Tens of thousands of Brent geese that come here every winter can’t be wrong! Since the days of St. Patrick humans have settled in the lough area to benefit from the produce of its calm waters and the fertile, drumlin … Continue reading Strangford Lough – a blue gym for health and wellbeing
Alison weaves her heart-warming memories of Buster the Beagle into an insightful picture of life on the water and all the colourful episodes that come with it. Continue reading Boating with Buster – a review
Yeats called Sligo “The Land of Heart’s Desire” and its wonders filled his early poetry. As I drove the winding road back to Ballinamore I vowed to return to Sligo, perhaps not for my heart’s desire but at least to relish its natural wonders and breathe deeply of its magical properties, as many have done before me. Continue reading Sligo – so much more than Yeats and the Wild Atlantic.
Whether you travel from near or far, this peaceful place has so much to offer – heritage, natural and built, is in abundance as well as activities including golf, sailing, fishing, water-sports, walking, cycling, boat trips and diving. Galleries and workshops showcase arts and crafts from talented local artisans. Gourmet chefs tempt you with tasty produce from their doorstep – you certainly won’t go hungry. Continue reading PORTAFERRY – a wild taste of nature, ancient heritage and coastal activities.
For the first time in my life, I had to listen to what my body was saying, concentrate on calming my mind and learn a whole raft of new skills to cope with a suddenly less able physique. Continue reading A Homeland Odyssey Beckons.
Not only will this help the people who serve you, but the freshest and tastiest food or most unique and memorable souvenirs will be your own, even bigger, reward. Continue reading Respectful tourism – too much to ask?
I had come here completely ignorant of the country, expecting rugged roads with sparse comforts and danger lurking round every corner. In total contrast, I found warm, welcoming people with a sound sense of humour, great pride in their developing country and so much worth preserving. Continue reading Albania, Days 9 &10 – Kruje, City of Skanderbeg and the Dyvjaka- Karavasta wetland paradise.
a young man beckoned from the door to choose from various pots of preserves for sale. As I enquired if he had local honey, which I had acquired a taste for, he was joined by the matriarch of the house. This woman could sell snow to the eskimos! Continue reading Albania, Days 7 & 8 – Driving The Riviera coast, and up the Llogaro Pass to Berat
My route also included a somewhat decrepit chain ferry. This was recently made infamous by the television programme Top Gear, who hammed up their crossing with rather large cars. Continue reading Albania, Days 5 & 6 – The Blue Eye, ancient Butrint and Ksamil by the sea.
The Drino Valley stretches out below, with mountain ranges beyond as far as the eye can see. I have visited many castles over the years, but this one still had that “wow” factor for me, as I entered beneath its majestic arches. Continue reading Albania – Day 4, Gjirokastra – more than just a UNESCO site.
Hilary Hunter 