NewMaguireNews

Swiss Snaps

2011-08-09T21:40:00.003+01:00

Swiss Journeys 2011

2011-08-08T13:54:00.002+01:00

Another day in Switzerland, and we set out to catch a Paddle Steamer for a trip on Lake Geneva, There was no boat due at Vevey so we got a Bus To Montreux and just as we left a little shop there was a Paddle Steamer coming in to stop. So we managed to get across to the jetty and this was a most majestic Paddle Boat. Over 100 years old it had just be completly restored and returned back to its original condition. The First Class Dining room was like something from the Titanic and the second class for us 'Plebs' was slightly less plush but still more than adequate. The Paddle boats themselves were at one stage retired from active duty but public pressure and public donations meant many have been restored and returned into daily service or during the busy Summer months. For the technical minded the boats no longer run on coal but now on oil and many of the manual 'oiling' jobs have been automated but you can still see the enormous pistons and cylinders and various mechanical bits driving the paddle wheels outside.
The trip lasted as far as Lausanne. There we changed to another Paddle boat and crossed over into France at Evian. Here we had something to eat and as it was in France it was much more reasonable priced. From there I saw a signpost for the re opened Funicular, so we walked up to the Funicular. Again like the Paddle boat the Funi was taken out of service and was closed for many years but was reopened again by private donations about 10 years ago. The Funi itself has been brought back to the 'belle epoque' period but all the engineering has been fully modernised.
The was not much to see at the summit but there was a small shop selling souvenirs and the top staion again had been beautifully renovated and restored.
Photographs to follow later.

Swiss Railway and Boat Holidays IV

2011-08-07T19:52:00.004+01:00

Been to Switzerland several times. This time we decided to stay near Vevey which is situated in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Veyey is on Lake Geneva. As before I booked via BnB.ch which is a group of small Hotels, Guest Houses and Bed and Breakfasts and is the most reasonable way to stay in Switzerland. Our accommodation was just outside Vevey and it had it owns train service passing very near the BnB. Had been warned on Trip Advisor that the owner was a bit strict but we had no problems at all. The house was a Luxurious, almost a Villa with its own Swimming Pool and we had no complaints.
The first day having arrived early we caught a train to Montreaux and then on up to a town called Montbovon. From there we got a little narrow gauge train to the Gruyere region and got off at a little town called Bulle. There we had some cakes and tea and a glass of wine is a little old fashioned cafe. We returned home on the 'Golden Pass Panorama train'
The following day we went on a mountain train to Gornergratt, which is opposite the Matterhorn. A special cog-railway bring you right to the summit and even in the middle of Summer it was very cold and there was still snow to be seen everywhere. There was a Hotel and cafe on the summit but we only had coffee and our own snacks. A plate of Chips was eight Euro and with the rent rise of the Swiss Franc that would be nearly nine now, ouch.

First Hols of 2011

2011-04-08T22:29:00.004+01:00

Just back after 6 nights in Italy. Stayed in Maestre which is a few Km from Venice. As usual booked on the WWW so it can be a bit hit and miss with the Hotel if you have not stayed in particular hotel before. Luckily there was n problem with the Hotel in fact it was very good value and included a good Buffet Breakfast and the rooms were very good too. Also right outside the Hotel you had a choice of Bus or Tram services. There were direct connections to the Airport, Train station and Venice itself. Only slight problem was we got on number 14 bus from Airport and it has unfortunately changed it route recently due to the new Tram. We should have got No 45 but we will know next time. One of the days we did have a bit of a problem with a sudden total transport strike. the bus brought us the the train station and I got our tickets and went to the Platform and suddenly it went all quiet, no one seemed to know what was happening. Eventually we realised we had to make our way to Venice by Taxi. Having got to Piazza Roma by Taxi there was in fact signs there telling us there was a 24 hour strike including the Vaporetto buses (water Buses). So we walked into Venice through the narrow streets stopping on the way for an ice cream or two and a few drinks as well.

Plans

2011-02-17T22:54:00.003Z

Next two holidays are already booked. Just done up a map of the places in Europe already visited and marked up the places I hope to return to or visit for the first time. Some places are nice to go again and sometimes I missed something such as the little Blue tram in Barcelona was closed when I visited last Spring. In Porto thy had just opened a new Metro but more interestingly they had started building a new 'Old' tram route in the City Centre but had run out of money. That route opened in 2008. Perhaps on a holiday to Lisbon we could get a train up to Porto and spend a day in Porto and get to see the centre via the old Trams, then stop of at the Cafe Majestic and back to Lisbon.
When In Germany I hoped to go on an old Steam train called the Vulkan Express near Brohl, but arrived on the wrong day so had to make do with a visit to Königswinter, which was a delightful old village which had its own cog wheel railway up to the top of the Drachenfels Hill. So not a wasted journey at all and an excuse to return.
Was in Mallorca a few times but never managed to go to Palma except for a quick tour. Years ago Mum and Dad were there and they went on the Soller Tram and Dad always said to go on it. Its more of a train really and its really the scenery and the twists and turns on the way to Soller that are of interest. I actually got as far as the Tram station but my friends wanted to get back to Santa Ponsa.
Still have plenty of places to see over in the U.K. and having been watching a T.V. series of British Railway Journeys has given me more ideas. Just hope the BBC don't commission some new series of Great European Railway Journeys or I will be traveling forever.

Venice and Trieste

2011-02-10T20:36:00.002Z

Booked a holiday for March. Booked on Air Lingus flight rather than Ryanair. Both have extras to add but somehow Air Lingus now nearly as cheap and less extras and stupid fees etc and easier to get through the booking process. Also got a good hotel in Mestre which is a short bus ride into Venice itself. Last time in Mestre got caught out by the Hotel being much further away than advertised from the centre and buses ran infrequently so we had to get a taxi several times. Also at night there was only one Trattatoria nearby which was run using the Basil Fawlty school of Restauranteuring. We managed to get seated but then the Waiters had to tidy up all the empty tables and after about 15 minutes decided to take our order. Another 30 minutes or so later we finally got our order which was completly bland and cold. We only went back to get ice cream to take away.
This year in Mestre they have opened a new Tram line which goes past our Hotel. However rather like in Dublin the tram doesnt yet reach the Airport and its also stops about 500m away from the bus station. Eventually it is supposed to reach Venice but thats still a long way away.
Last time in Venice we went to Trieste and hope to go again. Last time in Trieste I wanted to go on the Opicina Tram but alas it was broken down and we had to make do with bus which did however still bring us up to a mountain view looking down over Trieste.
One place we have not gone to is Vicenza which supposed to be another beautiful town to visit. Also some of the smaller Islands of Venice might be worth exploring.

2011 Booked

2010-12-19T18:20:00.002Z

Have just finalised our first holiday for 2011. Booked flights to Geneva in Switzerland and will be staying in Veyay. Flights via Aer Lingus in June are very reasonable and also found very nice little Hotel to stay right on the Lakefront of Lac Leman (Geneva). The accomodation is a little on the expensive side but you have to pay for lifes luxuries and have found there is no point staying in some crap Hotel for a week to save a 'few bob' Also the Little Hotel has a small Swimming Pool, and a little Train station is right beside. The Train actually goes up to he local Vineyards, hence the name of the train translates 'The Train of Vines'. From Vevay you can get trains to almost everywhere or boats across the lake to several destinations.
Aer Lingus are also going to fly to Perpignan in 2011. So that is a great new base to travel from. Its very near the sea, Argeles, Collioure, Cerbere. Even Montpellier is only a 2 hour train ride away. So will have a look around the area for a possible holiday.

Tuscany 2009

2010-12-02T23:35:00.004Z

Some photos.
Fiesole, Assisi, and Florence. Fiesole is a small village looking over Florence. At one stage it was as big as Florence, now its a small town you can reach by local Bus. Plenty of Restaurants and Cafes and a nice place to spend an evening away from the heat and noise of Florence.

2011 -II

2010-12-02T23:21:00.004Z

FLORENCE
Another holiday next year hopefully to Tuscany and this time stay in Florence. Last time in Florence the Hotel was a bit of a dump, beds fell apart, noisy guests, very hot and insects were also uninvited guests. So this time have to go up market and pay more for a better place. Probably go to the same places as before. Pisa and Siena, Lucca or Pistoa. Really liked the train trip to Assisi and want to go again. Possibly find some new places as well and spend more time in Florence itself.

2011

2010-12-02T23:16:00.002Z

its been snowing all week in Ireland. Good time to cheer myself up by getting out the guide books and maps. Still going to Switzerland. Found a couple of places to stay in Montreaux. Hopefully the plan will come together. Plenty of trips on trains and boats, I have done a plan of possible places to visit and visit as many new places as possible and returning to old favorites.

Ford Capri Classic

2010-11-19T23:57:00.004Z

Another photo from the 1960's. Probably taken on a Summer holiday. In the 60's anyhow we never ventured very far abroad, in fact never abroad until the 70's. Mum and Dad and Frank I think went over to London. So most Summers we went down to Cork, or Killarney. A couple of times we went as far as Westport. Mostly though it was day trips. Dads Ford Capri must have passed through most of the counties of Ireland. Over the years the car got too old for long drives and Dad gave up travelling. Heres a photo of the car in its heyday.

Attic finds

2010-11-10T23:49:00.003Z

Found a couple more really old photographs. One is of my Grandad, Francis Maguire. In the photograph it looks like it was taken out the back yard of the shop where they lived. He was a Carpenter and you can just make out him using some sort of foot operated wood turning machine. The other picture was taken in some photographic Studio and features my Dad, John Maguire I, as a baby in his Mother arms. Timeline must be 1918, possibly earlier for the one of Grandad.

2011

2010-10-22T19:46:00.006+01:00

Making Plans for next year.
Have thought about where to go on holidays next year. A few years ago went to the South of France and hired a car. Thinking of flying to either Carcassione or Gerona, Gerona is in Spain but near enough for France. Last time in that area we were looking at houses and sites for a possible holiday/retirement home. This time it would be to travel around the little villages, mountain sides and little beaches. In 2005 I went as far as Montpellier but didnt have enough time to see the city properly. The plan might be to fly to Carcasione then on east ward towards Gruissan, Narbonne and Montpellier. Possibly on as far as Nimes. Then back via Sete and take in some of the Canal de Midi.
The other possibility is flying to Gerona then up North to France, taking in Collioure, Argeles, Languedoc and numerous places dotted about the place. In that part of france very few speak english so I have to try and make do with my 'pigeon' French, much pointing at things, getting lost and driving around roundabouts several time.
Last time I got lost in Southern France, ended up back in Spain and only got back on track thanks to a kind man at a Spanish Toll Gate who let me through quickly as a mad Spanish Truck Driver behind me had got out of his cab and was running towards my car. He had previously attempted to ram me as he reckoned I was driving too slowly and I had given him the international sign by sticking up a finger at him. For some reason he took offense at this. Once past the toll gate he was unable to keep up as I floored the accelerator of my little SEAT Ibiza Diesel as far away from the nut case as possible.
My Mum is a great help with being the navigator pointing out the obvious as we drive about France. For another odd reason the French authorities love roundabouts and they often have such oddities as windmills or small boats which Mum points out as I circle some roundabout looking for the right direction, sometimes having to circle several times looking for the missing signpost. Or Mum points out some rare flower we have never seen before while I am trying to navigate some impossible road while being lost up in the Mountains.
We always end up somewhere, eventually. it doesnt really matter as the journey itself is the real reward and theres always somewhere different just around the corner.

later on in 2011 I have no real plans but possibly go to Canada, Wales is also due a visit and finally Portugal.

Holidays Cafes

2010-10-20T20:20:00.004+01:00

Just back form Vienna. Everything went well except the bad weather on the Sunday. Not a lot to do in a wet Vienna especially on a Sunday. Found the cafe that Mozart used to play the piano. A very nice cafe and we had traditional austrian food and a very reasonable price and served by a traditional waiter suitably dressed. Also went on that trip to Linz. Had a bit of difficulty initially getting from the railway station to the main street but eventually found the right direction. Then found where to catch the Postlinberg Tram and off we went up the steepest tram route in Europe. Didnt take that long but a very enjoyable 25 minute trip. The Tram line has been completely rebuilt and extended to the main street of Linz. Also the tram company went to the bother of ordering new Retro styled trams as well as retaining four of the old trams suitably re furbished and with extra safety equipment.
At the top of the Hill the view was restricted by the foggy weather. So we went to a nearby restaurant and had something to eat and drink. Back to Linz for a look around the local shops and Mum found a junk shop selling loads of crap for a euro or slightly more.

Back to Vienna we went to our usual haunts and found a few new ones. The only dissapointments was some admins decision to stop the popular Tram route that goes round Vienna in a circular route around the 'ringstrasse. Now if you want to go on that route its 15 Euro on a special Tourist tram. Usually this new service ran empty.

Also as it was late in the year the Ice Cream Salons were closed so we didn't have our ice creams in 'Tichy Eis Salon'

Probably won't be back for a while now but Vienna is another great place for long week end visit.

Vienna 2010

2010-08-30T21:27:00.004+01:00

Back again to Vienna in October. It s a great place to visit, have been there a couple of times so We wont waste as much time trying to find places. Staying in the same Hotel as before too. This time hope to go to Linz by train. its supposed to be a great place to visit and there is cruises from there on the Donau. Also I'm interested on going to up to Postlingberg. You can get there by the worlds steepest Tramway, recently completly renovated with modern 'retro' trams and they have also carefully restored some of the original trams as well. They also extended the tramway so now it goes directly into the very centre of Linz. So that for me will be the first thing to do in Linz.
Back to Vienna hope to visit some nice Cafes and Restaurants especially Cafe Cobenzl, Central Cafe and Tichy Ice Cream Salon.
Hopefully will find some new places to visit as well.

Zurich Thoughts

2010-07-03T21:10:00.004+01:00

Just getting the bags packed after a weeks hols all over Switzerland. Finally got to go to the little 'Schynige Platte" railway. Built over 100 years ago as a tourist railway. It's almost a "toy" railway. The track is only 600 mm wide and due the steepness of the gradient it uses Rack assistance all along the 9km of track. The journey takes over an hour. Beautiful scenery aound every curve. And there were many curves. The line itself is metulously maintained by the Jungfrau Railways.
On the journey downhill we rode in open coaches, our view was slightly hindered by mist, but the rain itself held off.
Can't post any pics via my phone so have to do some photo posting at home.

Rusty Classics

2010-06-23T00:08:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday I went to Mondello Park to see Classic Car Live, The weather was great and apart from seeing loads of vintage cars parked there was several demonstration laps and races. One of the classic old cars was a 1962 Ford Consul Capri. Also called the Capri Classic my Dad had a similar car. He bought one in 1962 and a secondhand one in 1963. As a car the model wasnt a great success it was too expensive and the similar sized Cortina sold in huge numbers. Anyhow Dad kept the car for years until eventually it was falling to bits with rust and various bits had fallen off. We actually went on many holidays and days out all over ireland including one trip to Sligo when the passenger door lock decided to give up the ghost. Dad not being that good at fixing things stopped in a hardware and bought some clothes line and did a basic repair job. Over the years there was a few other bits modified as they broke. The rear windows were fixed in place as the winders had rusted. The car was painted but the rust came back and eventually the sad day came in 1978 when the car was traded in. The Capri at the show was restored from a complete wreck and must have cost the owner thousands. I spoke to the new owner and he had always wanted one and decided it was the car for him. He drove it around the track and we waved at him as he came around. I dont think i would want one myself but it brought the memories back, Dad insisting on absolute quietness as he attempted to fire the Capri into life. If anyone spoke, you would get blamed for another aborted start. it was as we now say a banger for its latter years but Dad at the time couldnt afford a newer car or had little interest in the car. Heres the restored Capr, I must get out a photo of our Capri, the GT model of course.

Postcard of Monaco 2010

2010-05-15T23:43:00.002+01:00

Monaco

2010-05-14T23:38:00.002+01:00

Just back from South of France. Stayed in the centre of Nice in the Hotel St. Gotthard. Have stayed there twice before, its mainly for the location being right beside the railway station and the tram line going through the very middle of the City. However its still in need of a bit of TLC and especially some paint and new carpets. Suppose cant complain about the price. On Two of the days we hopped on a Coach to Monaco, the fare is only one Euro and the drive is a trip in itself. Arriving in Monaco the locals were getting ready for the Formula One Grand Prix. Plenty of things to see and loads of luxury cars everywhere. You could hardly afford to live in Monaco with Apartments costing over 1 Million for a Studio flat but you can go there for a day and its quite cheap to get around. A day Bus Pass costs a couple or Euro and the buses bring you around all the best places to visit.

Spring

2010-04-25T20:30:00.002+01:00

Its been a long time coming but Spring has arrived along with some showers today. The back garden looks great at the moment.

Mums Choice

2010-04-06T23:41:00.002+01:00

Was thinking of going on another short trip abroad. Asked Mum where she most liked going on hols and she choose Nice again.
We were there last year and the previous year as well. For a short break it has all the right ingredients, Warm weather, plenty of places to visit locally, a sea front, cafes and a little bit of French sophistication and class. Its even quite inexpensive to get there and stay there.
I think we have seen most of the local sights but never managed to see any museums, also 2 mountain trips to go on. Just pottering around the coastline on the coach getting on and off, a snack here, a glass of wine in another village. For a few days can pretend to be part of the Jet Set.

Summer 2010

2010-03-26T22:29:00.004Z

Again this Summer its off to Switzerland for a weeks holiday. Stayed in Zurich last time and going back to Zurich and staying again in an Apartment. Switzerland has a reputation of being a bit expensive but the organised Swiss has a useful website of small Guesthouse and Apartments. Some of the accomodation is in the most beautiful Swiss Chalets. We will be staying in a modern Apartment just a tram ride to the City Centre and Train Station. www.bnb.ch is the useful website if you want to stay in Switzerland and get great value. We havnt decided where to go on day trips and there are so many to choose from anyhow. Have said it before but Switzerland has a fantastic integrated transport network of modern and old trains, buses, trams, cable cars and boats. The best value is getting a weekly Swiss Pass and then you can hop on and off and you can travel the entire country in about 2 hours. The best places to visit are often the tiny little villages and mountain resorts. The travelling is nearly as enjoyable as the final destination.

Tibidabo

2010-03-14T16:38:00.004Z

This is the Amusment Park in Barcelona. its over 100 years old. It has a great view of Barcelona. And for the transport enthusiast its a delightful way to spend an afternoon. If you are in Barcelona on the right day the park is reached by Bus, then the old fashioned Blue tram, them a Funicular and then the amusements are ll quite old and one ride in particular looks like a very old plane from the 1920's. Even at the park there is another extra viewing point. The church at the top of this hill has a tower and they have installed a lift for an even better view. All these lifts and trams add up. To go on all 4 would cost about 10 euro, well worth it for the transport buff and then its another 20 euro in to the amusements. I imagine in Summer it would be packed full of children and adults having a great day on the rides, eating and drinking. One day I hope to return and go on some of the rides and particularly the blue Tram.

Barcelona

2010-03-14T12:46:00.006Z

Just back a week from 5 days in Spain. Stayed in a resort, Santa Susanna. This was the first package holiday I've been on in a while. The package included a few Coach trips to Barcelona, Gerona and Montserrat. Also went on the train twice into Barcelona, it was a pleasant trip along the coast and took just over an hour and brought us straight into the centre of Barcelona near Las Ramblas. The tours went O.K. but they were all rushed and we found ourselves home very early and it would have been better to do our own trips by train. Went by coach to Montserrat and here the coach driver and guide told us we had to return home at 3.00 and we were back in the hotel at 4.30. We could have spent a few more hours going down on thr rack railway to the town a few km away.
In Barcelona found another Restaurant with a great view of the City. Its in the very Centre at Place de a Cataluna on the top floor of Cortez de Ingles Department Store. They had 3 Cafes and Restaurants to choose from with fantastic views and reasonable food. Pity there was no open air Cafe.
There was another great viewing place at the Amusment Park up on the hills of Barcelona at Parc d'Atracciones Tibidabo.
We hopped on a bus no. 58 I think which brought us up to where the Blue Tram runs at week ends and in Summer. Unfortunately it was not running so I had to get a bus up to another old Funicular which speeds you up to the park. In Winter the parks amusments are mostly closed but you could get something to eat and take in the great views of the whole of Barcelona below.
(First photo is the rack Railway at Montserrat. Second is one of the Funiculars in the same mountain top, and finally the Roof top Restuarant in the centre of Barcelona. )

Audio Recording II

2010-02-04T22:11:00.003Z

Audio Recording I

2010-02-04T22:09:00.001Z

Analogue Age

2010-02-04T21:35:00.003Z

Anyone using a computer probably still remembers the old vinyl records L.P.s or Singles. My first computer didnt have the power to run music but the later ones allowed you play Compact Discs and even came with a set of crappy speakers so you could listen to music. Then around 2002 or so most computers came with software packages to play and manage your CDs and store them as well. Funny enough I was a late starter as I already had an excellent stereo system and Hi Fi speakers. Before I became a user of computers for playing my music collection others were using small portable 'MP3' players and downloading music from their computer. In 2001 Apple presented their first iPod. At the time even Apple didnt realise the revolution in music this would cause. Not going into the whole story again but you can actually see nearly all the Music shops have gone, Apple themselves still have 'iPod' market wrapped up and everyone uses their computer to play music. Many may still wish they could digitise their own old LP's, Tapes, Minidiscs etc. I have loads of old L.P.s in the Attic and in boxes all over the place. it is possible to record or 'burn' them on CD or directly in to itunes. But it is very time consuming. Basically if an LP is 45 minutes it takes, 45 minutes to play and record. Plus more time to edit, mess about with the music etc. Unless you have time its not really worth it or it has to be music you cant but on CD or you have some sentimental attachment to the recording.
What do you need to record an L.P. on to your computer.
1. Patience. One L.P. may take 3-4 hours if you want to record, clean up and edit tracks.
2. Sturdy Table to store your L.P.s, Turntable and Laptop. Somewhere comfortable and without any distractions.
3. Cables, Either you connect your Record Player through your Hi-Fi Amplifier and then via a Mini-Jack into Laptop, or buy a new USB Turntable.
4. Recording Software, available free on the Internet, or GarageBand comes from on all Apple Computers.
5, More patience and loads more time.

I have a couple of PDF diagrams on how to do the digitising. I was asked to give a demonstration recently and I made a few notes to help those foolish enough to go down this time consuming ordeal.

Barcelona

2010-01-31T20:49:00.001Z

Looking out at the Snow outside made us wish we were somewhere else. Had a good look around and took the advice of some of my Cousins and for once have booked a package holiday of sorts. Well an organised City break to Barcelona. Will be based just outside at a seaside resort and there are a few day trips and meals thrown in so for once nearly everything will be organised for us. One of the days there is a trip to Gerona, also a trip to Montserrat. Probably go in Barcelona a couple of times.

White New Year

2010-01-01T14:06:00.003Z

There was no Snow at Christmas but we had a White New Years Eve/Day. Happy New Year.

Budget 2009/10

2009-12-03T22:50:00.003Z

Everyone in Ireland is waiting to hear what the Government is going to announce in next weeks Budget. Not knowing is the hardest thing. The Irish Govt. has been looking for pay cuts in the public Sector and the unions don't want to give much away. I am not in the Govt. sector directly but my wages are paid for by the state. There has been a suggestion of a 4.5% pay cut to as much as 12.5%, alternatively the big Unions were offering that unpaid leave could be taken to reduce Government expenditure. Not that I want a pay cut but say a 2 weeks leave unpaid would be preferable. Even a month. I could go on a cheap holiday to Europe, bring a tent and live as cheaply as possible. See if you can still go on holidays on say 30 euro a day, have to be somewhere warm and on a campsite. Alternatively if I manage to buy that small cottage down the country, I could spend a whole month doing it up and save a small fortune on labour costs. Probably be better take unpaid leave, get some tax credits and do some manual work on a house. Probably less stressful too.
Another good outcome of the credit crunch in Ireland for me at least is the prices of most houses has collapsed, so I may have lost out on my pension savings been decimated but should at least make it back by having delayed buying a House in 2007. 2007 was the high point for property in Ireland. A cottage I am still looking at was 198,000 euro a year ago, now they are looking for 100,000 and only have an offer of 90,000. Anyone who bought at the height of the boom and borrowed the money are looking at a huge loss if they had to sell. Many did buy hoping to sell later at a profit or to fund their own pension. The Government are doing nothing to help except looking for public service pay cuts.
Hopefully for me 2010 will be House and some more Holidays, despite all the doom and gloom.

London Calling

2009-11-25T23:20:00.004Z

Off on the short hop over to London in a couple of weeks, Frank is going over to work over there for a couple of weeks so a good excuse to go on a bit of a shopping trip and sightseeing trip. Also my friend Orla is studying in Cambridge and we hope to meet up for a bevvy in the local Pig and Whistle somewhere in the middle. Cant think of anywhere new to see or do but will enjoy going over without any firm plans and see what happens. Probably have to go to Greenwich on the Docklands Light Railway, some more Classic caffs and the Applestore.

Dublin Airport 1960's

2009-11-24T19:46:00.002Z

Another from the Archives, an ld Postcard from Dublin Airport.

Back to the early 60's

2009-11-24T19:29:00.003Z

Classic view of Dublins Main Street. Not sure of the year but possibly 1958.

2010

2009-11-07T23:43:00.004Z

Nothing booked yet for 2010 holidays wise. Used to have a look at the 'special offers on ryanair.com and even Aer Lingus, but no real bargains anymore. Both airlines have jumped on the cheap initial fare then add on loads of charges. Have decided over the last year or so you have to do a weigh up on the fare v convenience and destination and weather. Also while its best to go somewhere different every time its also a bit of a relief knowing in advance the Airport, how to get to your Hotel, somewhere to eat and so on. So for 2010 have planned to do about 4 trips. First trip probably in January or February, so have to go somewhere with good weather so that really means Portugal or Spain, maybe Italy. I'd really like to return to Porto in Portugal but there are no direct flights. Ryanair did fly direct for a time but they couldnt make it profitable. So may decide to go to Lisbon and get the train to Porto. Again for me it means loads of trains and trams to travel on, though I don't bring along my Anorak and pencil. Theres also plenty of places to eat and have snacks especially the Majestic Cafe in Porto. And Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon. In Porto have found a highly recommended Hotel in the very centre of the Main Square, and although you might think I planned it there is a brand new 'Old' Tram route which does a circular route right round to the Majestic Cafe! Brilliant or what.

Later in 2010 another trip is pencilled in to Switzerland, possibly Cologne. Somewhere in France later in the year. Anywhere in France is great, possibly Montpellier or back to Collioure, Beauvais who could choose.

Photos from Porto in 2006, Trams along the Riverfront and the Interior of the Majestic Cafe.

Living the High Life

2009-10-22T23:02:00.002+01:00

We visited Monaco while on hols in Nice. Even one of the most expensive destinations is affordable for the regular traveller, just do not expect to stay in any Hotels or bother looking for Apartments to buy. Even cheap Apartments are over one million, a studio may be affordable and the sky is the limit for anything else. We got the Tourist bus up to the top of Monaco where its at least possible for a couple of hours to pretend to be part of the Monaco Jet Set. At the Jardin du Exotique you can get a great view looking down over much of Monaco and the Cafe Brasserie is fairly reasonable for snacks and drinks. We watched the Sun set then decided it was time to go back to Monaco. We had forgotten though about the rush hour traffic. Around six o clock most of the ordinary workers leave their jobs and also Monaco. Most ordinary people cannot afford to live in the Principality and thus at that hour every bus is packed with people going home to France. In fact having an orderly queue for the bus is seemingly non existant. When the Coach arrived at the correct time, Mum was at the top of the queue but the driver decided to stop about 8 metres further along and when he opened the door a mad scramble for the door ensued. One elderly man was knocked down as people pushed and shoved. I decided to wait for the next Coach. The next Coach was almost as Bad, Mum almost got on but the driver made everyone get off as he was full. The next coach was a special one direct to Nice and the Airport and was 5 Euro so only one person got on to an otherwise empty coach. We got on to the next Coach and got home safely.
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Train de Pignes

2009-10-21T22:32:00.004+01:00

Hoping not to bore those who don't like Trains or don't have the Anorak. But an essential part of a holiday for me is a trip up the mountains or along a coast by train to another town or City. An essential trip from Nice is up the Mountains on the narrow gauge railway to Digne. Most Sundays the local Steam Enthusiasts run special excursions along part of the route in an old steam train. Arriving at the train station you board the regular train. Unusually there were as many women and children and not just 'trainspotter men' . Arriving at Puget-Théniers our Steam Train awaited along with more people waiting to get on the train and volunteers pushing wagons and assorted people taking photographs, selling souvenirs, having picnics. The French are as enthusiastic as their British counterparts when it comes to steam travel. There were several men covered head to toe in oil and soot and I half expected to see a french version of 'Fred Dibnah' asking 'Did you like that' in french of course.

The trip itself went slowly up to Entreveux which was a beautiful town to stop for a couple of hours and we ate in a little cafe, had another stroll around the town and then another coffee/wine break at a little roadside cafe. All very french, very authentic and again very reasonable compared to rip of Ireland. If you couldn't afford the special steam train trip the regular train is much cheaper and you get off the train and get back on again and thus visit several interesting towns and walks along the route to Digne. You can even get a coach from Nice for one euro which goes up most of the way to Digne.

Nice in Nice again.

2009-10-21T22:08:00.003+01:00

Went over to the South of France for 5 nights. Stayed in the same hotel as before, not the best hotel but was adequate and at least this time the rooms were bigger and even had a balcony and air conditioning. One the first day we went by coach to Monaco via Eze. Eze is a little town overlooking the sea and good sea views on a beautiful sunny day. We ate al fresco and got chips etc in a takeaway and Mum had a glass of wine sitting on a bench outside a bar. From there we got on a Coach to Menton a seaside town and sat out in the Sun, had a couple of drinks and ice creams and it was getting dark when we finally set off back to Nice. Amazingly the coach trip is only one euro for about 10 km. Back in Nice we went to 'Flunch' for our dinner, and we ate there nearly every night. Flunch is a big french restaurant chain. Possibly not quite up market enough for some but the food is always fully cooked and fresh and if your really hungry you can go back and eat as much as you like in the way of veg, chips, potatoes and rice, though no more meat. In fact we noticed some people didnt even bother paying. Each night we were there we noticed 2 fairly well dressed men were always there and they kept going up for more helpings of chips and pasta. I think they either brought their own plates in or something like they had some arrangement with the staff. They both sneaked in their own bottle of wine I noticed. Actually Flunch is so cheap I wonder how they do it, you can buy a small salad for 2.50 and then go up for as much vegetables and chips as you like. Even a full meal and a large glass of wine was about 7.20 if you chose the 'Plat de Jour' There are other similar chains in France, 'Casino' and 'LeClerc' who offer similar deals.
When I returned home i asked Mum had she brought much money home and she said she had. Most days we had probably managed on about 25 euro a day. We just had one expensive trip which was a steam train trip up the mountains, even that was good value at about 30 euro for a 7 hour excursion.

Another Mystery Trip

2009-10-04T22:30:00.002+01:00

Back in the early 70's we used to go on CIEs Mystery train. In theory you didnt know where you might end up, but as soon as you got onboard the train everyone used to know. Years later a co-worker told me she used to work with her Mother on the mystery train selling bars of chocolate and apples. her Mother knew the train driver and thats how she found out. One of the times we arrived at Boyle, Roscommon. It must be nearly 40 years since I was in Boyle and now at last another mystery trip to Boyle.
This time its a trip to have a look at some 'bargain' houses and it will probably be another mystery. Firstly will the houses be actually in the Village or miles out, how come a 5 bedroom house is so cheap. And the final mystery is will the train stop in Boyle. The last time my brother went by train to Boyle, there was a special promotion at a special price for a day return. However when it was time to return to the station, he waited for the train but it never came, I cant remember how he got home, I think CIE arranged a bus or taxi to bring him to another station. Anyhow I hope that doesnt happen on my return.

GoogleHols

2009-09-03T21:46:00.004+01:00

One of the great ways to remember a holiday or plan another one is to use Googlemaps and especially the now 'Street view' where you can view most big cities street by street. For example before booking a hotel you may be able to locate it exactly before you go and check out the local area. See how easy it is to get to, local shops. A couple of Summers ago we went to Zurich and stayed in a Bed and breakfast Apartment. Staying anywhere in switzerland is normally expensive but theres an organisation there who have a website WWW.Bnb.ch. We booked a week in Zurich and the Apartments turned out to be only about 10 minutes by tram. the Owner actually gave very good directions at the time and we had no difficulty finding the Apartment block. He told us to look out for the big concrete frog right outside and the tram stop was nearby too.
Checking back today using googlemaps you can do a search of the Apartments address and googlemaps brings you a map and the street view shows the frog and even a tram stopping right outside. You can also check to see if theres any local small shops and cafes etc.
Hopefully next year we may go back to Zurich for another holiday. Probably not the most interesting City for some people but its a good point for further travel around Switzerland, most towns and cities are no more than 2 hours by train. Switzerland has the reputation of being rather expensive but I didnt really think it made much difference to the holiday. Expensive up market hotels and restaurants are not our cup of tea anyhow. In the mornings our Apartment owner delighted in offering us various home made breads, fresh orange and coffee. Actually the bread was a bit on the tough to eat side but our host seemed very happy to offer us more bread and kept asking us if we liked the bread. We then set out for the day and got the tram to the train station and got fresh rolls and drinks in the local Co-op. If anything fresh food is cheaper in Switzerland than in Ireland. The train station had the usual collection of cafes and convenience stores as well as a Swiss food produce market in the middle of the old central hall. You could taste free samples of cheese and bread and take in the different flavours and smells. The Swiss certainly know how to run an efficient train service and also how to develop a proper train station and look after its customers. Some evenings they had wine tasting, music most nights and of course the trains run on time!

Tuscany-Florence 2009

2009-08-28T00:30:00.002+01:00

Decided to return again to Tuscany this year. This time managed to find accommodation on the Web. Flew into Bologna and stayed 2 nights there. You have to get the Airport bus to Bologna to get to the train station. It was 5 euro one way, goes regularly so no complaints there. We stayed 2 nights in the Mercure Hotel opposite the train station. Had air conditioning and we didn’t bother with breakfast, just east al fresco. Glad we had air conditioning and immediately regretted not having done the same for Florence. I had forgotten how hot it becomes in early June in Italy. There wasn’t a lot to see in Bologna really but we did an enjoyable stroll around the centre and got a couple of buses to get a flavor of the place. The second day we went by train to Modena, a few miles from Florence. A medium sized town best known as the birthplace of Pavarotti and they have an Opera House named after him as well as a school of Opera and you could hear several aspiring new singers practicing in studios nearby. I had hoped to go to the Ferrari factory which was in Maranello but missed the local bus which only goes a couple times a day so had to do with a trip around the town in a Trolleybus and a bit of shopping and something to eat. Got some great cheap gifts in an Italian Euro shop.
The following day we went by Train to Florence. We went on the new Eurostar train as the regular train was nearly the same price and the Eurostar was more comfortable though not running anything near its possible top speed.
Had booked 2 rooms in Hotel Aline, should have realize that 30 euro was too cheap for a hotel room. The Hotel was supposed to be 15 minutes walk from the train station but we got lost and it took much longer than that. On the first night my bed collapsed as soon as I jumped into it. Looking underneath the bed was already broken and held together with broken bits of wood and ‘bluetak’. Not being able to find anyone to help I found another bed from a selection of beds located out on the fire escape. I managed to make up a bed from bits and pieces. And left the broken bed frame with the other bits on the fire escape.
Apart from the bed incident the only other complaint was getting bitten all over by bugs and the heat. Luckily being so tired every night meant I fell asleep quickly. Next time must remember to go for the dearer Hotel with proper beds and air conditioning.

We used Florence as a base and did several trips. We went by train to Pisa, Lucca and a fairly long trip to Assisi. Assisi was about 2 hours but it was a nice trip, and from Assisi station there was a bus to take you to the town. You can buy bus tickets in the train station. I found it easier to buy the train tickets at the automatic ticket machines. The queues at the ticket office were very slow. We got a coach to Siena as the train doesn’t go near the town. The coach station is a bit hard to find in Florence. If you are the Florence train station, the coach station is over beyond where they are building the new tram line terminus, and the temporary tourist office is also there. The Italian authorities seem reluctant to put up direction signs.
Within Florence we got a small bus, Bus 12 up and 13 back which brings you to Piazzale Michelangelo where there is a great view looking down on Florence. Further up the hill is San Minuito church, which has another great view and a long walk up. The bus terminus is just down from McDonalds which is opposite the trainstation.
You can get another local bus (number 7) to another hill top town called Fiesole, only takes about 15 minutes and you could go there in the evenings for a coffee or a meal in several cafes.
We didn’t go for any expensives meals, we ate mainly in the train station or grabbed slices of pizza outside, and McDonalds of course for snacks. There were 2 cafes we found quite useful. One was near the Duemo called Leonardos. It was upstairs over a shop. They had bottle openers hanging from the tables on chains. But it was honest local cooking and food was good. One of my friends was there last year and she loved the bottle openers as being the deal clincher. For a budget meal you could do no better than leonardos. Also easy to find was a corner café right opposite the Duemo. Bottegone was the name and really good value plus you can look out at the crowds admiring the Duemo.

Florence 2003

2009-08-27T23:33:00.002+01:00

Florence trip.
Went to Florence in 2003, at the time couldn’t really find suitable accommodation and ended up staying outside in a Camp site near Figline. For some reason I don’t like to just arrive and book at the last minute. Back to the camp site, he accommodation was of the chalet type. It wasn’t ideal and it got very hot at night and opening the windows meant plenty of bugs and bites all night. Initially getting there was a long drawn out affair. We had booked to fly to Pisa airport, then a train to Florence, and another local train to Figline. Following booking instructions there was supposed to be a ‘free’ minibus up to the camp site. However there was no sign of anyone at the station. I rang the site and eventually a minibus arrived to pick us up and a Dutch couple who arrived on the same train. Arriving at the site our taxi driver demanded payment or a tip. Well he had no English but he stuck his hand out, obviously asking for payment. Two euro was given the look of disdain so I upped it to four euro, no response so I decided to offer the international sign of having no more money, which is the two hands held out apart. He then decided to release our bags and then the same tip was asked from the Dutch couple to release their bags.
We did ask when checking in at the site about the free bus service and we were told its only free as in its ‘freely’ available upon request depending if a car or minibus was available or not. The camp also had devised its own system for paying for meals and buying things in the on site shop. You were given a special credit card and you bought credit in advance. Apparently this was to avoid having to carry cash and to prevent thefts etc. We were told you couldn’t use cash on the site. Later it turned out the system was just Italian nonsense, all the shops took cash if you asked. No one wanted to turn down cash, I imagine the camp site got a cut from all the purchases on the credit cards which the shops wanted to avoid?
Most days we did manage to get a free lift down to the train station as most of the staff was much friendlier than the minibus driver and we also availed of cheap coach trips to Siena and San Gimiano. Again going for the cheap coach trip meant the coach invariably had non-working air conditioning. I guess the air conditioning hadn’t worked for years.

Nice 2009

2009-08-25T23:56:00.004+01:00

Only went to Nice in 2008 but we have decided to return. Firstly its easy to get to from Ireland, the Airport is near the City. Also good transport links, even better food and hopefully good early Autumn weather. Last time Missed out on a trip aboard the Nice-Digne railway, we ran out of time. This is a privatly owned narrow gauge mountain railway sometimes known as the 'train des Pignes' which roughly translates to the train of of Pine Cones. Probably quite a bumpy ride and the coaches are quite old but the scenery and fresh air should be worth it. Not sure if there are any catering facilities on the train so we will stock up before we go with fresh french bread and fresh food and have a picnic. Probably Mum will bring a little bottle of white wine. We had a similar trip last time on the 'Train de Mervilles which went on a different route to Tende and the photo here is from that trip.
Going to stay in the same hotel as before. Its was in need of a bit of painting last time, but the food was a bonus and it s very near the train station and the new tram. Also right beside the main restaurant area and there is a load of small shops nearby for Mum to rummage around.

Another one of Mums stories, to get your teeth stuck into.

2009-08-24T23:31:00.001+01:00

Dracula
From an early age I was a great reader. Nothing compared to a great book for passing the time. I read all the books in the children’s library in Thomas Street by by Charlos Kindesley, secondly “ the Turf Cutters Donkey “ by Patricia Lynch. And it wasn’t long before I had read all the books in the children’s section and was looking forward to when I could go in to the Adult section. The great day finally arrived and I feasted on Annie M.P. Smythsons, Charles Dickens, Jane Austin, and the Bronte Sisters.
On one occasion I saw the book “Dracula” by Bram Stoker and thought “this looks interesting” I brought it home and was soon immersed in it, meals went cold while I’D finish a chapter, finally my Father said “ what book is she reading?” He took the book to have a look at it “Jesus Mary and Joseph!” He exclaimed, “ I don’t believe what I’m seeing, no wonder he is walking in her sleep, bring the book back at once to the library”
I had to bring the book back to the library although I was only halfway through it, I tried to think of ways to finish it. I hid the book in the library behind some other books so no one would borrow it and planned to take it out again.
Another day I went up to the library and took the book out again and secreted it down my gymslip. Where to hide it was the problem, as my Mother had “eyes in the back of her head” We had an outside toilet with an overhead cistern. So I decided on top of that cistern would be a good hiding place. I stood on the seat of the toilet and put “Dracula” on top of the cistern. I spent a good few times out there reading it. Bit by bit. And there my memory stood still until about 40 years later on a fortnight’s holiday with Lena my sister. We talked our heads off as you can imagine being together all day and night for 2 weeks. Somebody mentioned another tour he was on to Transylvania and the castle of “Dracula”
And Lena said “ Oh Yes Betty, you must remember you got yourself constipated reading that book” What on earth are you talking about, I said to her. “Don’t you remember getting a dose of Castor Oil when you were reading Dracula?” She said.
Suddenly it dawned on me. My Mother had not been fooled by me at all. I remembered coming in out of the toilet. My Mother stood before me with a large spoonful of castor oil saying “ you are spending a lot of time in the toilet, you must be constipated. Open your mouth and swallow this”, which I duly did and promptly forgot all about it. They knew all the time about my secret reading but obviously decided to let it go.
I thought there are lessons to be learned from this.
There are times when rearing children you have to turn a blind eye to some of their escapades and pretend you don’t notice. How wise my Mother was to know that come hell or high water I was determined to finish the book and decided not to make an issue of it.
As for myself I can still get lost reading a book I remember a couple of years ago early one morning stirring the porridge with a spoon in one hand and Dr. Zhivago in the other hand.

Coming Soon

2009-08-23T01:00:00.003+01:00

Mum is just about to release her latest short story. Ressurected from the past.

Memories

2009-07-29T20:01:00.003+01:00

Mums story about going to the Circus is in the main true. However she forgot and still can't remember also volunteering for the bare back horse riding later in the evening. Frank my brother also seems to remember mum being attached to a rotating board and the knives being thrown as Mum slowly revolved. I can't remember exactly either, myself, Frank,Trevor and Graham were in knots of laughter and Mildred was almost having a heart attack as the knives or Tomahawks were thrown. The other thing about Duffy's Circus was that every performer had about four or five roles during the performance. I don't think the Indian was a native American, I think he came from Cork, later he became a Lion Tamer, then played in the band. I think they had about twelve or more people but it seemed like about fifty and all with glamorous names from all parts of the World. It was an unforgettable night and it was over 40 years ago now. Duffy's Circus is still on the go and currently are on tour again in Dublin.

Ten Drum Rolls

2009-07-29T19:38:00.004+01:00

Mums Story about trip to the Circus
Its not everyone can say they got a drum roll, when they appeared at Duffy’s Circus. In fact it’s not everyone who had an opportunity to appear in the Circus. Well it happened to me once.
My two sons Frank and John saw a bill poster advertising ‘Duffy’s Circus and they persecuted me to bring them to the Circu. So I agreed to take them, and we were joined by our next door neighbour Mildred and here two boys Graham and Trevor.
Husbands were recruited to take us to Terenure and to call back later to bring us home.
And so we set off, boys with their bags of swag and mothers with a packet of Aspirin.
The Band played the march of the Gladiators and out came a procession of the circus performers. The excitement was ninety and there were Clown, Dancing Girls, Bareback Rider, Jugglers, Ponies and a Lion Tamer.
After a little the Ringmaster announced that ‘Thunder Cloud’ an Indian Chief was going to give an Exhibition of Tomahawk throwing and asked for a volunteer from the Audience “ any brave lady like to appear with Apache chief Thunder Cloud”
Mildred turned to (Frank my eldest) and said “ I am sure your Mum would like to volunteer”. Well some little Devil must have whispered in my ear, and never being one to turn down a dare, up I got and went down into the Ring amid great applause.
The Ringmaster nearly had a heart attack as it appears that usually a Circus member pretends to be a member of the audience, but because I hopped up first he had no alternative but to let me take part. He kept on repeating to me “ Don’t move Mrs. whatever you do. I had no intention of moving as much as an eyelid and was already regretting my action.
Out came The Chief with his ten Tomahawks and he got me to stand with my back to a wooden door. Well I can tell you that every time he threw a Tomahawk I got a Drum Roll followed by a thump as the Tomahawk became embedded in the door. I can still remember the thud today.
Mean while up in the audience Mildred was also having palpitations and already trying to think of how to break it to John (My husband) that I had been killed by Indian Chief Thunder Cloud. She regretted daring me to go on. He would ask her “ why didn’t you stop her”
However it finished at last and I returned to my seat, the four boys were thrilled by it all.
It often comes up in conversation that night. My Son Frank now nearly 53 years of age says “ I can still remember the look on Mildreds face when you went into the Circus Ring.

Howth

2009-07-29T18:03:00.005+01:00

Another day trip the Maguires always went on was a quick trip out to Howth. Its a short train journey or by car and even occasionally I cycled out with a few friends. Its a little fishing village and very popular on Sundays. It has the usual selection of Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants. On weekdays you can buy fresh fish from numerous fish shops. Until the late 50's you could go for a trip around Howth on the Hill of Howth tram. Unfortunately lack of investment and indeed passengers meant it closed down before I was born. Frank my brother was lucky enough to take a trip. All I ever saw was the remains of the tramway in Sutton and you can still see the odd pole. Here are 2 more photos. You see Mum in the second picture walking towards the 2 trams.

http://www.europafilmtreasures.eu/PY/261/fiche_technique.htm?ID=261

Nelson Pillar

2009-07-29T17:36:00.003+01:00

Until 1966 The Nelson Pillar stood looking down over O'Connell Street in Dublin. It was blown up by Republicans in 1966. I think I went up the Pillar once, my Brother Frank definately went up a few times. Dad must had taken up his 'Brownie' camera so here we have 2 photos looking down towards O'Connell Street Bridge. On the right is the G.P.O. The General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter rising. Further on is the long missed Metropole Restaurant and Cinema. The photos must have been taken about 1953. You can still see the tram rails, though the tram system had closed down in 1949 and it would be another 55 years before Trams again crossed O'Connell Street. The other photo shows the left side of the street and that side of the street is remarkably unchanged today. 'Clerys' still is a large Department Store and the big clock you can see in the very centre of the picture is still there today and remains a meeting point for Dubliners today.

50 years later I

2009-07-29T10:31:00.002+01:00

This is our garden today. Undergoing a bit more work at the moment and hopefully finished by September. You can still see the Sundial. I did a bit of mosaic on it to brighten it up. The decking is nearly complete as is the extra crazy paving. Most of the big trees have died and in future just going to plant small hedging such as 'Box'.
Think we have some more photos of the garden over the years. Must have a look.

Back Garden

2009-07-28T18:56:00.003+01:00

Once Mum and Dad moved into their new Home in Cherryfield, Dublin, Dad and Mum decided to set out the back garden with a rockery and various other design features. I dont think there was much of a garden in Mums old home just a back yard. There was a garden in Watergate in Kilkenny where dad was raised and I think he fancied having a rockery in his new garden. Anyhow Dad decided the layout of the back garden and even when he had no car he made up a wooden box for the back of his bike and he used to bring home rocks and stones from the Featherbeds. The Featherbed Mountains were about 10 miles from Dublin and quite a cycle uphill. Quite how he and Mum got all the stones home I don't know, Mum only had a basket on the front of her bike. I suppose it was mainly downhill back to Dublin. Eventually Dad bought his first car, a Morris Minor and they could bring home bigger rocks. Apparently Dad supervised and Mum lugged the rocks around the garden under Dads grand design. The basic layout from the late 1950's is still there today. The rockery grew over the years in height and it has been altered a little here and there. About ten years ago I had to dig up part of the rockery to build a Conservatory and removing some of the rocks was very difficult some were much bigger under the ground rather like Icebergs.
Dad also built a Sundial which is still there today. Also Dad planted many trees and shrubs which over the years got rather out of hand and at one stage there was over one hundred trees and shrubs, many which had to be removed and I can remember digging many of them out a few years ago and the task was back breaking. Dad was also found of 'crazy paving' and more recently I have been extending the footpaths and some of the old rocks have a new use as part of the crazy paving. I also copied Dad by setting of to collect more stones from 'here and there'. Cant say where I got the new stones of course!
Photo of the garden circa 1956-59

Zooming in

2009-07-26T22:06:00.002+01:00

Zooming in on the photograph in the last post, I can identify my Aunt Maureen, Dad, his Mother and Aunt and I think one of his cousins, possibly Dan Costigan. I assume Grandad Maguire must have taken the picture. There is another photo of them at the Bridge and I think their is a much later photo of my Mum at one of the model Houses, taken many years later. The pictures are very small but scanning them in at a high resolution you can see more details. Although most people prefer black and white photography from the past I would love to have some colour pictures as well from the period. Some photographs we have were printed from very poor quality cameras. Some time in the 70's the main camera we had was of the 'Disc' type and the resolution was poor. Some of the colour photographs we have are no match for the quality of the much older 'Brownie' camera. The negative size the brownie made was much bigger than the later colour disc camera. Only now looking back I realise buying cheap cameras were a mistake but again Neither myself or Frank had much money. I think the first camera Frank bought was bought in 'Hector Greys' a famous shop for selling cheap goods. That camera actually produced very good quality black and white photographs. Later colour cameras were not as good. I have many photographs from the 60's and early 70's taken with the cheap black and white special and the quality is superb. that will be for another post.

Talbots Inch, Kilkenny

2009-07-26T21:41:00.003+01:00

Grandad Maguire, was born in Birkenhead. He came from irish parents who moved to Birkenhead. Still havn't found much information about that time but apparently Grandad came back to Ireland to work in a newly established Furniture Factory near Kilkenny. Talbots Inch is about 2.5km from Kilkenny and it became a kind of 'Model' Village. The Countess of Desert (Dysart) was a wealthy English woman who spent her money freely improving the town. She also built and established a Woolen Mills, built houses for the workers and also built a very early Suspension bridge for people to reach the Mill. Grandad worked in the factory for a number of year. Dad told me however at some time the Countess either ran out of money or perhaps after Ireland gaining Independance, the factory came in to the hand of the workers as a kind of Co-Operative. Cant be really certain but according to my Dad and I seem to remember Grandad saying, the workers ran the factory into the ground. It was commonplace for many workers to walk out with goods without paying and eventually the factory must have closed down. Possibly it actually burnt down, I cant remember and there is no other record.
Here is a very old photograph of the Suspension Bridge. Again it is long gone. Following a flood in the late 1930's the whole bridge was swept away. No one had bothered maintaining the bridge and it was never replaced. Possibly because the Countess was of English descent , and there was a very Anti british feeling following Independance. Apart from the Factory, the Countesses House was also damaged in a fire. Some of the Houses she built are still there and one recently sold on 'daft.ie' for nearly 500,000 euro.
I have just found out that my Dad did have a camera at the time. Mum says at the time if you collected cigarette cards, given with packets of cigarettes you could send away for a 'brownie' camera. Dad didnt smoke but as he lived over a shop and sometimes worked in the shop many customers used to give Dad their unwanted cards and he must have got enough to send off for a camera.

Watergate, Kilkenny II

2009-07-26T17:50:00.003+01:00

2 photos, First is of Mrs. Maguire, (My GrandMother) tending to the back garden behind the shop. Quite a lot of plants and a little rockery which my Father continued in Cherryfield and Mum still has loads of pots all over the back garden, so must be some kind of tradition now. Second is one Mrs. and Mrs. Maguire. Not sure if my father had a camera as a young boy or did some photographer come to take some photos. Cameras were fairly scarce then and the photographs themselves are very small, just about the size of passport photos.

Old Photos

2009-07-26T17:34:00.002+01:00

Scanned in some photos, which also helped remind me of some of the stories behind the photos. First up is of our Grandad at work in Dublin. As previously told he returned to Dublin late in the 1950's and got a job working as a Carpenter in a shop fitters. In fact it was one of his better jobs even though by now nearing retiring age. Grandad often told us his stories as we collected him from Mass on Sunday. For some reason he went to a Church near Mount Street and we waited for him in Dads car after we had gone to Mass in Johns Lane. On the way home he usually told us another of his stories. When he worked for the Dublin Shopfitters he mainly made up interiors for Pubs, Shops and Banks. The majority of the work being done in the factory and they then often had to go to a shop or bar after closing time and install the new interior and have it ready for the shop to reopen. Sometimes he used to get Dad to drive us to one of the shops he had help refit. In his garage in Kilmainham he always had loads of scraps of wood, odd smelling bottles of oil and french polish, old bent nails and so on. At home he used to make up small bits of furniture from scraps of wood, packing cases. He used to straighten old nails and screws, anything to save on materials. When times were hard he got into the habit of 'making do' and mending.

Grandad and a house in the 50's

2009-07-24T20:42:00.005+01:00

This is my Grandad, taken at Mum and Dads wedding in 1954. He must have gone back down to Galway again after the Wedding. Must ask Mum but probably another long story there. Although nearly 10 years had passed since the end of World War II, the 50's was still an austere time and money was still scarce and it was still difficult to buy things we take for granted. One of the things Dad did tell me was when Mum and Dad bought the house in Cherryfield, the full price was about 2,200 Pounds and there was a grant of 200 pounds from the County Council. that left a Council loan repayable over 35 years at the princely sum of 7 pounds and 7 shillings and an few pence a month . At than time I think the average wage was about 12 pounds a week and I dont know what the going rate in the Civil Service was. I think 2 pounds a week was a lot at the time, a new car was about 600 pounds and a loaf of bread about 'thruppence' and a 'single' of chips 4 pence. In those day a penny went a long way and the penny could be further broken up as we had 'Farthings as well.
I have finally got a scanner at home so I hope to do some scanning of some 1950's photographs from the Maguire Archive of Memories. Also going to get Mum to write some memories from the 50's, the Wedding, buying the house, everyday things. Just to get some memories before they are forgotten.
P.S. in the previous post the photograph is the actual shop in Watergate, Kilkenny and that a very young Auntie Maureen at the front door. Somehow it looks rather American or something like a picture from the depression of the 1930's. Dont know why i think that but there you go!

Watergate, Kilkenny

2009-07-22T22:18:00.004+01:00

Dad was born in Watergate, Kilkenny. Really in the centre of Kilkenny City near the Smithwicks Brewery. The Maguires lived over a shop and Dads Aunt ran a Newsagent. Dad often told me about some of the odd things that happened in the 1920s. The shop being a newsagent meant Dad could read all the papers and magazines without having to buy them and thus spent hours under the gaslight reading them. Kilkenny was one of the first cities to have an early form of electricity. The local Brewery was built near a good supply of water (naturally) and the 'Smithwicks' brewery had its own mill race and water mill wheel which was used to provide motive power for the brewery. In the evenings when the brewery didnt need all the power of the Mill Wheel and according to Dad they used the spare power to generate electricity. So a few of the more wealthy inhabitants of Kilkenny could pay to have a basic power supply in the evenings. Later on the 1930s Ireland embarked on a 'Rural Electrification Scheme and the shop in Kilkenny finally got rid of gas lighting. In fact the old gas pipes were kept and the electricians use the old pipework to thread the new electric wiring around the house. One of the down sides of having a house beside a brewery built beside a river was that the river used to flood in Winter. According to Dad again, occasionally they were trapped upstairs as the floodwater rose to cover the downstairs entirely. I think it was true as eventually the house was knocked by the local council and they never built on the site, it is still a car park. The Brewery is still there although for how much longer is anyones guess. Dad himself was fond of the odd 'Smithwicks Barley Wine' but very few drink that nowadays and Smithwicks Ale has lost out to more modern european drinks and brands.
I am not sure when the shop closed down but as the Maguires never owned the shop, they had to move out when the shop went out of business. Dads Father worked all around Ireland and rarely found work in Kilkenny, Dad moved to Dublin to work in the Civil Service and the rest of the Maguires eventually moved to Dublin.
Mrs Maguire ( my Grandmother ) came up to Dublin with her Sister and my Aunt Maureen. My Grandad remained working in Galway. Some time after my Mum and Dad were married in the 1950's, Dad told Mum he had written to his Father simply saying he was coming down to Galway to meet him at the train station and if (Grandad) wanted to come back with them to Dublin he would be most welcome. Dad said to Mum he did not think Grandad would come back to Dublin or Home as it now was. Grandad lived in 'Digs' for years which were cheap guest houses where you got a bed to sleep and meals provided by the usual tyrannical landlady. Dad had bought a secondhand Morris Minor and he drove down hoping that Grandad would be at the trainstation. He didnt know if there would be anyone there, that was the time of few telephones and communications were not like today. Finally arriving at the train station in Galway my Grandad was there waiting with all his belongings and old suitcases. At last in the 1950s the Maguires had their own house to live in, and I suppose their finally was somewhere called Home for Grandad to come home to. Normally a Father tells the Son what to do but I suppose in this case, My Father had come to Dublin, had a good job. The Maguires got an Inheritance from a fairly rich Uncle and my Dad had pursuaded everyone to buy a house in Kilmainham. Getting Grandad to come 'home' was the final piece of the jigsaw. Dad was never one to share his feelings but he must have ben very fond of his Father and he was prepared to drive hundreds of miles to Galway with only a hope of someone being there in Galway to collect.
On the journey home to Dublin, Mum tells me they had to stop numerous times as the little Morris Minor only had very basic windscreen wipers and it rained the whole way home to Dublin. I have never heard what happened when they all were united in Dublin, but if it were a film the narrator would have said the rain was all the tears of joy of a husband and wife finally re united after years of being apart and only occasionally together as a family.

Wish List

2009-05-27T17:43:00.002+01:00

Just before booking the last or next holiday really, I decided to do up another list of possible destinations. Decided to write down 15 places I would like to visit and then did the old David Bowie trick of cutting up the list into 15 bits of paper, put them into a bag and made a list on what came out first. I have decided I dont have to stick rigidly with the list. Have to take into consider where Mum would like, the time of year and what special deals might be on offer. The list is as follows:
Sorrrento (Including Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast)
Cologne (Bonn, Wupperthal, Konigswinther )
Beauvais (Giverney, Rouen, Amiens)
Barcelona
Budapest
Southern Belgium ( Thuin, Charleroi, + Lille in France)
Prague
Zurich ( St. Gallen, Appenzell, various Swiss Railway Journeys)
Berlin
Majorca
Collioure ( Southern France )
Porto
Austria.

There are still many places to visit and revisit. Also if it wasnt such a rip off a trip on the Orient Express train. However at nearly 2,000 euro for 1 day and night it can wait a few more years or just remain on the wishful thinking list. Also must go and see the Monaco Grand Prix, also very expensive.
The next trip is off to Florence with side trips to Assisi, Pisa, Siena also planned. Also hope to go to Maranello to see the Ferrari and Maserati museums and catch a glimpse of a red Ferrari being tested around the streets of the town. Will have to make do with a scale model Ferrari instead of a full sized one for now.
Maybe one day will be able to go on the Orient Express to Venice, then on the Maranello to pick up my new full sized car, could of course get the Chaffeur to deliver it to the railway station in Venice then race back to Monaco just in time to view the Monaco Grand Prix from a private Yacht. Wishful thinking!

June 2009

2009-05-21T00:44:00.003+01:00

Florence is the next holiday destination. Flying in to Bologna and staying there for a couple of days. Possibly get a chance to go to the Ferrari Museum at Modena, another long time dream to be fulfilled.
Then on to Florence. Managed to get a City centre Hotel near the Railway Station and Duomo. Last time we visited Florence we stayed outside in a holiday camp and it simply took too much time travelling and also couldnt stay late in the City due to train timetables. Also the 'free' campsite Bus only went to the train station if you bribed the driver several euro, and he did this for all the passengers.
Also hope to go by train to Assisi, Pisa, also must go to Siena and hopefully San Gimiano. Lots to see, taste feel and drink.

Have to scan in the photos from the last visit as I had a regular i.e. non digital camera.

Vienna 2009 pt II

2009-05-01T23:26:00.004+01:00

Great thing about going to a City for a second visit is you should waste less time going the wrong direction, making stupid mistakes! Well supposedly. Didnt make many but there were a few mistakes or more correctly wrong turns due to Austrian errors and even the odd google error. Firstly the Airport posed no problems and we even had someone to bring Mum on a swift wheelchair jaunt right out to the new Train Station. However arriving at Vienna, the station doesnt connect with the Underground yet. there is a load of building work and upon exiting the train station you must do a 270 degree waltz around a block. One day the whole thing will be complete. Then the directions given by the Hotel suggested getting 2 trams to the Hotel and no indication where to find the tram. Getting the Underground would have been only one shorter journey but for some reason the Hotel or Google want you to take the much longer journey.
Another Austrian 'cock up' has been to change the numbers of some of the Tram routes or rather change the routes of the existing numbers? tram 1 and 2 used to do a complete circular route right round the inner city. Now an 'improvement' changes this and both routes divert of the 'ring' and out into the Suburbs, so one night we found ourselves lost in outer Vienna. Amazingly we bumped into some people from Longford who put us back on our way. Vienna now have a Vintage tram service which does the traditional 'ring' service but its a special half hourly service and one of the few things that I was dissapointed with, its not a real old tram just a 1960s tram painted bright yellow and filled with Computer monitors and sounds.
One of the days we went to Baden by tram which was a pleasant trip, certainly a very pretty town full of floral displays, beautiful shops and picture perfect buildings almost too perfect like a Disney World street scene. On the Friday we took a combined train and boat trip to Melk and Krems, it took up most of the day. Most evenings we went to the world famous Central Cafe, Mum wanted to hear the piano man playing and it was a very nice way to end an evening eating fabulous cakes an Austrian beer or Melange and not that expensive and cheaper in fact than in a Dublin Cafe or Pub, which surprises me. I think if the owners knew how expensive Dublin is they would be surprised.
It has always been a slight ambition of mine to have a snack and drink up on one of those revolving Restaurants atop of one of those communication tower things. Theres one in London but alas it isnt open to the Public so I was delighted to find they had two in Vienna. So we went to the Donauturn Tower and although some would be bored, I was facinated to feel the Restaurant turn slowly and watch the City scape changing. From the Tower we then went up the Vienna Woods to another Cafe, again with great views looking down on Vienna. Since the last visit they had built a new additional Hotel and several Cafes up in the Vienna Woods, and someone had even left out traditional deck chairs so you could rest your weary feet and grab a few rays of sun while have another melange or ice cream.

Tour Plan

2009-02-20T17:28:00.005Z

Have decide on a rough tour plan for Vienna. Going to waltz out to Baden one day. Baden is a 'Spa' town and from the Centre of Vienna there is an Interurban tram which goes all they way to Baden through the streets of Vienna and countryside, its the type of short trip I love. You get a chance to see where the Vienese live and see some of the countryside and if you wish can get off mid journey if you se an interesting place or wish to take a photograph. I am sure there will be lots to see in Baden, cafes and restaurants to while away an afternoon. There are still hot baths/springs available as well.
Another day there is a trip to 2 Old Towns. Take the train to Melk and then a boat trip along the Danube (I think) to Krems and later home by train.
Another day its of up the hills above Vienna by tram 38 to Grinzing, where there are many restaurants and cafes and shops. A further bus up the hills bring you to a viewing position where you can get a great view of the city below. Last time we found an old fashioned little restaurant with marvellous views of Vienna. Mum really liked it and me also. I mentioned it before but Mums old friend Sheila would have love it and I think our Dad would have gone there every day if he ever had visited. Probably a bit old fashioned and not to everyones taste but the food was good, not that expensive considering the view and the fact that Vienna isnt a cheap city. I think it was only about ten or fifteen Euro for something to eat and a glass of vino. Back in Ireland if theres a nice view and they build a Cafe you will definately find a huge premium is put on the fact that you have a view while you dine.

Probably try a visit to see some music and also a visit to some of Viennas famous Cafes.
Photo of the Restaurant with a view. The cafe is called Cafe Cobenzl. Reading their website the whole area was built up as long ago as 1800, there has been several rebuildings after various wars and the present cafe dates back only to 1980 and was built deliberately old fashioned. http://www.cobenzl.com/

Vienna 2009

2009-01-18T21:32:00.003Z

Spent most of Christmas looking around at possible holidays. Usually go to the 'List' of places still to visit or go back to. Anyhow eventually a combination of easy flights at the right price and decent weather in April lead to a return to Vienna. Previously we flew to Bratislava or Vienna as RyanAir seem to think it is. And then an enjoyable bus to the outskirts of Vienna. This year getting a direct flight to the real Vienna Airport. Found great rooms in the Mozart Hotel near the very centre of Vienna. For once the Hotel is in some of the Travel Guides as being a good 3 star Hotel. Dont imagine Mozart ever visited but according to one guide the American Army stayed there during the WW2 bash.
Random photograph from the last trip to Vienna.

Around the World in Nine Years

2008-12-30T12:31:00.003Z

Olivia and Pat Murphy set off in 1999 in their 41ft Sloop called Aldebaran. I worked with Olivia in the Irish Red Cross. They set off in 1999 and crossed the Atlantic. They spent quite some time cruising the Caribbean, visiting the Islands and kept sending back reports of their adventures. After about a year they passed through the Panama canal, visiting the Galapagos and many other islands on the way to New Zealand. During the years They both returned to Ireland for Weddings, Births and to catch up with friends. They also spent quite a long time in Australia in a camper van. Their trip continued along Indonesia, Singapore, Malasia and Thailand. In 2007 they made the perilous passage from Thailand to Turkey via “Pirate Alley” in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. They finally arrived back in Ireland late this Summer.
They have their own website www.patandolivia.com

Cafe in Lisbon

2008-12-29T23:32:00.005Z

There are so many cafes in Lisbon, so much choice from fresh fish restaurants, cafes selling home made soup for 60 cent, Portugal also has their own local versions of MacDonalds with local meals and a drink and a dessert for really good prices, about 6.00 Euro I think. Above the Baixa Chaido Metro station there was 4 floors of small cafes and restaurants both local and american types to please all tastes and budgets. On the first night we arrived quite late so stumbled upon the centre over the Metro station, The local cafe was a tiny bit like McDonalds but much better food and offered beer and wine included in the meal. Cafe was also spotless as seemed most cafes in Lisbon. The Santa Justa Elevator is a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower with excellent views of the City and also has a little Cafe serving snacks and drinks. Thats about it for 2008, have started looking for new places to go in 2009. Also hope to get a few more Family stories but awaiting input from family historian.

December 2008 Lisbon

2008-12-21T15:33:00.004Z

Went to Lisbon last year but returned again, its a good place to visit in Winter or anytime. We visited mainly the same places. We went on a boat trip across to Cahicas and got another boat back to Belem. Went to Sintra, this time went to to historic area, it was mainly full of shops and cafes. The castle is Sintra is up a very steep hill and simply too many steps there. So gave it a miss this year. On Sunday we discovered there is a Parade of Horseguards in Belem, unfortunately it was finishing just as we arrived.

Views of Lisbon

2008-10-27T11:30:00.002Z

Famous Cafe in Lisbon, and night time photo of the castle overlooking Lisbon.

Lisbon II

2008-10-26T23:49:00.002Z

Going back to Lisbon in November. Have seen many interesting places in Lisbon but you can always find something interesting and new places when you return to a city. Staying quite central but not in the same Hotel as before. Last year stayed in a very central and cheap Hotel but decided to pay extra and try elsewhere. The offer of free wireless internet clinched it for me. Mum is still recovering from her Knee Op so Lisbon is a good choice for easy transport links and we know the area from previous visits.

Last year went on a ferry to the other side of the river to Cahicas, and hope to go again, plenty to see there and loads of fish restaurants and old cafes. Might get a ferry back to Belem, a town about 3 km from Central Lisbon and full of Restaurants, cafes and several Museums. Hope to go back to Sintra, plenty to see and do there and plenty of shops selling all kinds of Christmas tat and cheap presents. Mum loves those shops and brings back loads of crap. I got presents in Sintra for some friends last year so I hope they ant reading this.

Hope to try some new Restaurants and return to one we enjoyed last time.

Travel Mistakes

2008-06-08T21:50:00.006+01:00

I always do loads of planning before booking any trips. Not all plans work out. For the last trip thought it be a good idea to stay in Mestre, near Venice, Italy. Deliberately looked for a Hotel near the railway for ease of travel. Looked up 'trip advisor' which is a usually very good source. The 'Club' Hotel was supposed to be about 100 metres from the railway. Actual distance is 1.5 km and the Hotel itself doesn't claim to be 100m away. The Hotel however fails to mention the fact that it is completely isolated from the town and at night there is only one Trattoria or Cafe. I knew in advance that trattoria was poor as I had read several reviews saying to avoid. Run by an Italian cousin of Basil Fawlty, he is or was too busy laying out tables to take orders and he made us wait 30 minutes before coming over to take our order. Another 30 minutes our meals arrived. Not really bad but it all tasted like it was heated up and not fresh and of course expensive. Most evenings we avoided it except to buy an ice cream or a take away coffee.
I did walk one evening to see how long it took back to civilization. It did take about 30 minutes including a walk under a motorway through an underpass full of grafetti and unmentionable smells.
Another long held plan was to go to Trieste on Train and apart from visiting the sights go up to the hill above Trieste to Opicina via the Funicular Tram. Unfortunately following an expensive overhaul the tram has suffered numerous breakdowns and runaways so has been closed for repairs. It looks as if the money spent was mainly wasted and apparently the inferior cables installed have completely broken down. Instead we got a bus which took us along a similar route to Opicina. Even finding the tram initially was difficult as the sign posts point you in the wrong direction. Possibly 'they' do not want you to find it and hope to close it down due to lack of patronage. A local Bus driver was very helpful and told us where to go for the replacement bus service and told us to enjoy our holiday. So not all service workers went to the Basil Fawlty School of Charm. 'We' had a similar Tram in Ireland serving the Hill of Howth, it closed down before I was born as there was no money to renovate it despite it being a tourist attraction.

Extra. One week later after visit to Trieste the tramway re opened! Bad timing?

Venice

2008-05-22T00:47:00.004+01:00

After London was time to return to Italy. Booked to stay in Mestre and planned to go to nearby Venice and other cities. On the first night arrived at Marco Polo Airport. We were sold the wrong tickets at Airport for a non existant bus service, so along with others got on another Bus going to Mestre. Luckily Italian Bus companies rarely send inspectors. Anyhow arriving in Mestre holding the directions to the hotel, we eventually decided to get a taxi. Turned out the directions were completly wrong and the Hotel had mysteriously moved 1.2 km further along the road. The only real bad point of the hols was the difficulty getting buses back to the hotel and we eventually gave up and got a taxi. We did all the main Islands of Venice, Burano, Murano and Lido. Also spent a pleasant day in Trieste which was about 160 km away on a train journey. We also 'did' Padua and Treviso. Unfortunately on the final day it rained and thundered all day so we just went early to the Airport and waited and waited and waited.

London

2008-05-20T20:28:00.002+01:00

Went over to London for a few days. Seem to always do the same things and visit same places. Visited a few new places this time. having rad a magazine article I paid a visit to a couple of 1950's style Italian Cafes, 1 in Bethnal Green and the other near Fulham Football Ground. the one in Bethnal Green , E. Pellicci has been listed by the local council planners. Inside the Interior is decked out in Wood Marketry and hasnt changed in 50 years. The food is all 'greasy Spoon' type but cooked just right. Also full of locals chatting like a real life version of 'Eastenders'
. http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/Pelliccifeature.htm
The other cafe the Riverside Cafe is right outside the bus station and Tube at Fulham. Again well worth a visit for the food the decor and athmosphere. If your going to a city for a second or third visit its well worth researching more unusual things to do. Another cafe well worth a visit is the Ace Cafe. Its a modern version of a 50's 'Transport' cafe where car and biker nuts meets ever night.

Nice in Nice

2008-03-15T19:10:00.004Z

Never been to Nice or that part of France but Mum went there many times with Dad years ago. Having found the usual goodish deal on flights also got a good deal on Hotel as well and near the main street in Central Nice. Nothing really wrong with the accomodation except the french obsession with never painting rooms or replacing carpets until completly worn out. However it was very central right beside the new Tram and train stations. You could probably spend more time in Nice but me and Mum planned a few trips to Cannes, Grasse, Monaco and up the mountains to Tende. On the flight over from Dublin there was some delay landing so we circled the general area several times and one of the Air Stewards gave us a running commentary and also telling us how lucky we all were to be staying in Nice and to enjoy the cuisine.
Never been one for expensive meals but in Nice there is no shortage of reasonable Restaurants and there were at least 20 such right beside our Hotel. On The first night we went past a small Restaurant that was fairly packed unlike most in the area and decoded to try it the next night. The meals were nearly all a set meal, starter, main course and dessert. Wine was extra. Amazingly the food and drink was less than 20 euro each and have to say it was the freshest and best meal I have had for years. The next night that Restaurant was closed so we tried another across the street. Only slightly more expensive. Slightly meaning one Euro. However the meal was as good as the previous night. Not a proper survey but a 100% success rate there.
Another day we went on a train to Tende. Its called the Train de Mervilles and it follows the old Salt route over the mountains to italy. The Train goes further into Cuneo but was too far for one day trip. In Tende we eat outside with rolls and cakes from the local shop. More to follow.

Lisbon 2007

2007-12-19T00:25:00.002Z

Was in Lisbon for the second time last week. December is a great time to go there as its still quite warm there especially compared to Dublin. Stayed in a small city centre Hotel right in the very centre of all the shops and cafes. Compared to Dublin, Lisbon foe me has much more to offer. Lisbon has retained more of its character, small shops and has less Multi National Shop brands. There was just one MacDonalds to be seen and we decided not to go in even for a cup of tea. Lisbon anyway has much better Cafes and Restaurants. Many Cafes date back to early 20th century and we visited several. One Cafe in Belem out on the coast is reached by an old fashioned Tram which races out along the tracks at break neck speed. The Pasteis de Belem opened in 1837 and today claims to serve up to 50,000 cakes a day. At night the Cafe is filled with young and old tucking into to custard tarts and coffee as well as the odd glass of wine. Many of the cafes in Lisbon serve mainly coffee and soft drinks and people use them like people in Ireland use Pubs to meet up. In the city centre of Dublin the streets sometimes resemble a war zone, the odd fight breaking out, shouting, drunks everywhere. Lisbon seemed more relaxed and family orientated.

Second photo is of a small family run restaurant we went to twice. Wine was less than 85 cent a glass Coffee 65 cents and a main meal was less than 6 Euro. Have heard some tourists complain of being charged for bread and olives which had been left on their tables. But at the prices we were charged those tourists either went to the wrong places or were too tight fisted.

October 2007

2007-10-10T08:14:00.001+01:00

Louverval

2007-10-09T14:40:00.000+01:00

Just back from France, We visited the Cambrai Memorial in Louverval. Our Great Uncle died fighting for the Allies in the first World War. Mum never met him. he died before she was born. Theres very few people actually buried at the Memorial, many bodies were never found or identified. The whole of Northern France is dotted with graveyards. The Cambrai Memorial is built on land given by locals in France in perpetuity to honour those who gave their lives to keep France free. It took a long while to actually find our great Uncles name on the Memorial. Still a very sad place after nearly 90 years since the battle that cost so many lives. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission certainly maintain the place in fabulous condition, the grass is cut almost daily and theres no dirt or rusty corners anywhere and looks as if the Memorial was only built recently.

Cambrai

2007-08-19T23:04:00.000+01:00

In October We are going to France for a short holiday and most importantly to visit the memorial at Cambrai, Northern France. The Memorial commemorates over 7,000 troops who died there in November and December 1917. Jack Appleby was the Son of Joseph and Margaret Appleby of Rathangan, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Jack Appleby worked for the Post Office in the General Post Office, Dublin. Like thousands of of others he volunteered to fight against the German invasion of France. Aparently people were offered promotion in their job if they volunteered. Unfortunately very few returned and Jack was killed in action on December 2nd 1917. Jack was Mums Uncle and of course Mum never met him, but we have decided to go to France to visit the memorial nearly 90 years. I don't really know if any of the soldiers are actually buried at the Memorial. There are no marked graves, only a panel on the memorial which should contain his name. Jack was attached to the Post Office Rifles, London Regiment. Reading old books and also from watching TV documentaries most of the soldiers like Uncle Jack didn't have a chance, or much chance to return alive. The tactics at the time were to send the ground troops 'over the top' to face the enemy hidden in trenches. Most were simply 'mown down' by machine guns for the sake of a few yards or metres gained. Of course the higher up members of the Armies on both sides didn't get out of their bunkers, they probably were too busy eating lunch or having an afternoon brandy. 'Like lambs to the slaughter' was another phrase used at the time.
Anyhow I suppose thanks to the bravery of Uncle Jack and many thousands of other Irishmen, and all the millions of volunteers from England, Wales, Scotland and Europe and even as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, I am able to type this up today.
According to my Uncle Joe, at the time of Jacks death, his family was told that he was killed by a piece of shrapnel, but as his body was never found how could they have known that. Maybe they thought it was better to say that rather than give no information. The only picture I have is from his memorial card. The photo is very faint but I can just about see what looks like him in a Military uniform.
When I find the memorial I will take a few photos and also on return to Ireland will do the modern thing and mark the memorial in GoogleEarth and Wikimapia in case anyone browsing will one day find the location and want to read more about the memorial. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission also record everything on the Internet and will maintain the memorial in perpetuity.

Birthday preparations

2007-08-08T23:58:00.000+01:00

Mum is 80 in September and is having a celebration on Saturday 8th of September for all her Friends and Relatives. Have been busy getting the garden fixed up in case the weather improves. Almost all Summer the weather has been terrible here. Neglected the back garden for a while and it went a bit mad. Over 50 years ago Dad decided to put in several large Rockeries, dozens of trees and bushes and thousands of rocks. Some rocks came from as far a field as Kilkenny and Killarney. Anyhow it has all got a bit too much over the years and I have had to reduce it a bit and dig out old trees etc. Hopefully ready now for the big day. Have some old garden photos somewhere. Must do a then and now shot sometime. I have still kept most of the shape of Dads unique garden but now hopefully less labour intensive.

Trip to Appenzell via St. Gallen

2007-06-29T23:47:00.000+01:00

At the risk of boring everyone and I may be repeating myself, Swiss Railways do run like clockwork. Trains arrive early and if you miss one theres another train coming soon, or just get a train somewhere else and see where it brings you. Set off one of the mornings from Zurich to St. Gallen, to the North of the country. St. Gallen is another beautiful town or small city. Founded by an irish Monk incidentally. Arriving in St. Gallen we then went for something to eat in a Migros Cafe. Then rambled about and found the Trogenerbahn, otherwise known as the Orange Tram. Its actually almost a train that runs on the roadway. Unusually it climbs up steep gradients and giving spectacular views of the countryside. The old fashioned trams have been completely refurbished and look as they must have left the factory. Recently they have introduced new modern trams but they have retained some of the old fleet. Aparently there are plans to extend the line so the future of the line seems assured.
Another day we returned to St. Gallen and found another train station just beside the Trogenerbahn, which is the Terminus of the AppenzellBahn. This is another narrow gauge rack railway again retaining fairly historic trains but meticulously maintained and featuring 'roll down' windows for excellent views of the countryside. Departing the Station the train almost immediately starts a winding climb up an incredibly steep hill. Further on the line is more level and the train passes along the side of the road picking up passengers along the roadside. The driver uses the old fashioned whistle regularly to remind traffic the train is approaching. Eventually we reach Appenzell, another picture perfect town in a country of picture perfect towns. Possibly considered by some to be a tourist trap but Its still a town for the locals doing shopping and going about their daily lives. Anyhow to me it looked as if the town wasn't just a museum piece, certainly the cleanest town and most colourful as well. Just bought a few souvenirs there and the obligatory ice cream of course.
From Appenzell we got another train back to Gais and then almost immediately another train on a branch line to Altstatten. This was another rack railway line and again was most enjoyable as it rambled about the countryside at a slow pace and often down very steep hills. The line runs through fields where you can actually hold your hand out the window and touch trees and even cows who come right up to the train. Maybe thats why the cows in Switzerland always have a bell round their neck!
Eventually we reached the end of the line at Altstatten. here we had the only slight problem of the trip. The train station is about 2km from the nearest mainline Railway!. Of course a local Bus is provided and it duly arrived within 5 mins. Then at the next station we only had to wait a few minutes for another train.

2007-06-16T19:34:00.001+01:00

If its Tuesday, it must be?

2007-06-16T19:17:00.000+01:00

Before I forget I had to do a list of where we went on hols.
Wednesday- Arrived in Zurich, Tram trips around the city and something to eat.
Thursday- Zurich Cruise. Train trip to Lucerne, 2 Further cruises on the lake.
Friday- Chur to Arosa, Mountain trip. Then to St. Gallen, Went on Old Tram up to Trogen.
Saturday- Engelberg Mountain Railway. Also went to Meiringen on the Brunig Line.
Sunday-Romanshore and went to see the Rhein falls.
Monday- Interlakken, the Mecca for all Trainspotters.
Tuesday- St Gallen, and Appenzell region, also a quick visit to Leitchenstein.
Wednesday-Return to Dublin.

2 Photos of Mum enjoying herself.

Swiss Railway Holidays I

2007-06-16T11:29:00.000+01:00

Just returned from a week of travel all over the Northern and Eastern sides of Switzerland. We stayed ina bed and Breakfast in Zurich. Located on a few minutes by Zurich Tram to the City Centre and main railway station. Didn't actually stay much in Zurich but used it as a base for further travels. On the first morning we went on a Boat on the lake and had a nice cruise for a couple of hours, then got a train to Lucerne and another cruise. Unlike Ireland, Switzerland has a proper integrated Transport system and quite often you can get off a train and a boat, bus and another train is waiting for you to continue your journey. Years ago talking to one of my Dads friend, Dave he told me when in other countries railways were being closed down, the swiss people voted to keep them open. In Ireland the money was never put in to the transport system and the authorities couldn't wait to close down as many lines as possible. Switzerland still has more lines than any other country in Europe despite its small land mass.
More ramblings to follow.

Travel Tip no 9

2007-05-29T00:17:00.000+01:00

One of the problems encountered by the cost conscious traveller is where to go for a meal. Preferably somwhere a little different or very cheap and filling meals. My tip is to look upwards. For some strange reason many Department Stores often have restaurants on their top floor. In Paris, Printemps is a huge department store with a roof top restaurant including an open air part. Eating outside seems to make the food taste better and In Printemps you have a fantastic view of the whole of Paris. Another store by the Seine is La Samaritaine, again it has a roof top restaurant. In Switzerland, Manora is a similar department store and in Lucerne the restaurant is again on the top floor and you can eat outside in Summer. Aparently in Zurich its the same story. Finally in Porto, we had a snack in the Cortez Ingleses, again it was on the 7th or 8th floor with a fine view of Porto. Although the food wasnt that great we could pretend to be Riff Raff for a few minutes. Picture of Printemps in February 2003.

Recycling, an Irish Tradition

2007-05-21T17:58:00.000+01:00

In Ireland as in many other countries when children make their first Communion, a great effort is made by families to get their children ready, money is spent on clothes and all sorts of presents. many Families in Ireland spend thousands, maybe hundreds on dresses especially, even if they cant areally afford it. I remember over 25 years ago Olive who lives in Canada also told us how expensive Communion dresses were in Canada, and Mum actually made a Communion dress for Olives daughter and sent it over. I think Olive made the final adjustments over there, the material was bought in Dublin. Mum probably went all over Dublin looking for all the right buttons, material and additional little bits.
Later on when Frank got married to Joan, Mum made the Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaids Dresses.
Back to the recycling bit, when my first Niece Karen was to make her First Communion again Mum made the dress. Usually the dress gets used once. But over the years as Frank and Joans children came to make their Communion the dress was re used. Mum made the odd alteration, added a veil, changed the sleeves and other details known only to the Ladies.
From what I hear from people in work and in Dublin, this would be unheard of. As mentioned before up to 1,000 euro is spent on a childs dress and never used again. My 3 Nieces don't really mind, they seemed to like the idea that they shared the dress, not to save money and Mum delighted every time in doing up the old dress.In the picture are Aisling, Lauren and Karen (left to right)

Search for a House

2007-03-28T23:49:00.000+01:00

Before flying to Gerona, I had spent a lot of time looking at possible areas to look at housing and land. We had narrowed our search to the Languedoc area and just North of the Spanish border. The first day in France, we just went for a drive to familiarise with the area and went for something to eat in St. Cyprian. Most of the Restaurants and Cafes close from 2.0 to 6.30, so between these times it can be hard to find anywhere open. On Saturday we had arranged to meet a local sales agent who showed us a selection of Property all near the seaside town or Argeles Sur Mer. We were quickly shown the properties and it helped us make up our mind as to what were need in a house and the pros and cons for the next visit. For example property in Argeles Sur Mer has the benefits of having a free Bus to the beach as well as being near the Train station and local shops open all the year around. So it might be possible to have a holiday without hiring out a car. All the properties needed some work and one of them is still being considered. Another day we went for a drive about 30 km inland and up hill to a town called Taulis. As we drove and drove around yet another bend it became clear that this property was simply to remote and too difficult to get to. On the Tuesday we were shown 3 sites where we could get a new House or Villa Built, these are all about 20 minutes from the beach, optimistically Frank reckons everyone could go to the beach by scooters. having arrived back in Ireland we are still trying to decide our next trip to France and whether to make an offer on any of the properties.

Collioure

2007-03-26T23:16:00.000+01:00

Went to Southern France last week, holiday and looking at property. Arrived in Gerona, Spain on Friday morning and we picked up a hire car and drove to Collioure. Collioure is a picture postcard fishing village. However it wasnt perfect. Firstly although not completly dead, very few places were open and the local Pub only opens at week ends . There were a few Cafes and Restaurants and on the first day we eat al fresco and I included a pic here. We had booked an Apartment and it was adequate but the car parking was a nightmare ven for my brother. No wonder all the local cars had bumps or were very small vehicles. Apart from looking at property we went to Spain to see the Dali Museum and some shopping. Back to Collioure we had a meal in the Dali Restaurant. Most of the main courses were Duck so we all had Chicken. Don't think our Chef was impressed. I thought of the Basil Fawlty episode and the 'Duck Suprise' Salvadore himself didn't show up, must have seen the ad saying 'no riff raff invited''

HOLS 2007

2007-03-11T01:10:00.000Z

Off Friday 16th to Gerona and then up into Southern France to look at property and a holiday. Hope to find somewhere nice to build a small Villa. Small house really but Villa sounds nicer. Has been some technical difficulty accessing this website due to some ISP having code conflicting with the Blogs here. Back with photos in a couple of weeks.

March

2007-03-01T23:11:00.000Z

News to follow. Gone shopping.

My Grand Parents

2007-02-04T00:00:00.000Z

I can only remember one of my Grandparents, Granda Maguire. I hope to wite up short biography on them all but must get the information from my sources first. Obviously doing a Google will be no help to me here! In the meantime here are the mug shots.

A Piano for Margaret

2007-02-03T19:19:00.000Z

A Family memory by Betty Maguire.

A Piano for Margaret.
One of the highlights of the year when I was young was our annual holidays on my aunts Farm in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. After the city’s smells, O’Keefes the knackers in particular, a short distance from where I lived in the Liberties in the centre of Dublin, it was wonderful to get out of the bus at Deerpark and immediately the heady scent of the flowering currant bushes in the hedges outside the house assailed our nostrils first. Then the smell of turf burning and the warm welcome from my Aunt Connie and Uncle Lar and family not forgetting Jess the family sheep dog who wagged his tail so much one would be afraid It would drop off.
Once upon a time my cousin Nell also happened to be visiting there at the same time as us. We got to yarning about a house simply called “ The Lodge” which Nell’s father and mine were always talking about. It was where their mother was born and reared, and it seemed to us to have held a kind of magic for them. Neither Nell or I had ever been to visit it. No information was forthcoming by our relatives. So we decided to sneak off to Rathdangan to visit the Lodge and see for ourselves. We had our bicycles with us so we were mobile. It was about seven miles mostly uphill. The Sun shone, the birds were the only sound we heard on our cycle run and we stopped now and then to admire the countryside. Red poppies intermixed with blue cornflowers were growing at the roadside. The elderflower was in blossom and the scent of new mown hay was all
around us. We went from brilliant sunshine to dark shade as we went through Hume Wood. The trees met overhead. Here and there a shaft of sunshine broke through. It was like natures Cathedral. We felt we were on a pilgrimage, and fell to whispering. A hen pheasant sitting in the hedge nearby gave us a sharp eye as we passed by. We also stopped to look at Finn Mc Cool, his wife and his dog Bran on the side of Ceadeen Mountain. The figures can still be seen in the general flora of the mountain to this day. At last we came to the village of Rathdangan where we enquired our way to the “Lodge” and we were directed down a boreen. As we came towards the house an old crone was standing at the gate, dressed in black from head to toe with a black high crowned hat just like a witch.
She said “ I know who ye are ! Appleby’s !“ ( I was more than ever convinced that she was a Witch as in my innocence I didn’t realise that she put 2 and 2 together and also saw a family resemblance.
We were invited into the house and a great fuss was made of us by “ Peter of the Lodge and His sister Kate of the Lodge “ ( Thus they were always known by our fathers) Nell stayed to chat to Kate and I followed Peter as he had some farm chores to attend to. Peter brought me on a tour of the farm. It nestles in a beautiful glen on one side of which was Ceadeen Mountain with a wonderful panoramic view spread out before me and I was quite lost in admiration of the scene, but Peter said “You are seeing it at it’s best. It is not so inviting in the winter when it’s cloudy, wet, and windy.’’ I didn’t believe him. To me it was just pure magic as I was brought up in the inner city of Dublin with slums and tenements all around where I lived.
We returned to the house and had a real farmhouse tea, boiled eggs and brown bread with fresh country butter.
I had a chance to experience a favorite memory of my father when he was young. It was sitting in the inglenook and looking up the chimney at the stars in the heavens, I only saw blue sky and powder puffs of white cloud drifting past.
Presently Kate brought us into the parlour. Nell and I both exclaimed at once “ A piano ”. We both played the piano and we dashed over hoping to play a bit of music to entertain Peter and Kate, but alas it was not to be for when we opened up the lid of the piano we were shocked to see all the keys were black and mildewed and the wood was rotten, due to the damp, as the room was never heated or used. Having said our good byes and thanks we returned to Deer park and told of our visit to the Lodge.
One of the first things I said to my mother was about the state of the piano. Being of a musical nature I was deeply upset by this.
“There is a wonderful story about that piano, I’ll tell you about it” she said.
My great grand father had one daughter, Margaret. At that time about 1860 or shortly after, there was hardly any employment for women except domestic work, which was hard labour, unless you could acquire a bit of education and aim for something better.
He knew Margaret was clever and musical as well. So he decided to do something about it. He had a few guineas saved up so he harnessed his horse to the common cart and set out for Dublin, 50 miles away. Most of the side roads were little more than boreens. The main road to Dublin from Baltinglass was probably macadamed.

He stayed one night in ballyknockin at his cousin’s Mary Ann before travelling on to the city, and making his way to the auction rooms on Ormond Quay and Bachelors Walk and there he purchased a piano for Margaret. He loaded it on his cart and set out on the return journey. The embankment road was not built then. He would have had to travel to the Naas road through Robinhood lane and Saggart village and on up through the very steep road to the Slade valley and on to Brittas and Blessington, all mostly uphill. There were no weather forecasts then, but of course country men were great judges of the weather ( they had to be) but even so we all know how fickle our weather can be. He had to walk all the way himself to save the horse who had to pull the cart with the piano on it. It is hard to imagine what the journey was like in those day’s but a commitment for a better life for his daughter was what motivated him.
What a wonderful thing for a poor farmer to do for his daughter. To spend his little nest egg and set out on this hazardous journey was a great adventure in those days. The end result can be seen today. All the descendents of that young girl have contributed greatly in different levels of achievement to the present Celtic Tiger in, Business, Government, Nursing, Medicine, Teaching, Justice and Public Services.
I wonder as he approached home and saw the candle left lighting in the window, did he know at all and thought of Portia’s words on returning home from Venice.
“ THAT LIGHT WE SEE BURNING IN THE HALL
HOW FAR THAT LITTLE CANDLE THROWS ITS BEAMS
SO SHINES A GOOD DEED IN A TROUBLED WORLD”

The picture is the earliest photograph in my collection. It is of Joseph Appleby, Margaret Appleby, Nell Appleby and Maureen Appleby.

Lisbon by Night

2007-02-01T23:55:00.000Z

Swiss Travel

2007-02-01T22:27:00.000Z

Swiss Travel

2007-02-01T22:18:00.000Z

Some photos from the 2003 trip. Really enjoyed my first trip and have booked another trip this Summer. Here are a few more photos.

My Brother Frank

2007-01-31T22:46:00.000Z

Stiil to be seen playing football somewhere in Dublin today, Frank always had a football ready in case there was a game somewhere. This must be from the mid sixties taken by me in our back garden.

Kilkenny, Mary Maguire, Francis Maguire

2007-01-31T22:17:00.000Z

Kilkenny

2007-01-31T22:14:00.000Z

More from Kilkenny

2007-01-31T22:12:00.000Z

My Auntie Maureen Maguire, my Grandad, Francis 'Titanic' Maguire.

From the Archives

2007-01-31T21:56:00.000Z

Dad was born in Watergate, Kilkenny. Really in the centre of Kilkenny City near the Smithwicks Brewery. The Maguires lived over a shop and Dads Auntie ran the shop. More about that later. The earliest photos are now almost 90 years old and although small in size still are of a good quality and I have started scanning them all in. At present I have about 2,000 digital photos on my Laptop and have thousands of old photos to scan in. Here are a few from Kilkenny in the 1920's or therabouts.

The man behind the camera

2007-01-18T22:54:00.000Z

Taken by Mum, while on a short cruise in Porto.

Christmas 2006

2007-01-17T22:59:00.000Z

Christmas Day was held in our House this year. next Christmas will probably be held down in Maggies Meadow in Tipperary, when the new House is finished. More about that later. It was a tight squeeze in the house in Cherryfield as there was the 3 girls, Aishling, Lauren and Karen, my Brother Frank, his wife Joan as well as myself and Mum of course. Apart form traditional gifts it was of course a rather hi tech affair. At any one time up to three laptops going on the intrnet, Nintendo Lites sending texts and drawing wirelessly, iPods being charged, songs downloaded etc. Also still some traditional touches such as dolls and a big Dolls House as well. As usual Joan and Frank did much of the cooking and the food was fantastic and Mum did her Christmas Puddings. On Christmas day i had to drop down a Christmas Pudding down to Mums Sister and they were waiting for the Pudding when I arrived. The Mulhalls almost had the dessert spoons ready when I called.
In the Photo is Mum with my 3 Nieces, Aishling (jumping about) Karen ( dark hair ) and Lauren.

Ramdom Photo

2007-01-16T17:59:00.000Z

When we were in Vienna, the lady who owned the Apartment gave some suggestions of places to visit. One was to visit a famous Ice Cream Parlour, called 'Ticky' it was one one of the U Bahn lines so eventually we found it. It was much bigger than expected, they had several shop fronts and a large Cafe. Was well worth a visit, and certainly very popular with locals as well as tourists.

JAN 2007

2007-01-14T12:17:00.000Z

Went into Dublin City on Friday to meet my friend, Orla for a Birthday meal and drink. The most popular area for tourists in Dublin is the Temple Bar area. Most of the tourists go there to see all the old Cafes, Restaurants, Pubs, clubs and Art Houses. As we looked for somewhere to eat I wondered how may tourists actually know the whole area aside from a couple of places is about as old as Disneyland Paris. In the early 70's the whole area was bought up by the national bus company and they hoped to build another bus terminus and garage. The whole area became more or less derelict, as the properties were bought up. The only new large building was the new Central bank built in the late 70's. Purely to make money while more properties became available some of the run down properties were rented out on short term leases and a number of small shops opened, mainly selling records, jewellery etc., and the area became a kind of alternative area where younger people came to enjoy the bomemian athmosphere. The plans for a new bus station never materialised and instead the area was allowed develop, I suppose organically and more little shops opened up. The streets were dug up and cobblestones were put back down to make the area look more 'Authentic'. In fact most of the cobbles were 'robbed' from other areas and in one area of Dublin the cobbles had to be returned back to their rightful place. What has happened since is the influx odd dozens of pubs and clubs. The area has been successfully developed, although I feel its still a bit of a con job and looking at the prices in the restaurants and pubs. it certainly looks that way. Infact Dublin has become one of the most expensive tourist destinations, and Having travelled around Europe I would agree.
Its actually the same with a lot of 'old Dublin', Most of Dublin Castle has been rebuilt in recent years, but much of it now looks older now than it ever did. The same thing probably happens all around the world. Last year I was in Carcassione and the castle there looks and is very old but you can easily see that many old looking towers were added about 100 years ago to make it look more 'oldy worldy'
Back to the meal finally gound a small restaurant off Grafton Street, probaly no bettter or worse than one in Temple Bar. Probably find next time I go past this restaurant it will have been changed into a 15th century cafe. And I don't think they had cafes in 'dem' days either!

2007 More news

2006-12-20T01:10:00.000Z

No new stories just an update really. Plans for House Hunting in France were delayed due to a lenghty delay in sale of a property in Ireland. Now that is sorted out the plan is to go on a couple of holidays to France and have another look around. Hope to have some new 'old' tales soon. Mum has been writing away and sent one story in for a writing competition. That story is still 'embargoed' at the moment.
Sundays for as long as I have been driving have been an excuse to bring Mum and Dad when he was still with us for a short drive or occasional trip on the 'DART' The other Sunday we drove to Booterstown Station and parked the car outside. Mum has free travel for herself and luckily I go free as well. The first DART train that arrived was completly full, mainly of Rugby supporters going to an International. So full was the train that we didnt get on. In fact when the doors opened there was no room. We got a later DART to Malahide Village. Malahide is a nice seaside place and we have been going there for more years than I care to remember. I can remember going as a child with my Uncle and Aunt. Once we walked down to Uncle Matts house, about 2 miles away and we then walked further to get a long forgotten Bus which went directly to the Village in Malahide. Then main things I can remember was getting one of those cardboard aeroplane kits in a sweet shop and having chips, bread and butter, and lemonade on the beach. By the time we had our meal and paddled about at the little beach it was almost time to go home.
The most recent visit was rather quicker to get there and we went for a stroll to the sea front and then back to a Pub for something to eat. Much of Malahide has been re developed, not all good but one thing I like is a sculpture by Niall O'Neill. I worked for a few years with the Sculptors Society of Ireland and Niall was at the time Chairman. Being an artist usually means a bit of a bohemian lifestyle, sometimes laidback. And Niall is no diffferent. Funny enough although the SSI was a rather laidback place to work I always felt more work was done there than any other place I have worked, the friendly athmosphere seemed to encourage work and many worthwhile art projects were undertaken, especially in schools and exhibitions etc.
If you ever find yourself on hols in Dublin, a short day trip to Malahide is recomended, and have a look at Nialls sculpture too, best enjoyed by geting fish and chips in the local takeaway and sit in the little park and admire the view.