It was Friday morning and time to set off for the Irish Shindig. After calling in for Dickie we set of for Betws-y-Coed where we enjoyed a delightful breakfast outside the cafe in the morning sun. It was then on to Holyhead going up the A5 this was a pleasant ride in the good weather. On arrival at Holyhead we met John and Tracey at the petrol station.
It was then onto the ferry and off to Ireland and with the weather being so nice we spent the crossing on deck. We arrived in Dublin and made our way to Redcross village where the rally site was. We were greeted by Mert and his family and the Irish lads who had already arrived. We were offered a cup of tea but declined as we wanted to get our tents up. This was done in record time something to do with that cup of tea that had been offered I think.
So it was off to Mert’s caravan for a cup of tea or two and a bit of a chat and must I just say, Sally makes a cracking cuppa. It was then time for food and off to the pub to watch the footie at which point Patrick said, “Ill pray for you guys”. The rest of the night was spent in the pub where we had a bit of a chat and sank a few pints. On the way back to the tent I thought I saw a pixie but it was Dickie prancing about; the boy had sampled far too much.
Saturday morning and with breakfast done and dusted it was time for the run out. This took us to Glendalough monastic site where we had a personal tour by Mert it was then over the Wicklow Gap and onto Avoca . This village is most famous for the TV series Ballykissangel. There is also a handweavers in the village where we had a guided tour and Mert had arranged soup and bread for us in the cafe. Some of the looms still in operation are over a hundred years old. It was back to the camp site for tea, then back to the pub for the prize giving and raffle. Afterwards the instruments were taken to the outdoor area where we all had a chat and a good old sing song; on the way back to the tents, that pixie was at it again.
Sunday morning and with tents packed it was time to say the goodbyes and head home.
With the ferry crossing done it was a superb ride again down the A5 Betws-y-Coed where this time it was pie and chips for tea and then head for home. A good weekend was had and a big thanks to Mert and his family.
The Wheels crew of Oz, Dickie, John and Tracey