It's been a long time since I was last at the house in Ireland. Covid lockdowns have effectively shut down all travel between the UK & Ireland. On top of that Brexit has not helped as being outside of the EU will make it more difficult to travel to IReland until vaccinations are completed across the continent. Probably looking at end of 2021 before we can get back to the house.
The garden in Kilkenny is basically a rabbit sanctuary. For Benson that means a lot of running and constant security checks on a regular basis. We also have a lot of wild cats living in the barn so that keeps him busy. He spends most of his time in the house trying to get out to chase the rabbits into their warrens. I always worried about what he would do if he ever caught one. Found out last time that he is actually quite sweet when it comes to meeting one. His bark is definitely worse than his bite [thanks gawd].
There are many locations we go to walk every day. One of my favourite places is Grange Crag a hillside walking spot with around 4 separate loops. The last time we were back they had removed a lot of trees from one of the sections. Initially I was unimpressed with the move but upone reflection I can see why they did it. The views across Tipperary are pretty spectacular.
You can't go anywahere in the Irish countryside without encountering a herd of cattle. It's nice to see a herd rlaxing in the field. The house is actually surrounded on three sides by cow fields. There are always a bunch of lads ...aka cows... hanging about watching your every move. Actually if you're lucky they will rub the electricity pole and take you offline for a day or two [true story].
My fair lady got it right...the rain does stay mainly on the plains. The midlands are generally flat and there's a lot of rain, and by a lot of rain I mean a LOT of rain.... just check out that greenery. As one of my friends said - Irish beef is so cheap to produce as the farmers have an almost unlimited supply of free food in all the grass.... thanks rain!.
Most of my sunrise photo's are captured on the spur of the moment as I am making my way around the field. This one however I had to work for. In Ireland I walk Benson at various locations. One in particular is quite spectacular as there is a viewing platform at the top of the walk with a 360degree uninterrupted view of the surrounding area. To capture this sunrise I had to leave the house in complete darkness [it was October so the temp was pretty low too] and hike up to the viewing tower - luckily Benson has an illuminated jacket otherwise I would have no idea where he was. I captured this one just as the sun was rising - it was amazing watching the changes in light across the land as it made its way up.
You're in for a big surprise. Well not really as most of the countryside in Ireland that has not been dedicated to agriculture is covered in dense woodland, a lot of which has been converted into looped walks for the convenience of the local community. I can go for a two week break with Benson and walk somewhere different every day without having to travel for miles. Oh and we did have a big surprise in this particular woods when we encountered a chap walking two greyhounds without muzzles who were quite eager to rip Benson to shreds.... one to avoid for the next trip me thinks!
Everywhere you look seems to be postcard worthy nowadays. I do wonder if it is a result of the whole instagram generation thing. This is literally someones back garden taken from the edge of the woods.... still worthy of a share though..
Captured this one from Grange Crag looped walk. I had to make it to the top in time for the sunrise [it was bloody cold] but it was worth it in the end as the light you get at that time of day is simply the best..
Whenever I'm back home I have to visit this wonderful place. It's a shame as the office of public works are not really looking after it in the way they should and it is starting to fall apart. But what's still standing is well worth a visit if you have the time.
