Wow another Xmas in the old world; looking over the somewhat neglected blog, a year ago we were in Cornwall. This year Ireland! Despite the credit crunch and all dire predictions of the world ending (London City is still there) the last few months of work have been insanely busy. I have delivered one project for a large bank, developed a commercial version of my iPhone application (TubeDeluxe) and Sharne has moved to a new account.
It has been splendid to get out of London, generally people in our circle of amigo’s leave London for Xmas and for good reason. I think unless you have everyone over it’s an awful place to spend christmas in. The whole tube system is closed and it’s…well, London, we spend enough time here.
So, a short DLR ride to London City Airport, Air France to Dublin, hire car, drive to Cork for two nights. Cork city is bustling and being based on an island in the middle of the River Lee it has an interesting layout; complete with one way systems like Wellington. Recommend: The Ovens for a Guinness and sit by the peat (strange stuff, burns like coal, yet seems like it would go up like compacted newspaper) fire. Market Lane for dinner, The Pavilion for funky drink or coffee and Escape for a haircut. There is good shopping too. I like Cork more than Dublin, it has a bit more character and besides Dublin is unbelievably crowded.
Blarney Castle is a mere 8km out of Cork. Yep it’s gotta be done, kissing the Blarney Stone. A pilgrimage made by many a famous person, Winston Churchill being one and a tradition known by many; however what all fail to mention is the shear height and position this bloody stone is located at! Winding up an ever narrowing series (claustrophobic need not apply) of ancient spiral stair cases with rope holds, about 30m up and on the outer turret wall with a half meter gap in between sits the Blarney Stone. 
Admittedly there are now two bars and holder to stop any fatalities, in the past you were to be held by your ankles, but it’s still a surreal experience. The holders said some need counseling but nearly all will perform once there, kids being the least fearful.
Driving across from Cork, we spent Xmas in the small village of Glenbeigh on the south west coast of Ireland. We had Irish Stew at the Glenbeigh Hotel once we arrived mid afternoon, awesome, Sharne still has fond memories and we were both too full for dinner.
We then moved north west to Galway, about a 4 hour drive. We were staying a few km out of the city in an area I soon released must be the Chelsea of Galway as a new Audi R8 pulled up at the lights (no change from £100k). Galway is a great little city, perhaps not as good shopping as Cork, but more in character. You get a real feeling for the old walled city that used to be there, shame more of it does not remain. Went to the golf driving range in the freezing cold and lost most feeling in my fingers.
New Years! Bring it. Moved in land to Lough Rynn Castle; wow, there are a lot of old estates, castles and manors you can stay in throughout Ireland. The drive was stunning, tight winding B’ roads dropping into splendid turns, challenging chicanes and flowing straights. Oh yeah there were castles, bright green fields, lakes and other stuff on the way too.
The food was amazing, probably the best I have had in the Northern Hemisphere. New Years consisted of a 9 course degustation menu of which we only manage to get to course 7 of before admitting defeat. The next night I only wanted a small main and Sharne was happy with an entrée; a few minutes after ordering, two plates of quick pan fried halibut (fish) with a light cream and pesto sauce are put on our table – “Complements of the chef”. And this was no give em something free out of the fridge deal it was prep’d, plates heated, cooked and sauce made offering. I sent the chef a message back by cleaning my plate with bread before it was taken.
The surrounding grounds of the castle are still being developed, including an 18 hole golf course. But all the picturesque essentials are in…lake view over manicured lawns, walled garden and walking tracks.
The pretty much concluded the break, after final Guinness at Dublin airport, which btw tastes completely different in Ireland (no oil change) it was fair to say we did the place justice.
Sharne & I decided to get remarried in Las Vegas to celebrate 10 years of Wedded bliss.
We got into Paris late Friday night, malc booked a boutique hotel in the latin quarter, 2 stops from Notre Dame. When we were settled in reception called and bought us up a bottle of champagne.
