so we were all present and, as you can see, while the smaller bears were off exploring, the more sedate members of our travelling party gathered on the roof of the bearmobile to take in the sight and compare first impressions.

It was only 2km away so we could see lots of detail and it looked a very fine island and worthy of a full day out to explore it. There's nothing like a bit of anticipation is there? I think I had successfully whetted the appetites of my friends.

Lots of love Patrick and fellow leprechaun bears xxx

Bearing Along the Beara Way

I decided that, as George & Yorkie had done such a good job of leading us to that wonderful church, I should take the rest of the day off from my responsibilities as chief guide, and let them plan the rest of the day out.

I take my hat off to them, they did a really fine job. They led us on a walk from the church, out to the coast. It was a fine circular walk taking in several miles of coast. Once again we were walking along the Beara Way which would be a great path to do as a long distance walk as it takes in some lovely scenery and places.

Sorry our picture's a bit dark, but it turned out rather a cloudy day, although fortunately not a cold one. It did make for quite a atmosphere though, and, hopefully, it gives you the impression of the empty Irish coastline and lots of space. We passed a bay full of discarded scallop shells and helped our male minder collect an armful, as he thought it would be rather nice to use them for the baptisms he does. 

Not much further along, we stopped to admire a piece of maritime artwork that really took our fancy. A few simple items from the beach had been turned into something rather wonderful - a mermaid, or was it a mer man?

I was really enjoying playing tourist, rather than guide, and the day wasn't over yet.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Co xxx

Wondrous Windows

After 2 days of cycling I wasn't that surprised when the other chaps said they fancied a change, but I was slightly taken aback when George said we should go to church. After all, it's not our usual midweek holiday activity, and I didn't think I needed to atone, or seek confession, after drinking just 2 pints of Guinness in 2 days! 

When we arrived at the church that George had picked out for us, I soon appreciated that his plan made a lot of sense. Apparently, while we were enjoying our Kilmakilloge Guinness on the previous day, he had overheard 2 fellow tourists saying how wonderful the stained glass windows were at the church at Eyeries and, being a curious kind of bear, decided that we should check it out, especially as the Friendly Planet Guide needs to include a bit of culture as well as outdoor activities.

We're not exactly what you'd call art lovers, but we were completely blown away by these stunningly beautiful windows. They were very modern and very colourful and the striking images told the story of the area throughout the ages. If you look carefully you can see George & Yorkie sitting at the bottom of the window, lost in thoughtful contemplation. This was just one of a whole churchful of equally amazing windows. If you ever find yourself on the Beara Pensinsula then you must go and see them.  

Our meditative viewing of the windows came to an abrupt end when George found the biggest container of holy water that any of us had ever seen. We hoped it wasn't disrespectful for him to sit on the top, but it did rather tickle his fancy.

We can certainly say that they don't do things by halves in the south west of Ireland.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Rosa xxx