Final Summary of Ireland GR1

The end of our stay in Ireland dawned before we knew it. Reflecting on the past 5 months, we firstly have to say 'fairplay' to the Irish - the grey and cold of this island was negated by their friendly, generous and engaging hospitality. It was also an eye opener to learn that many of the literary genius' we have been exposed to like Oscar Wilde, Yeats, Shaw and Swift etc were all Irish - and that's besides all the actors and musicians!! But the highlight after leaving SA just over a year ago, was to see our parents over xmas and new year with Jody and Terase from Sweden also visiting and soothing our yearning for family. We did the touristy thing with them visiting Dublin's O'Connell Street with the famous GPO (site of 1916 Easter uprising) and Trinity College with its great library dating back to 1592. Not only does it house impressive marble busts, Brian Boru's legendary harp (High King of Ireland in the 11th century), but the famous Book of Kells. This lavishly decorated manuscript in Latin of the 4 gospels of the New Testament, was produced around the 9th century in Iona (off the west coast of Scotland) and moved to Kells due to viking raids. Father Tucker graced us with his presence and proved not only a dear friend of our parents, but a knowledgeable guide, highlighting Dublin's colourful Georgian architecture, the happening Temple Bar area and even Molly Malone!

But alas, xmas and New Year with our loved ones was over in a flash and for the next 4 months, earning money was on the agenda, working in GP settings and doing after hour calls at various NEDOC and Caredoc locations.

As winter eventually allowed spring's blossoms to surface, GR1 took the road, exploring the very different western part of Ireland from Sligo with the largest megalithic stone age Necropolis at Carrowmore, to the Archill Island, Connemara, Galway and south via the Burren to the windy cliffs of Moher. Heading back east, medieval Kilkenny proved fascinating after learning about its castle - the stronghold of the Butler family dating back to 1172, when legendary Norman Strongbow erected a wooden tower on the site. Further north a guided tour of 13th century Dublin Castle, the seat of British power was entertaining, but it was more a palace. Bru Na Boinne, an extraordinary Neolithic Necropolis with tombs dating back to 3200BC, especially Newgrange proved well worth the visit.

A highlight of our stay was Disney on Ice - an action packed extravaganza depicting scenes from different Disney tales. With mixed emotions we had to say sad farewells to some wonderful Irish friends - Adriaan and Sarah-Jane, Dave and Vanessa and new SA friends - Denver and Natisha, Sunjay and Trish and Willem and Magda. We've only had positive interactions with many others in Ireland, but you all have our stay pass in a flash and endeared yourselves, etching memories in our hearts forever. A massive thanks the hospitable Denver and Natisha and also big Joe of Motorhome Ireland for his 'gratis' repairs to GR1. Dr Stephen Murphy's kind and pleasant disposition made our stay in Ashbourne a lot more enjoyable.

Invaluable was the help with the website we received from Deirdre of Tendora and Keith of the accessory company, your Garmin Satnav sponsorship has made our journey so much easier.

The 21st of April 2008 saw us back on the road again to meet GR3 in Rosslare - not before fitting a last minute visit to Ireland's Capital on the Liffy River and a fitting final view of 1191 St. Patricks Cathedral. Great to be reunited as the Globeriders again and to sail off to Britains' Pembroke Harbour, but we felt a bit of a void not having GR2 with us.

'Slan Leat' Ireland, and keep the 'craic' flowing and may the Celtic Tiger catch its second wind!