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Friday 8 February 2013

...a spin around Wicklow


This is why I have no cards for you this week! Last weekend DH spirited us away to Dublin for the weekend. We stayed in a lovely hotel just outside the city, but we chose to explore Wicklow while we were there instead of the city and this is some of what we found. It's been over 20 years since I was last in Wicklow and I really should make more of an effort to get down there a bit more frequently - since the new road links have opened up it's less than two hours away and as my wee mum would have said "It's better than a tonic for you."

Along the roadside there were still some jewels of winter to provide a glimpse of the sparkly beauty that must have encrusted the place the weekend before when the snow was here. There were pockets of frozen stalactites and stalagmites all along the road where the frost had cloaked each blade of grass individually.


A close up of the 'stalagmites' from above, you can just see the individual blades of grass in the centre of each one, the kids were fascinated - I was fascinated! They do say that little amuses the innocent....


Saturday was a beautiful crisp day in the wicklow hills on the way down to Glendalough.


Glendalough is one of Ireland's most beautiful places and you can find out more about it on this site, we took a good few snaps - and I really wished I had a better camera operator...





Leaving Glendalough behind we drove on towards sally Gap, and came upon this lovely valley.


Wicklow is gorgeous, totally worth the extra laundry....

Hope you enjoyed the mini tour, meantime I am scratching my head over the cranberry color challenge, me and cranberry can't seem to get along....

19 comments:

  1. Gorgeous - so glad you enjoyed your visit - lovely photos!

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  2. Absolutely fabulous photos! When we get back to the UK, we really must visit Ireland. I love the photo of the ice encrusted grass!

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  3. Just one more reason I want to visit Ireland. It's like a little piece of paradise! Beautiful photography Claire!

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  4. I agree. Team meeting at the Brennan residence!!

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  5. If I ever leave the states it would be to visit Ireland. In the meantime, I so appreciate these virtual tours.

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  6. Gorgeous pics Claire, look at that beautiful blue sky.

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  7. STUNNING!! Thanks for sharing these, Claire. Looks like a wonderful trip. Totally love the shot of the grass in the ice...awesome.

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  8. Ohhh so pretty! I want to go there!

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  9. I love it when you show pictures of your lovely country. I plan to work on the color challenge today or tomorrow. It's been a crazy week so I deserve some me time.

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  10. GORGEOUS photos...thank you for sharing them! I remember the first time I saw a blade of grass encased in ice...I threw it in the freezer and kept it there for months to "show it off"...LOL...it IS beautiful.

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  11. Gorgeous photo's and great that you had a good time.

    My first trip over my in-laws took us to Glendalough and I couldn't believe the beauty of the area.

    Every time we go over I get to see a new part of the country. Last time it was up to Belfast and it was so gorgeous. I can hardly wait till the next trip.

    Cathy

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  12. Gorgeous!! My MIL...last name "Patterson" made the trip several times!! One of these days!!

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  13. Beautiful photos Claire - you've always got me wishing for a visit to Ireland - so much history and beauty!

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  14. So glad you all got to get away and see something different for a few days. your Mum was right a new view is a good tonic!! And those ice covered grass blades ARE amazing!!! thanks for sharing the pics with us! Those ancient stone works in the cemetery are wonderful too! Hugs to you and the wee ones!! Helen

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  15. Oh does this bring back wonderful memories. This was our introduction to Ireland (after the airport!)and we were so hung over from 30 hours of flying from Australia and then waiting at Heathrow to fly to Ireland! Then we saw this! And our spirits were instantly renewed! I think I even have similar photo's! Thank you for reviving those memories. We loved our time in Ireland and I would go back in an instant!

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  16. I always bring the relatives to this spot, just as my hubby brought me way back when!! Beautiful!!
    Robin

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  17. These pictures are gorgeous Claire! Looks like a beautiful get a way. TFS.

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  18. Beautiful shots! Thnx 4 sharing-Terry Y

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!