trip to Ireland

[Stephenb]

We were only going to stay in Ireland for four days but we had to extend it by a couple of more days, so much to see and as for the Irish people they are so friendly, we couldn't believe how helpful people were, when we got lost this man drove up beside us and asked if he could help, we ended up following him and he took us right to place we had been trying to find, what a gentleman.

That reminded me of a family story that often gets repeated when the friendliness of the Irish comes up. My girl friend and I went cycling on the west of Ireland (late 70s). On the way from Scotland to Dublin we took the train in to one station in Belfast and had to cycle across the city to the other station (NB! strong army presence on the way). My girl friend was actually from Belfast but her family had moved to Scotland and she knew her way across the city. At the first traffic lights we stopped, a van pulled up alongside us, asked where we were going and said follow me. At the next traffic lights we stopped behind the van and another vehicle pulls up beside us and the same thing happens and before we had a chance to explain that a) we knew the way, and b) we were already being shown the way, we were following two vehicles across Belfast.....

I also remember that pedestrians would always greet you with a smile and a hello when cycling past...

I still remember some of the plants too: Carlina on the Cliffs of Moher and Strawberry Trees outside of Killarney...

[angie]

Hi Stephen

Aren't they great people. The plants and scenery were amazing but the Irish people made my holiday, so so friendly.

Angie

[angie]

Here are a few pictures from my trip
Garnish Island, South West Ireland.
Approaching the island
Some inside the garden
close up of spike...  l liked this plant but it had no name.
Two tired doggies this one for Maggi

[Stephenb]

Puya chilensis or something similar..

[Maggi Young]

I agree with Stephen...that's what  your "Spike" is......
 see about it here : http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/HighResPages/EH0416.htm

 cute dogs!  And the whole garden, buildings, setting of Garnish is fabulous!

[angie]

June Blake's Garden, Co Wicklow
I have never seen so much colour and I really liked the Dahlias.
Me waiting for husband to hurry up
Picture of the upside down tree.
Border before you enter garden, amazing colour
This is the Dahlia that I liked
Some of Junes plants
The last picture is taken at her brothers garden, Hunting Brook Garden... I just loved this.

[angie]

Yes that looks like it...I wonder if I could grow it

Angie 

[Maggi Young]

It wouldn't do outside here, Angela... only takes about minus 5 degrees C of frost, I think.

[Lvandelft]

Angie you must have had a very interesting trip to Ireland. Thanks for showing these pictures.
These towering Lilies in combination with other interesting plants. 
These are planting combinations I really love.
I hope you will show us more?

[Gail]

Wonderful pictures Angie.  I think I need to go to Ireland!

[angie]

Maggi

It wouldn't do outside here, Angela... only takes about minus 5 degrees C of frost, I think.

Maggi I need to go and stay with Lesley, then I could grow all these plants that I like.


Gail there is so much to see.

Angie

[Lesley Cox]

Angie, you'd be very welcome whenever you're ready but honestly, for the Puya, you'd be better to go to Australia. When I saw it there, it was covered with honey-eater birds of various sizes and colours, a magnificent sight. Of course that was the day I forgot to take my camera, wasn't it.

[Ragged Robin]

Angie, your trip to ireland looks quite wonderful with the feeling of autumn colours spilling out of those magnificent borders and tinging the trees in the landscape - a really fantastic impression, thanks so much    I think the dogs look as if they are tired out from hunting together (and they forgot their wellies  )

[angie]

Angie, you'd be very welcome whenever you're ready but honestly, for the Puya, you'd be better to go to Australia. When I saw it there, it was covered with honey-eater birds of various sizes and colours, a magnificent sight. Of course that was the day I forgot to take my camera, wasn't it.

Lesley that must have been a wonderful sight. Maybe one day I might get to visit .

Robin I thought the two dogs were so cute, I don't know how they got so messy as the ground was dry but I suppose like kids they probally found the only puddle to step in and make a mess.

Angie

[fermi de Sousa]

Just caught up with this thread and your travels, Angie,
it's inspired me for our trip to the UK next year as Mark has already been encouraging us to visit! I don't know if we'll convince Otto onto a ferry but Cynthia, Will and I are likely to follow in your footsteps!
cheers
fermi