Monday 17 July

Peatland Flora Co. Armagh

Port Stewart, Co. Antrim

We did a tour of the Bushmills whiskey distillery this morning (with the obligatory tasting at the end). A Lovely drop! Unfortunately the factory itself was not in production so we didn't see much going on. We bought a bottle of whiskey, some postcards and marmalade for Mum Werner. Northern Ireland seems a bit backward, great difficulty finding Laundromats, Internet and photo developing, but we are heading south now.

Finding a Laundromat took some time and 2 towns. Although beautiful weather, mid summer holidays and a seaside village, tourist requirements are inadequate. No 'one hour' developers to be found in any towns up north.

Cookstown Co. Londonderry

Again at beautiful Cookstown

We found Internet access in an awful 'dive' at Portrush. A real 'den of iniquity' with billiard tables, pokies etc. and a tiny back room with 2 computers (one working!) We are told to get used to it... it is said Scotland is also behind the times and access is not much better there.

This afternoon we visited a peat bog conservation area near Portadown where we are staying. Took lots of photos, including some insect eating flowers we hadn't seen elsewhere.
I bought a small book on wild flowers. Tonight's B&B (The Cottage) is a step down from where we have been staying the last few nights. In a rural setting we have a beautiful view from our window.

View from our bedroom window at 'The Cottage' Portadown

It is just after 10 PM and the sun has finally gone behind the mountains. Our room is big and roomy but with dreadful bright orange wallpaper with green flowers and a green border! Unbelievably awful! Furniture and furnishings are old and tatty to say the least, but the welcome was warm and genuine, the bed very comfortable.

We usually decide about 3 each afternoon where we are likely to finish up and then consult our handbook for addresses in that area. Of course we also take the price into consideration. Generally keeping to between 30 to 40 pounds a night (double).

Beautiful Loughgall Co. Armagh

And again, Beautiful Loughgall

Carnivorous Bog Plants

Temperatures today reached 24 degrees in parts of Ireland, wonderful sunshine! Tomorrow we are heading across to the coast below Belfast, then ambling toward Dublin over the next 3 days.

www.thecottage.btinternet.co.uk

17 Gallrock Road Birches Portadown.

Tel/fax: 0283 885 2189

Email: thecottage@btinternet.com

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