Williamsburg Innkeeper Blog

After leaving Wicklow we went to Dungarva, in county Waterford, had lunch at the Moorings then drove to Ardmore.  We stayed the night at the Newtown Farm Bed and Breakfast which is family run by Teresa and Maurice O’Connor. It was fabulous and I would  highly recommend visiting when your in this wonderful sunny south east part of Ireland.  http://www.newtownfarm.com/  Retriving my own fresh eggs for breakfast was a real treat.  Dinner at the Cliff house Grill was surperb, along with a most magnificent sunset.

We checked into the Grand Hotel in Wicklow and were quite pleased.  Wicklow is on the slopes of Ballyguile Hill which overlooks a wide bay.  This old town with narrow streets has been renovated beautifully keeping its old world atmosphere.  It is in this town that I found the best Chai Latte that I have ever had.

Wicklow is a seaport and market for an area of potato growing and livestock raising.  It was interesting to tour  Wicklow’s Historic Gaol , although it was a bit creepy. As you travel back in time, you are entering one of the cruellest, most historically shameful places in Ireland.  It was built around 1902 and the first recorded prisoner was Fr. Owen Mc Fee, a seventy two year old priest, who was convicted of saying Mass in the County contrary to the law.  He was sentenced to transportation to a British colony in America in 1716. The practice of transporting the dregs of society from England and Ireland “beyond the seas” was formalized in 1716 with the Banishment Act.  Those transported at this time were sent to the Americas. When this colony was lost to the British during the War of Independence in 1776 another destination was required. A number of options were listed and tried and eventually the recently discovered New South Wales was selected and colonized by convicts in 1788. The first Irish convicts were transported to this colony in 1791 and prisoners were sent there from Wicklow Gaol from 1796 until the 1850′s.  There were 105 Wicklowmen  transported during this time.  I understand once there they worked as servants for 7 years then were given 100 acres of land, never seeing their families again.

The Southern Coast of Ireland is everything that I would have expected and so much more. The breathtaking views, quaint villages, scenic country roads, narrow winding mountain passes with herds of sheep and goats dotting the landscape are but a few of the wonders of this magical land.

Our trip began in Dublin where we picked up our rental car, which was suppose to be included in our package at no additional charge. Upon arrival at the Dandooley Car Rental Agency at the airport we were informed that we owed an additional 300 Euros for insurance coverage for the week. They also insisted that a 1500 Euro security deposit be placed on our car immediately. While I was negotiating the contract Joe slipped next door to the Budget rental agency where cars were available. We were able to secure a Volkswagan Desiel van for about 300 Euro for the week, all inclusive. So much for a free rental car. Beware.

Our next stop was Naas where we picked up two 1200 GS BMW motorcycles from Celtic Rider. We were thrilled with the customer service and the bikes were awesome. Paul gave us lots of really great information and tips. They also have rental gear so there is no need to lug your helmets, jackets, or pants across the Atlantic as we did. Thus began our driving adventure, following Ron and Joe in our Diesel Volkswagon with right side steering, left hand manual shift, driving on the OTHER side of the road. It was quite the challenge but loads of fun. We did need to pull the mirror in few times on those narrow city roads.

After being up for 39 hours we arrived at our first bed and breakfast in Rathdrum. We checked in, turned in our B&B vouchers and left. It was filthy. For future travel we won’t make reservations in advance because B&B’s are plentiful in Ireland.

Off to Ireland in the morning…and of course we’ll be staying in bed and breakfast’s along the way. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll fill you in on the B&B’s. Should be fun!