The End is Nigh

So, here is our last post from Ireland. I hope you aren't relieved by this news, and have enjoyed reading. 

Before we left, we managed to complete the 1000 piece jigsaw we were doing in the evenings. It was an orchard scene with cider making in progress. The shapes weren't conventional jigsaw ones, and there were all sorts of curves and nearly, but not quite straight lines, so that just building the edge was quite challenging - and that's usually the easy bit.  

We'd spent many a happy hour constructing it, and then of course it takes only a minute or two to dismantle. That's why we always like to take a picture of the finished item, for our B.U. records.

We had an early morning sailing from Rosslare back to Fishguard so we had to say our fond farewells to Sli Na Mara a day early.

There were more fond farewells, particularly from me, to my beloved Ireland, as our ship pulled out of harbour the next day.

My B.U. travelling companions told me that I'd given them a marvellous insight into my country and that cheered me up a bit, as did the fact that I was already a day closer to my next visit - whenever that may be (soon I hope).

It's timely that I should finish now, as there is a new Bears Unlimited adventure coming very soon. The next lot of travellers are back from their travels with tales and pictures aplenty.

Lots of love, Patrick, George, Yorkie, Ungi, Rosa and Gilbert xxx

Wind, Rain and a Shark

The day after our meal at Josie's, the weather forecast was not good, so we had a lie in. However, we got up to find it was quite a reasonable day, and we enjoyed our breakfast outside, making the most of our sea views.

We decided we would visit the south westerley tip of the Beara Pensinsula, and perhaps even take a trip over to Dursey Island, which, unless you have a boat, can only be reached by cable car.

We did not time our arrival at the cable car very well. Like a lot of places in Ireland, there is no service from mid morning to around 2.00 p.m. - we couldn't work out if the Irish have a long elevenses break or an early lunch. As we arrived about 12.30, there was, therefore, no cable car running and, on top of that it started to rain, and it was a very wet and windy rain.

Gilbert showed himself to be more adventurous and less urbane that we thought, and he opened the bear mobile door, and stuck his head out in the rain, so as to get a good look at the cable car supports and winding mechanism. He was quite fascinated by it.

He turned round to view the island from the other direction and was a liitle surprised to see a black fin cutting through the water between us and the island. Although you can't see the fin, you have to believe that Gilbert was looking at it, as we did witness it ourselves.

When we talked to our host back at Sli Na Mara about it, we found out that it would have been a basking shark. Not dangerous, but quite an exciting sighting.

When the cable car started up again at 2.00 p.m. we spent some time, watching it making quite sedate (in the circumstances) progress between island and mainland, but we didn't go on it, as it wasn't the weather for exploring the island on paw.

The rain did ease though, and we had a lovely walk round the headland, once again following the Beara Way, so the day was by no means a washout.

Lots of love, Patrick and B.U. friends xxx

Celebrating the Prodigal's Return

We were all very happy when our minder returned and we were all together again. We went out for a special meal to celebrate. We'd picked somewhere that we'd heard was good, and are pleased to report it was much more than good, it was stunning.

So where is the place to go if you ever find yourself near the Cork/Kerry border? The place to go is Josie's restuarant which is at Lakeview House, in a remote spot overlooking the delightful Glanmore Lake.

We had a warm welcome as we arrived and were taken to a cosy table right by the window so we could look out over the gardens, lake and mountains.

One of our minders started with seafood chowder and when the bowl came it looked lovely, and was big enough for Yorkie to swim in. It tasted as good as it looked, and Yorkie even abandoned his usual pirana devouring approach to food, and decided to savour it, so as to make it last as long as it could.

In between courses we had a chance to look out the window and admire the view ...

... it was very special. It was just a shame we were there just after the longest day so didn't get a chance to see the sun setting over the mountains, but there again, as it was so light, we could enjoy the view for the whole of our meal.

The main course was a lovely piece of salmon with beautifully cooked potatoes and vegetables. As salmon is one of a bear's favourite foods, what more can we say ... other than the Eves pudding we had was desert was also most spendid.

However good the meal was, it was even better to have our minder back. Mind you, if we are every back in the area - which we hope to be - Josie's will be one of the first places we head to.

Lots of love, Patrick and co xxx

All Very Irish

We enjoyed our time at Derreen, and, while we were there, I took one of our official 'bears on holiday' snaps for the Bears Unlimited company album. What a fine trio of bears, even though George is a adopting the Victorian father pose. Rosa and Yorkie hasten to add that they're not his children.

Of course, with one of our minders going away, we had a couple of runs, to and from Cork airport, to do. We made the most of the travelling and had a couple of stops off, to see places and things of interest.

One was Cromwell's bridge in the town of Kenmare, which you see, along with us, in our next photo.  

 

It was a very high bridge for such a small river, and we wondered what tall vessels had travelled under it in the past. The sides were actually a lot steeper than they look and, as it was drizzling while we were there, the stones were very slippery. We felt we would have needed a climbing rope to safely cross the bridge, so we didn't. The packhorses who used to use it is times past, must have been surer footed than us.

The bridge quite intrigued us, so we consulted the town trail that Tourist Information had kindly given us to find our more about it. We learned that, even though it was called Cromwell's bridge. Cromwell himself had never been to this part of Ireland. The name seems to have originated from the Irish word for moustache, and we have to agree that the bridge is more than a little moustache shaped.

Moving on, unlike the rest of my Bears Unlimited companions, I, Patrick, being Irish born and bred was brought up as a good Catholic bear. And so, when I saw a sign to a holy well in the corner of a layby, I felt drawn to investigate, taking the others with me. 

We walked through wood for several minutes, and we were beginning to think we would never find it,when we came across a slate indicating the entrance.

  

We went through a rickety iron gate, and then ... we were very disappointed. There was a sludgy puddle, a bare light bulb and a few rather tacky offerings and some ornamental dolls which rather gave me the creeps. It was a bit of an experience and it did serve to make me realise that I'm not missing too much of my past.

We didn't linger as we were eager to go and pick up our minder.

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx

How Green is Derreen

Shortly after our trip to Bere island, one of our minders had to return to England for 24 hours for a pre arranged appointment. We therefore decided we would make a really great effort to give our remaining minder a good time.

There was one attraction right on our doorstep that we had ignored so far, and decided that now was the time to put that right. And so, we all went off to the Derreen gardens, on the edge of Lauragh, for a good look round.

The gardens gave us ninety acres of woodland glade to explore. The setting was a sheltered inlet amidst the splendid setting of wild and majestic mountains, and you can see just how stunning the location was, from our next picture.

The view from the gardens was quite different  to the reverse view of the gardens looking inland from the shore. The overall impression was that of a subtropical jungle of luxuriant vegetation. You would hardly have known you were in Ireland - would you have guessed from the following shot showing some of the spectacular tree ferns? ...



There wasn't much flowering when we were there, but there was plenty of plant variety to keep us interested. We followed paths meandering through groves of bamboo, towering eucalyptus, rhodedendrons and a variety of conifers, as well as the tree ferns, until they would emerge at a grassy lawn, a shoreside boathouse, a seat with a view or some other interesting feature.

In one rather jungly area we met another otter. Remember us telling you recently about the one we'd spied swimming from the cottage? This one didn't look as if he was about to go swimming, in fact he didn't look as if he'd been anywhere for a while ...

... then, as we got close for our photo, we realised it wasn't an otter at all, just an otter shaped piece of moss covered wood.

What a striking resemblance though! What do you think?

Lots of love, Patrick and furry friends xxx

We Feel at Home

There isn't actually a lot to do on Bere/Bear Island unless you like walking or cycling, which fortunately we do. This is actually a good thing, as it keeps the island quiet and unspoilt, just as we like it.

As you can see from our next picture, it was only a short hop from the ferry port to pick up both the Beara Way walking route and the Beara Way cycling route.

The walking route certaintly goes to town on this, its namesake island. There are 2 loops at either end of the island and we did the whole of the longer one at the east of the island. A very fine walk it was too.

Because the ferry has a long elevenses break, the crossing we took was a lunchtime one (it wouldn't have been a proper holiday if we'd had to get up early to catch an earlier crossing. This meant that we hadn't walked very far before we all started to think 'what's in my lunchbox?'

We found a lovely sunny spot, with a great view over the sea to the mainland, to check out what was in our lunchboxes. Personally I was a lot more excited about the sandwiches I found in my lunchbox than about the 2 small bears who had taken up residence inside. 

After lunch we made great progress on our island promenade and visited the lighthouse and climbed the first of several hills. We were always in sight of one of these Beara Way route markers so we could relax and enjoy the scenery without having to keep a nose stuck in a map. In case you're wondering, the minder's hand getting ready to catch me, was not due to me being unsteady because of lunchtime Guinness drinking, but because there was a brisk breeze blowing.

After some wild and hilly walking the path took us back to the harbour along a quiet country road. If you look back to our first picture, you'll see that the emblem of the Beara Peninsula (more than just Bere Island) is a fushia. it was the perfect choice, as everywhere we went, the hedgerows were full of fuschias and honeysuckle. Here I am admiring a typical roadside hedge of fushia, that would go on for what seemed like miles. It was rather lovely and gave us the impression of being somewhere very temperate, tropical even.

We had planned our walk round Bear(a) Island perfectly, so we had enough time for a glass of Murphy's before re-embarking on the ferry returning to Sli na Mara for a relaxing evening.

Lots of love Patrick and B.U. friends xxx

This Time it's for Real

It seems ages ago that we were telling you about looking across to Bear Island and anticipating our visit. I did say at the time that I was whetting the appetite of my friends with the view, and they would have to wait a while for the visit to take place.

However, I couldn't keep them waiting for ever, and I wouldn't be that cruel anyway. And so, as our first weekend in Ireland came round, it was back to Castletownbeare, not just to watch the ferry, but actually to get on it, as foot passengers of course - the bearmobile had the day off on the quayside.

Gilbert feels the cold a bit - and boat trips are usually rather windy affairs - so he used a minder's rucksack as a sleeping bag and reserved us some seats in the cabin, while the rest of us took a short stroll round the deck (it wasn't very big) before seeking a vantage point on the life ring. Don't get me wrong, this didn't indicate that we were worried about the crossing, just that it was dry place to sit. In any event, with a boat name of Sancta Maria, what harm could come to us?

As the car deck filled with the two cars we were taking (there was possibly room for 4) we were amused to notice shop assistants from the nearby supermarket coming on board with bags of shopping, which they deposited on the car deck, as you see below. We found this a quite novel alternative to the more usual Tescos home delivery.

We spent longer waiting to set sail, than we did sailing. In just a matter of minutes we were putting into the harbour at Beara island. Perhaps the interesting fact that, during WW1, the passage of water we were crossing was so full of anchored battleships, that it is said it was possible to cross from mainland to island on boat decks without getting your feet wet, indicates to you that the distance wasn't that far.

We look forward to showing you the delights of the island next time.

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx

Snail on the Trail

It was a very educational walk that we were on. At the start we had learnt all about the use of heather as a very weatherproof roofing material, on top of that reconstructed farm worker's cottage from the last century. Now we got to appreciate what a fine bedding material it makes.

Traditionally rocks are good places to rest, as they get you off the damp ground and give you an elevated view. However, they are normally a bit hard. Not so when they have a really thick hat of heather on the top, such as this one.

As we climbed on top for a rest, the heather was so thick and springy that we sank right into it, which is why you'll have to look hard to see us in our next picture.

The heather bed was so warm and comfortable that it was hard to stay awake. An afternoon nap beckoned, or it would have done, if 2 minders hadn't threatened to leave without us.

We didn't regret being summoned to complete the yellow trail though, as it had a delightful finish, with the path running bedside a stream with water gardens alongside. Someone had put a lot of work into cultivating the gardens and they were every bit as good a place to rest by as that heather bed.

Not that we wanted to rest now, as there were too many interesting finds, just like this one.

What a marvellous snail he was, and he fitted into his surroundings so well. He seemed very contented, but then he was living in a rather delightful spot.

There was one thing guaranteed to draw us away from the riverside walk and that was the promise of a cream tea at the tea rooms. Do you need to ask whether it was a good cream tea? Well just look at Rosa for the answer ...

... it was so good it completely blew her away.

We thoroughly recommend a visit to Gleninchaquin Park if you're ever in the area.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Rosa xxx

We Choose Yellow

Sorry for the recent blog silence, but we've all been off having a wonderful time at the Greenbelt arts festival. We've reported from Greenbelt several times, so many of you will know how special Greenbelt is to us.

But back to Ireland, and more specifically the beautiful Gleninchaquin Park. As we said last time, there are a number of waymarked trails to choose from, and we chose the yellow one, a fairly high level 4 hour route.

But first we had to get to the start, and this involved a heart pumping climb which we thought would never end.

We did get a chance to recover our breath when we reached this lovely lake, which provided not only something beatiful to look at, but also a nice, big, flat rock to rest on.

It was only a temporary rest though, as our path continued to climb, until we got almost to the height of the hill tops you see at the back of the photo.

At this point we reached the official start of the yellow walk; up til now we'd been following markers for the shorter red route, which, at the point it met the yellow route, was about to descend. Despite the hard climb, we were by no means ready to go back yet, so it was full steam ahead on the yellow route.

As you can see from the sign, at this point we were already 1 hour into our walk, with just 3 hours left to go.

You will also see, from this photo, and our next one, that we had all this lovely scenery almost all to ourselves. There were only 2 other people on the route while we were there.

We were quite reliant on the yellow paint blob markers on the rocks, as there wasn't really a path on the ground. However, as there was always a yellow blob in sight we weren't in any real danger of getting lost.

Our way undulated a fair bit, but the hard climbing was over. We stopped for lunch at a spot which gave us a great view over the terrain we had just walked ...

... at the back of the photo you can see the lake we'd rested at before walking all along the ridge to the left of the picture.

The chaps were very pleased with me for showing them that there are some good walking opportunities in Ireland if you know where to look. And it wasn't over yet; we were only half way round.

Back soon,

Lots of love Patrick & friends xxx

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

A Corker of a Cork Stone Circle

I needn't have worried. Our first full day at Sli Na Mara dawned bright and sunny and everyone was eager to get exploring. As we'd spent so long in the Bearmobile the previous 2 days, we decided to explore under our own steam and give the Bearmobile a well earned rest.

We had taken our bicycles with us, and I planned a route that would allow us to cycle from the cottage and explore the coast to the west of us, using quiet roads and the route of the Beara cycle way (I should have said that we were of course staying on the Beara Peninsula - could there be a more apt place for a bear to stay?) 

Our first stop was just a few minutes ride down the road and was the Ardgroom stone circle. There are a lot of stone circles in this part of Ireland, and this was one well worth showing off.

There were 2 particularly tall stones marking the entrance to the circle and, George & Yorkie being avid climbers, couldn't resist the challenge of racing to the top. Gilbert was happy to have a bit of minder assistance. We had some great views of the Kenmare Bay from the top.

I had a slightly worrying moment when I realised the guys, and Rosa, expected me to be an authority on stone circles and deliver a lecture. I was just wondering if I could bluff my way through, when I spotted a welcome sight: an information board. We all went over to find out all there was to know about the Ardgroom stone circle. The raised metal text had a satisying feel under my paw. I think I could learn to read Braille quite easily.

The circle was reached by a footpath which wasn't cycleable. On our way back to the bikes we found a beautiful irish cow guarding the stile. Can you see us on the top of the stile? We like Irish stiles as they are very substantial and easy to spot in their green and yellow livery. They do take a bit of climbing though so are good for keeping fit.

Next stop after the stone circle was the sea and the surprisingly undulating path beside it.

Keep a look out for the next instalment coming soon.

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx

We Find Paradise

Actually reaching our cottage, once we were nearly there and had turned off the main road, was quite an adventure. We had to take a 2km narrow track which went steeply up, and then steeply down, and it even involved crossing a causeway, with rocky beach on either side.


Eventually we saw a lovely house ahead and wondered if it would be 'Sli Na Mara' our accommodation for the fortnight. We hoped so. As we reached it and slowed, a friendly looking couple came out and asked our minders if they were who they are. We realised then that we had hit the jackpot and this idyllic spot was to be home for the next 2 weeks.

Our hosts Peddear and Kitty helped us settle in quickly and gave us a really warm welcome. In no time at all we were sitting outside in the sun taking in the beautiful surrounds.


This was the view from the bench just outside our garden. As you can see we were just a stone's throw from the sea and had a path from the garden leading straight down to the beach. As were were on a peninsula, within a bigger peninsula, the open sea was someway away, but this coastal inlet was peaceful and beautiful. What you can't see in our picture was the huge mountains, rising just a few hundred metres from the far side of this inlet.

Our next photo, looking at our accommodation from the 'main' road (which was pretty quiet by English standards) shows how idyllic our setting was.


We couldn't have asked for a finer setting and for as charming hosts (they lived at the other end of the property). We also had lots of fine canine and feline company as Peddear and Kitty provided a home to 5 dogs, 11 cats and, while we were there, were looking after 3 border collie pups who were sooooooo..... cute.

It was so delightful that I knew it was going to be tempting to stay put and not venture too far afield. I would have to think of some great outings to compete - the challenge was on!

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx

We're On Our Way

Hi readers, and top of the evening to you, from myself Patrick. I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long, but us Irish, like to take our time over things, and I always feel that a post is best composed over a leisurely pint of Guinness.

I think I organised a good holiday for the chaps and Rosa, and they certainly seem to have enjoyed themselves. I'm confident that when the new chapter for the Friendly Planet Guide is published, it will say nice things about my homeland.

I think I'll start from the time of us setting paw in Ireland.


This was us watching our ferry docking at Rosslare at 6.30 a.m. - we were intrigued by the man reversing it into our birth from the outdoor control panel you can just see at the side of the boat. As it was mid June, you can see it was sunny with blue skies, even at that ungodly hour.

As we'd had a cabin, we'd managed to get a good 3 hours sleep on this short crossing from Fishguard, so we were all raring to go, even if it did take us an hour to get off, after the main doors failed to open. We had quite a long journey over to the Cork/Kerry border ahead of us, but I'd planned an interesting route with lots of stops, including the first important one, for breakfast.

Later I took the chaps to Gougane Barra which is a simply heavenly spot and one of my favourite places in Ireland. Normally it's a very peaceful spot, but on this occasion ... no sooner had we arrived, than a Porsche drivers' rally turned up.


They quickly parked by the lake in a long line and turned off their engines. We all enjoyed inspecting these fine cars until Rosa called us to lunch.


We sat right at the water's edge and, after eating, cooled our paws in the water and did a spot of sunbathing. It was the perfect antidote to long hours in the bearmobile.

Felling refreshed, we did a bit of exploring. We walked in the forest park, then went to look at the delightful church which was built at the end of the 1800s on an island near the site of a former monastery.


Round the back, we found these interesting structures which we thought must be hermit cells dating back to the time of the former monastery. There was a very peaceful atmosphere and there can be few more scenic spots to meditate.

But we didn't linger, as I knew we were only about 90 minutes drive from our final destination, and we were all very keen to see it.

Lots of love Patrick and my travelling posse xxx

Where Next?

Well what can we say, what a true gent Eddie is to round off his tales of the Broads so promptly, so we can get on with telling you all about our latest adventure and the new chapter for the Friendly Planet Guide.

While Yorkie and I were there, as you were expect, the travelling party was rather larger than is usual for an overseas adventure.


This picture from the grounds of our holiday cottage, shows that we were joined by Ungi, Patrick, Gilbert and Rosa. In fact we will be taking a bit of a back seat once we have introduced this adventure and looking to Patrick to lead for us, for reasons which will soon become obvious.

The reason so many of us could partake in this adventure was because, we travelled by bearmobile and ferry, not by plane, so there were few luggage restrictions.

Clearly we haven't travelled too far, but where have we been? Does the following picture help?


If the Guinness doesn't give it away, the bright pub colours should. Yes, we've been consorting with leprechauns and enjoying a true Irish failte.

And the reason Patrick will be taking a prominent reporting role is that he is of course Irish, which many of you will know, even if the shamrock on his right paw is being rather obscured by Yorkie.

Patrick was the best and most genial guide you could wish for, so we hope you enjoy the posts which he will be putting together for you.

Back soon,

Lots of love, George, Yorkie and the Irish travellers

Back to Blighty with a Piece of Ireland

With that last post, our wonderful Irish holiday came to an end. We hope you've enjoyed sharing our adventures, as much as we've enjoyed the reminiscing. The Northern Ireland chapter of the Friendly Planet Guide will certainly be packed with lots of ideas of places to visit and loads of local information.

But, as you know, we brought a little bit of Ireland back with us, in the form of the very lovable and charming Patrick. Following the Bears Unlimited tradition he was welcomed into our ranks, in the presence of the company flag, by the previous newest member of B.U., on this occasion, Gilbert.


As we've been blogging about Ireland for so long, this photograph is now quite old. Please rest assured that as a mark of his permanent position with us, Patrick has now had his Emerald Buddy manufacturers tag removed. As he is rightly, very proud of his Irish heritage, he has kept the tag safely as his Irish passport.

Patrick has settled in very well and says he is very happy living in Norfolk, although he does hope to return to Ireland for visits and holidays whenever he can.


Gardening bear Tommy, did his bit to make Patrick feel welcome by showing him round the garden to see all the spring flowers which were flourishing as a result of his green paws.


Lots of love, all at Bears Unlimited xxx