Wheels Roll Again

We had enjoyed our cycle so much, that the next day we all decided that we'd like to do more. Again we cycled from our cottage, but this time in the opposite direction. We were pleased to find it was rather flatter, but no less interesting.

As we turned inland we found a lovely quiet road leading to a beautiful lake. At the far end we found the stream which runs into it and it was a lovely spot for a paddle and a spot of rest and relaxation.  The water was crystal clear and not as cold as you might think, considering it had come down from the mountains.

As we came into the village of Lauragh we found a wonderful 'feature' outside the local bar. It looked like a petrol pump, but it purported to dispense Murphys rather than fuel. It seemed too good to be true, so we went for a closer inspection. Can you see us?

Unfortunately the nozzle at the end of the hose was locked down so sadly there were no free samples. We weren't too upset though as we do prefer Guinness to Murphy's. And, before long, we weren't upset at all, when we returned to a quiet coast road and found a perfectly located bar at the Kilmakilloge Harbour. We passed it twice, the first time we pedalled past without stopping, but on the return journey ... well, it would have been impolite not to stop would it not?

As you can see it was a Guinness with a view and it didn't stay in the glass long, but there again, cycling is hard and thirsty work.

Lots of love, Patrick and the Guinness drinkers xxx

Happy St Patrick's Day

Top of the evening to all my friends and a very happy St. Patrick's Day to you. Today is a big day for all Irish folk, but especially for those who, like me, are named after the great Saint.

When I asked the guys yesterday if they celebrated St Patrick's day, they said not usually, but my arrival among them had changed everything and, as they now appreciate how many good things come out of Ireland (including me), they agreed they we had good reason to celebrate and have a party.


And so we are now relaxing by the fire and enjoying some good craic aided by a few glasses of Guinness and some party food. It's making me a bit nostalgic for my homeland, but I don't regret coming to live in Norfolk one bit, as I'm now at the heart of the Bears Unlimited family and been made to feel very welcome.

I'm enjoying helping George & Yorkie with the posts about our Irish holiday though as it reminds me of the great country that Ireland is. As everyone enjoyed their Irish holiday so much I'm sure I won't have any difficulties persuading them to visit again soon.

Anyway, we do expect to be returning to the tale of our Giant's Causeway adventures for our next post. Apologies to anyone who is being kept in suspense, waiting to see the less well known sights of the Causeway.

Lots of love, Patrick and all my Bears Unlimited friends xxx

The First Pint of Guinness

Soon after we arrived our friends took us out for a drive to get our bearings and suggest things to do and places to visit during our stay.

Wonderful people that they are, they also took us to one of the best places to drink Guinness in the area and bought us a pint.


So here we are, enjoying our first tast of proper Irish Guinness in the Bushmills Inn. What a delicious pint it was and the atmosphere and surrounds of the inn were something special. Anytime any of our readers fancy treating themselves to a special break, this is the place to go. Check out our link and be tempted.

As the sharp eyed among you may have spotted, we were sampling a bit more than the Guinness. While Yorkie liked the taste of the Guinness, he had his usual problem of handling the heavy pint glass. He found a tumbler of Bushmills finest Black Bush whisky much more manageable and very much to his taste. In fact he got so enthusiastic we had to restrain him from diving in (see what we mean in the picture!).

The Bushmills distillery is only just down the road from the Bushmills Inn so is another good reason (if you needed one) to visit this great corner of Northern Ireland.

Needless to say, this might have been our first visit to the Bushmills Inn of the week, but it certainly wasn't the last.

Lots of love, George, Eddie & Yorkie xxx