Ireland - here at last.

Another superb day, weatherwise.  We were so fortunate as we were expecting Wales to be shrouded in mist.  So sunshine was a real bonus.   We even went for a short walk around the edge of the cliffs, this morning.  No chance of falling over the edge as the narrow path was flanked by thick hedges on both sides.  We could have been walking anywhere.

Walter found the fault with the caravan stop light.  It was a broken fuse, easily changed, and now everything works as it should.  Walter read the caravan manuel this morning.   Obvious I know.  One is always learning.

We left in a bit of a rush, due to staff members coming to tell us they were stopping the traffic on the entrance road, so that we could drive out.  We then drove off with a top vent open and the door wide open.  Luckily it was noticed by the people in the next caravan.  Very embarrassing.

It was my turn to drive on the narrow and hilly roads to the ferry port.   Thank goodness English drivers were courteous and allowed us to go through the narrow parts first.

We lined up at the ferry port, and spent the next two hours eating our lunch and basking in the sunshine.

The ferry was enormous, although very old.  It was a comfortable three and a half hours.  The sea was very calm.  All went well.

Walter looking very relaxed.

Great excitement.  We could see the sky as the ramp was lowered onto the dock.  We should have been first off but I stalled the car which meant the motorome next to us drove off first.  Not good.  It also meant that we followed the motorhome, with an Austrian number plate.  And we nearly went in the wrong direction as the driver became confused, which was understandable, given the lack of signs.

One does not need a passport to go to Ireland, as the top part of the country is the UK.  We were stopped by a policeman who asked about our nationality and we became confused and said 'English'.   Well we are to a certain degree.  He must have wondered about our accents.

Our first impressions of this part of Ireland were not particularily great, but then driving away from ports often means driving through unattractive areas; namely run down housing areas or industrial sites.  The open countryside was much better, and reminded us of New Zealand.  

Our destination for the night.  The town of Wexford, about half an hours drive from the port.   A little scruffy but with some interesting buildings.

The camping ground, with the sea behind us.  And lovely sunshine.

Wales is over the sea.  It is amazing to think that England, Wales and Scotland is an island, and we are on the next island, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

The sea mist has now totally eclipsed us, and all we can see is grey.  No town, no water.  Just the few caravans and motorhomes around us.  And a man in a small tent.  All alone in a camping ground.  In Ireland.