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The Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema is located between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. The parque was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1977. As one of Spain's most spectacular kastic areas, the area is marked by deep gorges, mountains and stunning forests. But it is what lies beneath the surface what makes this area so special. With a vast complex of underground rivers, cavities and galleries, it is here where you find some of Spain's largest cave systems. With all these caves, it is here that you find one of the largest colonies of bats in Europe. We started our trip into the parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema from Zahara de la Sierra following the CA-9104. This road zigzags its way higher and higher into the natural park. Along the road is a stunning viewpoint called "Mirador Puerto de los Acebuches" that provides you with stunning views towards Embaise de Zahara el Gastor.
The area is rich in flora and fauna. From Mediterranean firs to oak forests, the area is rich in flora with almost 1300 species being found in the area. Some are exclusive to the area, like the poppy of Grazalema and some Geraniums. As to the fauna, you can spot mountain goats, otters, marten, badgers,... Griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and eagles soar high in the sky looking for their next prey.
The lively town of Grazalema is located within the park, and the village its steep cobbled streets are immaculate. The whitewashed houses are beautifully decorated with flowers and wrought-iron rejas while the many restaurants and bars have inviting outdoor seating areas. The town is the highest and most mountainous one in the province of Cadiz, but also the rainiest one. On the day when we visited , the weather was stunning.
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I had planned to visit Corsica for a long time, and the decision was made to visit Corsica by bicycle and cross the island from North to South. Having already cycled from Girona (Spain), I arrived early at the port in Marseille. Checking in with Corsica Linea is very easy. You cycle/ or drive towards the ticket booth and hand over your documentation and passport. In return, you receive a few documents for you to use on the ferry. The ticket for the crossing is actually cheap, with a price in the month May around 40euro. This off course doesn't include a vehicle or room. I opted for the crossing, a bicycle (€12), a room with shower/ toilet and window (around €70) and a three-course dinner (€34.9). It is advisable to book your meal in advance as it is cheaper than paying for the meal on the ferry. Also, where there is no need to book a room, we would advise to get a bed so you get a decent rest. If you book a room and a meal, you get tickets for both together with your embarkation voucher at check-in. I decided to skip the terminal and start queuing between the cars. Once we got closer to departure, cars, motorbikes and bicycles were allowed to progress towards the ship. Bicycles and motorbikes were allowed to embark first. A special room is available to store the bikes safely. Leaving the deck behind and heading upwards a few decks, I followed the signs towards my room. A simple keypad provides you with access to your room. The bedroom: Where there are different types of sleeping options ranging from a chair to a deluxe bedroom with double bed, I had opted for the room with bathroom and window. The room had two comfortable beds and a television where the bathroom provides you with a shower and toilet. For your convenience, the room is supplied with bottles of water and some soap/shampoo in the bathroom. At night, the ship tends to be very quiet and a good night rest is provided.
The ferry leaves Marseille around 6pm and arrives the next morning in Bastia around 8pm. Leaving Marseille is just fabulous, and i would highly recommend to head one of the outdoor decks to admire the city and its surrounding coastline. One of the first views you get upon the ship's departure is that of Fort Saint-Jean, Vieux Port de Marseille and Palais Du Pharo. On the other site, you pass Frioul Archipelago, a group of four islands located of Marseille. The entire evening, the ferry keeps following the French coastline passing places like Parc National des calanques and Toulon to eventually start its crossing to Corsica.
The restaurant on the ship is large and can easily cater for a huge number. When you arrive 10 minutes before the restaurant opens, there tend to be a line forming already. I went about 10 minutes after the restaurant opening and got a seat almost immediately. The menu is varied with plenty of starters, main courses and desserts. It needs to be noted that this is not a self-service restaurant , but that you actually gets service at your table. I opted for the meat platter followed by seabass. As desert, i enjoyed a delicious cheese table. On the ship is also a bar where you can also order some small snacks and sandwiches.
After a great meal and some TV, I decided to go to bed early enough. After a quiet night, I arrived refreshed in Bastia where the cyclists were allowed to embark first. The terminal in Bastia is actually right in the city, so you can straightaway admire some of the landmarks in the city.
I knew I had to get to Calvi that day, so the early departure was handy. It meant starting the day with a climb up Col de Teghime (536 meter). All by all, if you are looking for a relaxed start to your holiday, the ferry might just be the way to travel to Corsica. The Forêt d'Aïtone is a stunning piece of nature on Corsica. The forest of a diverse range of pines is located at a height of 800 to 2000 meters and covers an area of 24 square kilometers. A recommended route is to follow the road from Porto to Évisa, a stunning road that gradually climbs higher and higher towards the beautiful village of Évisa. Located at the western part of the forest, Évisa is surrounded by chestnut trees. And these chestnut trees form the basis for the annual chestnut Day which is celebrated every November. The chestnuts of this region have a rich flavour and are distinguished from other chestnuts by the fact that they don't have compartments. And it must be said that chestnuts can be found in many Corsican dishes throughout the year. Where i visited this village during early May, it was nice and quiet. But in the summer season, it can get rather busy in the village as it is located at one of the crossroads of many hiking trails,...
Forêt d'Aïtone is the perfect spot to go hiking. With its many walking routes, you can admire the beauty of the area and more than likely bump in some local wild boars or other animals that roam the forest. Walks: a) Sentier des Chataigniers: This linear rail takes you through the heart of the chestnut grove. Along the route are educational panels explaining the history of the chestnut trees since the Genoese times. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.1km). b) Évisa to Ota: this point-to-point path takes you away from Forêt d'Aïtone, but brings you through the stunning Spelunca Gorges. The path runs along streams. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.4km) c) Mare e Monti / Mare a Mare Nord: Both these long distance path (multi-day hikes) traverse through Évisa and are both stunning routes that bring you along some of Corsica's most stunning scenery.
Another interesting place to visit is the Cascades d'Aïtone, a series of waterfalls where you find the clearest of water, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer. And when we say, refreshing, it is really refreshing with temperatures never really going above 11 degrees Celcius. The stunning Laricio pines provide great shade in the summer, and climbing higher and higher, you will eventually reach Col de Vergio (Bocca di Verghju) located at a height of 1478 meters making it Corsica's highest paved pass. A good way to reach the col is to cycle from Porto, a 34.5km constant climb with the most stunning views. I done this route in early May, a time when temperatures are not to high and the tourist season is only commencing making the roads much quiet. Still , this route is popular with bikers who tend to travel around Corsica in groups. The climb is never to steep (maximum gradient 6%) making it an easy enough climb, still come prepared with some food and plenty of water.
The stunning Forêt d'Aïtone should be on everyone's bucket list. It doesn't matter if you want to hike, cycle or drive, the area is worthwhile discovering.
The wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula needs to be seen to be believed. From the stunning coastal road, you're faced with history and stunning beauty. The Atlantic waves pounding and shaping the coastline, the stunning beaches inviting to be discovered and the towns and villages providing you with friendly locals. Driving around the peninsula, take your time to discover the hospitality and scenery the area is famous for. Inch Island: Inch Island juts out into Dingle bay. It is here that you find the stunning blue flag Inch beach backed by a wind swept dune system. The beach is popular with adventure sport fanatics and water lovers in general. Close to the beach is a car park with public toilets and a cafe, accommodation and tourist shop are nearby. Annascaul village nearby inch island is where the young Tom Craen dreamed of far fledged adventures. Eventually, he would serve on three Antarctic expeditions with Shackleton and Scott. When he retired, he ran a pub, but barely ever spoke about his adventures to Antarctica.
Slea Head: The Slea Head Drive is a must when you are visiting the Dingle peninsula. This spectacular route weaves and twists around the coast. Along the route, there are plenty of tourist attractions to keep you occupied. Dun Beag Fort: The fort is dramatically set on a sheer cliff overlooking Dingle Bay. This promontory fort dates to 580BC and is one of the few remaining in Ireland. Excavations within the fort have shown that the fort was primarily occupied between the 8th and 11th Centuries AD, when it was defended by a series of ditches and earthen banks. Within those earthen banks was a substantial stone wall with on the inside steps allowing soldiers to defend the fort during an attack. To discover more, visit Visiting Dun Beag Fort
Fahan Beehive huts: A bit past Dun Beag fort, you'll find the Fahan Beehive huts which were once inhabited by monks during medieval times. Coumeenoole beach: With its pristine golden sand and jagged black cliffs, the beach will leave you spellbound. Enjoy the stunning coastal views or embark on a coastal hike. One thing we can definitely advise is to bring your camera. Dumore Head: The stretch of water between Dunmore Head and the Blasket islands is called Blasket sound. Where Blasket Sound provided ships with a shortcut, it came with its risks. The vessels risked unpredictable tides and offshore rocks. In 1588, at least 5 ships of the Spanish Armada negotiated the rocks at the entrance to Blasket Sound to take shelter. The 'Santa Maria de la Rosa' was less fortunate and hit Stromboli rocks and sinking immediately. The islanders used to cross Blasket Sound using lightweight, canoe-like naomhogs made of tared canvas over a wooden frame. Where small, Naomhogs were used by the people of the Blasket islands as fishing vessels as well as a transport vessel. They were very easy to manoeuvre and handle and would allow closer access to the rocky shoreline.
Dunquin Harbour: With its iconic twisty road that leads down to the harbour, it is a much photographed place along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. From this pier, you can catch the ferry to the deserted Blasket island. Back in the day when the Blasket islands were inhabited, the pier was a lifeline for the islanders. They would transport livestock to the mainland to have it sold at the market in Dingle, the teacher would cross to the island to start a new term or tax collectors would make the sometimes treacherous crossing. During storms, the island could be cut-off from the mainland for weeks on end.
The Blasket visitor Centre After its 2.9 million refurbishment, the Blasket Visitor centre is a must visit. Learn about island life, discover more about the wildlife found around the island,.... To discover more, visit The Great Blasket centre . After your visit to the centre, walk out towards the viewing platform and enjoy the stunning scenery. Each year, there is a competition to become caretaker of the Blasket islands. Your role is to manage the coffee shop and 4 holiday cottages on the Great Blasket Island. This involves meeting and greeting overnight guests, serving tea and coffee to day visitors and ensuring the day to day running are being met. The job is for 6 months (1st April to 01st October) and includes accommodation, food and a wage. Days off are determined by the weather. You could have a week of bad weather with no sailings to the island, or you could have a few weeks of stunning weather.
Clogher Head: Clogher Head has some fantastic views. The enchanting circular bay of Clogher Beach with its small but stunning beach is encased by battered cliffs. In the distance, you can see the three sisters, three hills known as Binn Hanrai, Binn Meanach and Binn Diarmada. Sybil Head was selected as a filming location for the Star Wars movie “The Last Jedi”.
Reask monastic Site: This early medieval monastic site was excavated during the 1970s. The monastery, surrounded by an enclosure wall, contains the remains of a church, some round houses, a workshop , graveyards,... There are also stunning inscribed stones. Gallarus Oratory: The Gallarus Oratory is located a bit further passed the Reask monastic site and is believed to be about 1300 years old. The building is one of Ireland's most iconic buildings. The visitor centre provides a great introduction to the old church. The church itself is the perfect specimen of dry rubble masonary. The roof is formed by the gradual rise of the side walls from the base upwards. For more info, visit Gallarus Oratory, County Kerry
Dingle: Dingle is a colourful town that attracts many tourists throughout the season. For many years, Dingle's most famous local was a dolphin called Fungie. Fungie first appeared in the harbour in 1983 and stayed around until 2020. Unfortunately, Fungie hasn't been seen since. You can still admire his statue near the harbour. Dingle is the place to be if you like great food, brilliant live music and art galleries. Where Dingle has a thriving arts community, there are plenty of galleries around the town.
Conor Pass: If you are visiting Dingle peninsula, it is a must to drive over Conor's pass. It's one of Ireland's highest mountain passes and provides the most stunning scenery. But it comes with a warning, the road is twisty and narrow with some locations only room for one car, so keep your eyes on the road , which is difficult when you have magnificent scenery around each bend. Vehicles over 2 tonnes in weight are prohibited from using the Conor pass. There is a fabulous car park and view point at the top, but hold your door tightly when opening it as it can be very windy. Ice shaped the landscape around this area. Where the glacier covered the area, once it melted around 14,000 years ago, it left a new alpine landscape.
Castlegregory beach: Castelgregory beach is the longest beach along the Wild Atlantic Way. A stunning beach and adventure playground brings you the pristine Atlantic and golden sand.
Casares is a beautiful white washed town in Andalusia, more precise in the province of Malaga. The village was built on a rocky outcrop making some of the streets steep (comfortable shoes advised). The area around Casares is known for its biodiversity and its variety of landscapes. In the area, three different natural areas can be found:
Arriving by car? The easiest way to explore the town is by parking your car somewhere along the MA-8300 rather than driving into the town itself. As an example, there is a large car park nearby the Centro De Educacion Infatil Y Primaria Blas Infante when you enter the town from the coast. From here, a lovely wooden path brings you safely along the MA-8300 providing you with stunning views of Casares along the way.
A network of tiny streets While walking through this pretty village, it is easy enough to get lost in the many narrow streets. But that is not necessary a bad thing. Admire the little patios and gateways, enjoy the colourful flowers,.... Calle Coperas In the 18th century, the street was home to the Coperas Street Kitchens. The name comes from the hollows in the walls which would have been used as street kitchens. The locals would prepare cured meats, sausages and animal fat from slaughtering pigs. Historically, it has been a street where mainly vineyard owners lived.
The main plaza Plaza de Espana is the perfect place to stop for a drink or something to eat in one of the many bars /restaurants and watch the world go by. Nearby Fuente de Carlos III, a beautiful 18th century fountain is the gathering place for the locals. Seated on the many benches enjoying the early morning sun, they share stories and tell each other the latest news. Visit the small 17th century Church of San Sebastian as well.
Blas Infante Cultural centre The 16th Century building is housed in the former Major church of the Incarnation which was constructed on the foundations of the Moorish fortress old mosque. From its Islamic past still remains a part of the minaret in the bell tower. Where the church was in ruins, the building was nicely restored and is nowadays used as a meeting point for cultural events, a library,... The sound of church bells is part of the cultural heritage of casares. With different chimes or ringing, mass was called on special days or the town people were informed of deaths, identifying the deceased person was a woman, man or minor. This task was last carried out by Ana Vargas Mateo, known locally as Ana "La Carla". She learned the trade in her childhood when her father was absent for a period of time. After he returned, she started her work as bell-ringer. She received financial compensation from the town hall for hourly chimes and from the church for religious chimes and from relatives when there was a death.
Castle and Arab walls The construction of the castle dates back to the Arab-Moorish period and was the origin of the town of casares. Built on the top of a rocky massif, you will need to climb to the highest point of the town to admire the castle and the stunning views. The castle built was purely defensive and would have provided an early detection for impeding attackers arriving from Camp de Gibraltar, Ronda and Algeciras due to its magnificent views. The jagged defence walls follow the cragged landscape with the main entrance point still visible in Villa Street and Arrabal street.
Inhabitants of the sky From the castle grounds, take the time to look up to the sky and admire the many birds of prey soaring above the town. The Lesser Kestrel, a small colonial raptor that feeds on insects and small reptiles nests in the nearby church tower. The Griffon vulture is another inhabitant you can see high above the town. This vulture uses the hot air to rise slowly only to come soaring down again.
Casares, declared a Village of Historical and Artistic Importance, is absolutely worth a visit.
Púbol is a medieval village located in the province of Girona. The famous artist Salvador Dali lived at the castle from 1982 to 1984. During that period, he was named Marquis of Dali of Púbol. When you arrive early in this beautiful small town, take the time to wander along the beautiful streets and enjoy the quietness. Later, it gets much busier when the busses arrive with the many tourists. La Plaça Major Historically, the Plaça major (main square) was the main meeting place where the women came to the public wash house do the laundry and later on, the stone bench was built for the cobla (the orchestra that accompanies Sardana dancing) for celebrations and festivals. This square is surrounded by houses with beautiful portals, arches and facades.
Púbol castle Púbol Castle was mentioned in documents as early as the 11th Century. Its current basic structure places it in the second half of the 14th Century and the early 15th Century. Salvador Dali redesigned and customised the castle after his arrival in 1969 with just one person in mind, Gala, his wife and muse. When he gifted the castle to Gala, she laid down a unique condition. Dali wasn't allowed to enter the castle unless he was ivited in writing. Nowadays, the castle houses the Gala Dali Castle museum. Caterina Roma ceramics In a magnificent farmhouse of medieval origin located beside the Gala Dali Castle museum , you find Caterina's work on display in the old animal pens that have been transformed in a stunning exhibition hall. To discover more on Caterina's work, visit Caterina Roma - Ceramics
Sant Pere Church
This 14th century church was one of the richest in the region until the Civil War, when its treasures were destroyed, with the exception of the 15th century Gothic altarpiece by Bernat Martorell. This altar piece is now kept at the Girona Diocesan Museum. The area around Púbol is stunning, so wandering beyond the town is worth it. Admire the hills, forests and fertile fields and visit other medieval gems like Monells (discover more about this medieval town Monells, Catalonia ),.... The coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella is seriously developed, but here and there you still have a natural piece of undeveloped land. One of these places is the Dunas de Artola at Cabopino. This natural dune landscape once spanned the Marbella coastline and covered some 20 kilometers. Currently, it's 1200 metres long and the area was declared a Natural monument in 2001. Within this natural area, there are three different types of dunes. Right on the seafront, you have dunes that move with the northwesterly winds and coastal currents. Further inland, you have the stationary dunes that are covered in vegetation and even further inland, you have the dunes that are covered in a dense pine forest.
The area is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or an active hike along the many boardwalks. Within the Dunas de Artola, you find the Los Ladrones tower, a defensive military structure. The tower is the tallest watchtower on the Malaga coastline, therefore providing the best views. The tower linked Marbella and Fuengirola during the Nasrid period. Given it's importance, the Catholic Monarchs established a watchtower there and increase its garrison in 1501 to control the Mudejars.
Practical information:
Car park: public parking is available on the esplanade and beside the dunes Dogs: Not allowed on the beach Trail: Sendero Dunas de Artola is a 2.6-km loop trail The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We arrived early in the morning in Setenil de las Bodegas after a night with continuous thunderstorms. Once we arrived in this unique white village in Andalusia, the sun started to make a welcome appearance. The town, located in the province of Cadiz,is nestled deep within a canyon with many of the houses built within the rocks that overhang the streets. Where the town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, it's during the late Roman and Byzantine occupation the settlement gave structure to the urban layout of Setenil. However, it was during the time of the Nasrids that the Muslims created the settlement we see today. The first advise we will give you is to park your car outside the village and walk around it instead. The further you get into the heart of Setenil de las Bodegas, the narrower the streets become. And by the looks of the many dented cars that drive around the village, even the locals find it though to navigate through these streets. What's special about the houses in Setenil de las Bodegas is that in contrast to other semi-troglodyte dwellings in Andalusia, the inhabitants didn't dig into the rocks, they merely sealed up the naturally-existing recesses. Calle Jaboneria The houses in Calle the Jaboneria are all still inhabited. The caves/overhanging rocks with blackened ceilings were used as shelter as far back as prehistoric times. From this street, there are great views towards La Pena with the remains of the medieval fortress and the Iglesia Mayor.
Calle Cuevas Del Sol Probably the most photographed street in Setenil de la Bodegas. This narrow street located beside the river trejo is typical for the town. The houses are carved into the overhanging rock surface and many are now converted to bars or shops. It's an ideal place to watch the world go by from one of the many tables, most of them receiving sunshine for most of the day.
Calle Herreria This is one of the oldest streets in the town. The houses on either side are adapted to the downward slope of the landscape and many of these houses are carved into the rocks.
An interesting building to visit is the Tourist office. It's located in Antigua Casa Consistorial, a rectangular building that was built in the 16th Century. The building is noteworthy because of its ceiling, a rich coffered ceiling with Mudejar tracery. Climbing higher in the town, you will be rewarded with stunning views across the town. High above the town is Castillo de Setenil de las Bodegas , a ruined castle of which only the keep and the cistern is preserved. The cistern, which is located underneath the castle, consists out of two barrel vaults which are supported by two central pillars and three brick arches. The cistern was used to collect rainwater to supply the fortress. In 1402 John II of Castile tried unsuccessfully to conquer the castle from the Muslims, and from that moment on the town was besieged seven times. The last of the sieges, on September 21, 1484, meant the victory of the Christian troops. The conquest of the town was fundamental for the Crown in its advance towards Granada.
Ermita de san Benito was originally an old mosque, its current configuration is from the late 19th Century and has an altar that houses the image of Padre Jesus Nazarena, the patron saint of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads and one of the most venerated sculptures in the town. Cueva de la Sombra is another must see in the town. It looks like the houses are squashed by the huge overhanging rock above it. The rock together with the house underneath it form a tunnel for cars to drive through.
Setenil de la Bodegas is worth a visit, and we highly recommend arriving early. In general, there aren't many tourists around yet and you can easily mingle with the locals while enjoying a coffee or some churros from Antonia.
The Ulster American Folk Park brings you on a journey back in time. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of Ulster people’s emigration to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about lives left behind, the hardships endured on the journey and the pioneering spirit of building new lives in a new land. Visitor Centre Upon arrival, Check in with the team at the Visitor Centre and find out what’s happening around the Park. Start your adventure and discover the stories of the families and individuals who left Ulster in hopes of a better life. Explore the emigration timeline then head outside. In the visitor centre, you also find a shop and restaurant. At the Ulster American Folk Park, they organize plenty of special weekends. Celebrate St Patrick's Day, visit during Halloween, ..... these special weekends add another dimension to this very interesting park.
Ulster: Walk in the footsteps of bold migrants who set sail for America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about the life they left behind and the hardships they endured on the journey. Wander the well-trodden pathways of rural Ulster, complete with a bustling street and welcoming farmhouses. From the simple single room cabin to the weaver's cottage to the large Campbell's house, discover life as it was in Ulster. Talk to the people dressed in 18th and 19th century attire, taste some of the soda bread baked above one of the open fires or learn more about life in these cottages. A visit to the Mellon homestead is a walk back in time. Thomas Mellon was born in this small farmhouse in 1813, and it still stands on its original site. In 1818, at the age of five, he emigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania. He would grow up to become a lawyer, a judge, and the founder of the Mellon Bank, which remains one of America’s largest. The Mellon Homestead is a living building – there are ducks and hens in the yard and soda bread on the griddle – just as it was in the 19th century
The Journey: Say goodbye to the familiar sights and sounds of Ulster as you walk along the cobble-stoned streets lined with original 19th-Century shopfronts. Step into the stores and admire the shelves at Hill's chemist or the extensive range in Blair's printers. Stock up on provisions from Reilley's pub grocers. Enter the dockside and get your ticket for your voyage from the ticket office. Board the Brig Union, a replica of an emigrant sailing ship that carried many passengers to a different life in the USA. Experience the cramped quarters where hundreds of people lived during their twelve-week Atlantic crossing. Emerge from the crossing and learn how our resourceful ancestors created new lives in a new land. The port of arrival gives you a taste what the first hours on the new continent were like. The street with its many American shopfronts was what greeted the emigrants on their arrival in cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York or Boston. Explore a general store with an original interior, a tinsmith’s exhibition, a wheelwright’s workshop and a replica of the first Mellon Bank.
America: Like all of the buildings you will see from this point, most of the houses were constructed on land taken at some point from Indigenous Peoples. An example of this is the Samuel Fulton Stone house. When Samuel arrived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from Donegal in 1724, the Conestogas, a community of Native people, were still living and trading nearby. Their lands were whittled down by colonists and in 1763 they were massacred by the Paxton Boys, a gang with mostly Ulster emigrant backgrounds, in revenge for unrelated raids on the frontier. Walking through the America's keep an eye on the details. For example, the fields contain plants that would have been grown in America, from corn to tabacco to the many medicinal herbs. Another house you will see along your travels is the Tennessee Rogan Plantation House. Francis Rogan’s prosperity is reflected in this red brick home. However Rogan’s wealth owed to the work of enslaved people who worked his fields growing wheat, tobacco, sweet potatoes and corn,... Records show Rogan was exploiting at least 71 enslaved people in 1860, making him one of the most prolific enslavers in the state of Tennessee at the time
A visit to the Ulster American Folk park is a great day out for both old and young. By stepping back in time, learn about life in Ulster and in America.
With many picnic benches around the park, enjoy a picnic with the family. Make sure to wear suitable footwear, this as many of the paths are gravel ,.... Dating back to the 15th Century, the convent of Santa Clara is a stunning building in the centre of Funchal. With a rich history, the building is worth a visit. The original purpose of the building when it was built in 1489 was to house the daughters of the local nobility. Within the stunning building, you walk a route that brings you from the church to the cloister to the chapels. From there onwards, you head up to the first floor where you will find the exhibition areas followed by the nun's cells from the mid 18th century to the high choir. Resurrection Chapel: The spaces within the chapel are decorated with a varied tapestry of tiles that show a pattern based on Camellias and both the ceiling and doors are decorated with 17th century paintings, carved wood, art paintings and sculpture work. The altar piece is of a Mannerist style framing various works of art such as " The resurrection", "Christ with the disciples",.... All around the convent, you find stunning tiles. During the big refurbishment campaign that took place during the 17th Century, emphasis was placed on almost total tile covering of surfaces and interiors of chapels
Oratory of the blesses Jesus: This reliquary oratory was constructed in 1733. In the form of a cupboard with both the inner doors and back painted. Although well faded over time, you can still make out a walled town with churches (alluding to Jerusalem) and birds.
Nun's cell: Replicating a cell in a typical environment at the end of the 18th Century, the cell shows the private accommodation of the poor Clares nuns. The majority of the nuns were the daughters of wealthy aristocratic families, with access to personal and devotional objects. The nuns made sure to be accompanied by servants and even slaves. An inventory dating back to 1863 indicates that there were 12 dormitories with various cells in each. Throughout the Centuries, money had to be paid in order for the women to enter the convent as novices and eventually to become nuns.
Choir lofts: The choir lofts, which were built opposite the church's main altar, made it possible for the whole convent's community to be able to attend with dignity mass and other religious ceremonies. Iron grids separated both nuns and recluses from the laics. The exhibition: The aim of the exhibition is to tell the story of Santa Clara Convent. All the works of art have been gathered and have been lovingly restored to its former glory.
Lower choir: Probably on of the highlights, the lower choir was a private chapel used exclusively by the nuns. This room contains stunningly carved wooden chairs and the fabulous tiled floor stands out. Within the room are many paintings dating back to the 15th , 16th and 17th century.
Roscommon castle is located on the outskirts of Roscommon town and is surrounded by the stunning 14-acre recreational area called Loughnaneane park and playground. Regarded as one the finest Anglo-Norman castes in Ireland, the now ruined Roscommon Castle played a symbolic and important role through its history. A monastery, a friary and lay settlement existed at Roscommon prior to the construction of the castle. The importance of this centre on a regional and provincial level was the reason Roscommon was chosen for what was to become one of the most important royal castles in Ireland during the late Thirteenth and early Fourteenth Century.
Built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford, the chief officer in Ireland for henry III, the built of the castle wasn't straightforward. Where Aedh O Connor had succeeded his father as king of Connacht was deeply hostile to the Anglo Normans. Where Roscommon castle posed a treat to his power, he repeatedly plundered and burned the castle during the early 1270's. These attacks slowed down the built of the castle significantly. Eventually, it was completed after 8 years of sieges. Roscommon castle consists out of a quadrilateral enclosure with a D-shaped tower at each of its four corners, a twin-towered gatehouse along its east wall and a smaller gatehouse at its western wall. The castle was repeatedly attacked by the local Irish and fell in O'Connor's hands in the mid Fourteenth Century. The O'connors would hold the castle for 200 years until if fell to Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy. in 1577, the crown granted the Castle and 17,000 acres to sir Nicholas Malby, an English soldier and administrator who turned part of the castle into a Renaissance-influenced fortified house. This estate would be on of the largest New English estates in Ireland.
Admission to the castle is free and combined with a picnic and walk in the surrounding parkland is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The park includes a Turlough and a wildlife conservation area which is a habitat to unique flora and fauna. Within the park is a crannog known locally as Hill O'Bones, a bird walk, wildflower meadows,....
The Alhambra is located in the beautiful city of Granada. Overlooked by the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains, both the Generalife and Alhambra are some of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. When visiting Granada, both stunning monuments should be on your "must-do" list. The Alhambra, built in a rocky outcrop, is a walled compound that is fortified by strong towers and well protected from invaders due to its difficult access. The palaces that are located behind these bare walls stand in stark contrast with their intricate architecture and decorations. Visiting the general Alhambra will allow access to the Alcazaba, Nasrid palaces, Generalife, palace of Charles V and the Alhambra museum. Visiting the Alhambra: To avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance. Where there is a ticket office on site, there is a quota of daily visitors. Once it is reached, sale of tickets is suspended until the next day. Advance booking allows you to buy tickets up to three months in advance. Only buy tickets from the official website, first of all they are the cheapest and you are guaranteed to have purchased "real" tickets (Home - Tickets Alhambra Patronato ) Next is to choose the right tickets. The general ticket grants access to all areas open to the public. The gardens ticket, meanwhile, only grants access to the main landscaped areas. There are also two tickets for night-time visits: one for the palaces (available throughout the year) and one for the Generalife Gardens and Palace (available from April to November). The “Alhambra experiences” ticket includes a night-time tour of the Nasrid Palaces, and a daytime tour of the gardens the next day. Once you are inside the complex, plan your visit: The visit will take you at least three hours if you want to see everything. Where you can walk freely around the gardens, be mindful that entrance to the Nasrid Palaces comes with a set visiting time that is allocated when you book your tickets. Once you have that time, make sure to make your slot because there is no-way of changing it. Also, there is a queue to get into the palace, so don't turn up late.  The Alhambra: The alhambra with its reddish walls is located on a strategic point high above the city. The Alhambra dates from the 9th century from where it became extended and populated. But it was only from the 13th century with the arrival of the first king that the royal residence was established in the Alhambra. The old part of the Alcazaba was reinforced and the watch tower and keep were built. Water was diverted from the river Darro through canals and ramparts were built. Follwoing on from this further buildings like deposits and warehouses were built as was the palace.
Alcazaba: The old part of the Alcazaba was reinforced and the watch tower and keep were built. Water was diverted from the river Darro through canals and ramparts were built. Follwoing on from this further buildings like deposits and warehouses were built as was the palace.
Generalife The Generalife was a summer palace and estate of the nasrid rulers. The purpose of the Generalife was to provide a summer residence, but also fulfilled agricultural purposes. Built in the 13th and 14th Centuries, it's located along the slope of the Cerro del Sol, bordering the walls of the Alhambra. The buildings were surrounded by stunning orchards and gardens, providing food supplies to the palaces. The fertile land was created by diverting the course of the Darro, a river that provided fresh irrigation water to the palace. The outer gardens: These gardens exist out of three large terraces with the two lower ones being the gardens that provided the palaces with food in the 14th Century. The highest of the three is a new garden that was added in the 20th Century The Generalife palace: The core of the palace is centered around the courtyard of the water canal. The patio is closed on its northern and southern sides by pavilions. The south pavilion is a two-floor structure where the north pavilion was known to be the main hall. Walking around the palace, you can't but admire the intricate detail in the buildings. The richly-carved stucco decoration with motifs and Arabic inscriptions and the beautiful wooden ceilings are just spectacular. The court of the Sultana's Cypress tree is another stunning patio. The patio's central pond is surrounded by myrtle hedges. At the end of the patio is a large 19th century staircase that brings you to the higher part of the gardens
Nasrid palaces The Nasrid Palaces are the habitual residence of the Kings of Granada and are formed by three palaces: Mexuar: Considered the oldest part of the whole palace, the Mexuat was used for justice related matters and for meetings with the king's ministers. The sultan used to sit on an elevated stand and gave justice. The hall is completely covered by decorative inscriptions which are poems praising god or the emir, texts of the Koran,... At the end of the room, there is a small room which served as a chapel, hence the reason it is oriented differently in order to meet religious requirements.
Comares palace The Comares palace was used to deal with state affairs. It is here that you find the Comares tower, the baths of Comares,... It was the residence of the sultan and his family and inside the Comares Tower was the Hall of the Throne. The centre of the palace is occupied by the court of the Myrtles, a rectangular elongated pond flanked on both sides by myrtles.
The palace of the lions: The palace of the lions is the private area of the royal family. It is composed by a central patio better known as the Patio of the Lions, the most famous place of the palace. It got its name from the twelve water-spewing lions which are part of the fountain in the middle of the patio. The pation is surrounded by a gallery in the style of a Christian cloister. The gallery, supported by 124 marble columns are decorated with stunning inscriptions. The hall of the Abencerrajes and the hall of the two sisters are stunningly decorated. These chambers housed the sultana and her family. Within this room, you find a stunning dome of mocarabes which looks like a stunning flower.
Palacio Carlos V The construction of the palace started in 1527 and was never completed due to lack of funds and uprisings. The project was abandoned in 1637 leaving the structure without a roof resulting in its deterioration until it was finally completed after 1923. This renaissance building has a rectangular exterior, but the inner courtyard is circular.
High above the Embalse de Iznájar lies the beautiful whitewashed town of Iznájar. Overlooking the many olive groves, Iznájar is located in the province of Cordoba. This stunning village is worthwhile a visit with plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for a few hours. 1. Patio de las Comedias In medieval times, Patio de las Comedias was the marketplace or souk. Since 1531, it was converted into what it is today. In those early days, the square was used to perform plays. Nowadays, it is a colourful square where you find many blue flower pots hanging from the walls, filled with stunning geraniums. At the back of the square is a stunning viewpoint from where you can admire the San Rafael tower. Even in November when we visited Iznájar, many of the flowers were in bloom.
2. Torre de san Rafael At the back of Patio de las Comedias, walTorre de San Rafael. The tower is what's left of the old defensive walls that protected the town from impeding attacks. Inside the tower is a cave house which is used as the headquarters of Hermandad de los Apostoles (Apostles Brotherhood) during Holy Week. It is worthwhile walking down the steps as the views from the small balcony are just stunning.
3. Parroquia de Santiago Apostol Beside the castle on the highest part of the town, you can find the majestic church of Santiago Apostol. This 16th century church was beautifully restored church showcasing its imposing stonework. The day we visited Iznájar, it was in the run-up to Dia de los Muertos. Many of the locals were placing flowers on the graves beside the church. Inside the church is an interesting altarpiece dating back to the 18th Century.
4. Rafael Alberti square This beautiful square is located right beside the church and the castle in the old part of the town. Dedicated to the Spanish poet Raafael Alberti, it was opened by the writer himself in 1989. When he visited Iznájar in 1920, he got inspired to write one of his books which included the poem "Torre de Iznájar". The text of this poem can be found on the mosaic at the square. 5. Castillo de Iznájar The Castillo de Iznájar is located on the highest point of the town, a perfect location from a defence perspective. This 8th-Century castle is open to visitors and provides some of the best views on the surrounding countryside. The castle which is perched on a high ridge has steep slopes on its northern flank which act as a natural defence. The other sides of the castle is where the town of iznájar was built. The castle, which is of Arabic origin, gave the name to the town below. The name comes from the word "hisn" which means castle and from "al-ashar" meaning happy. A small fee is required to be paid to enter the castle, but it's worth it even just for the views. Entrance fee: Entrance to the castle costs 2 EUR and includes an audioguide (Languages are Spanish and English). Opening times: Tuesday through Sunday between 10 AM – 2 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the castle reopens from 4 PM – 7 PM.
6. Casa de las Columnas Casa de las Columnas is an 18th Century house that housed the old administration of the count of Albi. This is where the local taxes were collected. The coat of arms on the facade of this house is just stunning.
7. Rincón de Hisn-Ashar This small but peaceful corner can be found in Calle Cordoba . Separated from the street by an arched wall decorated with flower pots, the square has a small fountain and inscriptions on the wall. The views from this terrace are stunning and it is a great spot to take a break.  How to visit:
Iznájar is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Malaga or Granada. There are buses to Iznajar from the likes of Malaga, Loja, Granada and Cordoba with ALSA (http://alsa.es) , but plan ahead and be prepared to take a couple of hours. As an example, the bus from Malaga to Iznájar takes about 3 hours. Where many of the streets in Iznájar are narrow and one-way, we would recommend walking around the town and leaving your car at the bottom of the hill. Once you enter the town, it can be difficult enough to find a parking space, even in the quieter seasons. Car park: There is a car park in Calle el Calvario before you enter the town (don't drive past it as you will need to navigate through the many narrow streets). Another small, but semi-covered car park is in Calle Obispo Rosales Connemara is a stunning part if Ireland. With its mountains, bogland,lakes and stunning beaches, it's one of Ireland's regions we keep visiting year upon year. Within the heart of this stunning region is Within the heart of Connemara is Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, a stunning visitor centre that deals with Padraig Pearse legacy. So who is Padraig Pearse? He was a writer, educator and leader of the 1916 rising who was drawn to the area around Ros Muc, County Galway. In 1909, he built a cottage for himself on the shores of Loch Oiriúlach. The cottage was his summer retreat from 1903 to 1915 where he spent his summers getting inspiration for his poems and short stories. It was because of his love of the Irish language and culture that Pearse first travelled to Rosmuc in 1903 as an Irish-language inspector with Conradh na Gaeilge. As part of the Gaelic revival of that period, the aim was to save the language in areas like Rosmuc, where it was still spoken.
The visitor centre and cottage are located on an elevated site overlooking the stunning Connemara landscape with beautiful views of the Maamturk mountains and the Twelve Bens in the distance. And when you walk from the visitor centre to the cottage, we recommend taking loads of breaks allowing you to admire the stunning scenery. The gorse and heather were in bloom when we visited, and the buzzing bees were active flying from flower to flower collecting nectar. The interactive visitor centre which was built on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, introduces you to the Irish language, the area and Padraig Pearse. With its brown colour, it manages to blend in nicely with the surrounding area. The centre focuses on the importance of the Irish language and its cultural significance, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of its role throughout history.
One of the aims of Conradh na Gaeilge was to bring the Irish language back onto the curriculum for all students. Pearse went a step further opening a bilingual school, St Enda’s, in Dublin. Where he saw the importance of bringing English speaking students to the Irish-spreaking community around Rosmuc so that they could fully immerse themselves in the language and culture, this is something that still happens now 100 years later. Where the cottage is a good size, it couldn't accommodate large groups of students. So in those days, tents were erected around the cottage for the students to sleep in. Following his execution for his part in the 1916 rebellion, the cottage fell into disrepair, mainly due to the fact that it was set on fire by the Black and Tans in 1921. But the locals renovated the cottage as a mark of respect and eventually, the cottage was handed over to the state
The village of Fore is located in a quiet valley in County Westmeath. In the village, you can find the spot where St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the 7th Century AD. The monastic House at Evreux in Normandy provided Fore with its first community. Because of this direct relationship with a French Abbey, Fore was regularly seized by the crown as alien property when England was at war with France. It is believed that up to 300 monks lived in the community.
The priory was built around the central cloister or courtyard. The rectangular church was built around 1200 AD. Two towers, one on its western end and another on above the sacristy at the south-east were built in the 15th century when the priory's buildings were incorporated into the town's fortifications. The cloister and domestic buildings - which include the chapter house , the dormitory and the refectory all date to the 15th Century, but they include earlier 13th Century work. To the north-east of the church is a rare example of a columbarium where pigeons were kept to provide food for the large community.
50 meters to the south-east is the gate house that originally was built in the 13th or early 14th Century, but had to be rebuilt at least 4 times. Among the remains on site, visitors can also see St Fechin’s church which was built about 900 AD. The area is perfect for walking, and the St Feichin's way is a 3km looped walk around the site that brings you along local places of interest. Search for the 18 Fore crosses which are scattered throughout the region or discover the renowned "seven wonders of Fore". These include a monastery in the bog, a mill without a race, water that flows uphill, water that won't boil,...
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About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
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