Nigel's Photo Blog

Bull Today, I am posting a collection of images taken this morning in course of a cycle ride around part of East Ayrshire. As the images herein illustrate, this part of East Ayrshire (S.W. Scotland) mainly comprises rolling farmland populated by cattle, dairy farming and sheep with few arable crops. The farms seem to be traditional, relatively small scale, 'mom and pop' type enterprises. The eclectic mix of images includes flowers, colourful tree blossom, a windfarm, bull, Highland Cow and a ruined 16th century castle. This colourful plant was growing on the side of the road. As far as I can ascertain, it is named Nemophila Menziesii which suggests it was brought to Scotland from California by famous Scottish plant hunter Archibald Menzies (1754-1842) Group of young calves Part of a windfarm   Highland Cow Cherry blossom Ruins of Corsehill Castle at Stewarton which date from the 16th century. The bright yellow flowers are gors

Ballycarbery Castle, Cahersiveen, County Kerry This evening I am posting details of a past tour of the Ring of Kerry which is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, S.W. Ireland. distance is just over 100 miles (179 km.)  1:We departed our lodgings in Ballincollig , near Cork.and embarked on a trip as follows: First a 30 minute drive west to Midleton where we joined the 1015 am tour of  Jameson Whiskey Experience . This entailed a guided tour of the Old Distillery which was superseded by a functioning distillery on an adjacent site. Here we were shown the whiskey making process from malting and mashing through to fermentation, distillation and maturation culminating in a tasting. Tasting at Jameson Whiskey Experience, Midleton Tour Group at Jameson Whiskey Experience, Mildleton Jameson Single Malts Jameson Whisky Experience, Midleto 2:After about two hours at Jameson we drove west for over two hours to connect with th

Muckross House, Killarney This evening, I am focusing on Muckross House, an Irish heritage property situated close to the popular town of Killarney in S.W. Ireland, about 300km/3.5 hours from Dublin. This property was designed by Scottish architect, William Burn for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert. Construction was completed in 1843. Queen Victoria visited in 1861. As will be evident from the images herein, the location benefits from a mild, wet climate which facilitates the lush and well maintained gardens for which Muckross is renowned. Other attractions at Muckross include: Farms Restaurant Craft Shop Tours of the interior which remains set in the Victorian period. Torc Waterfall. Jaunty Car (horse and buggy) rides. Muckross is well positioned for start/finish of a tour of the Ring of Kerry . Video clip of Jaunty Car ride at Muckross House Muckross Lake from Muckross House Jaunty Car at Muckross House Jaunty

SURVIVING THE DOWNTURN -2 Background This is an update on my previous post of April 16 th 2020. By way of a background, I spent many years as a senior risk executive in a large banking group followed by 13 years running my own in-bound tour company. Furthermore, I have published an 800 page book entitled a Visitors’ Guide to Scotland . These experiences provide a useful foundation from which to assess the future of the Scottish tourism industry in context of the current pandemic. Current state of pandemic At time of writing, there are some indications that the U.K. authorities are in control although death rates are still high. The ‘lockdown’ is working, albeit at enormous economic cost. As in many other countries, unemployment is at historic high levels and travel heavily restricted. Impact on tourism businesses From press and other media sources it is evident that many tourism related businesses are suffering and approaching end of their cash toleran

John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara Statue in Cong This evening, I am posting information on the village of Cong in Ireland which is located about 37 miles north of Galway in the west of the country, between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. Key attraction of Cong is link with the 1952 John Ford film, The Quiet Man starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald. Filming was undertaken in the village and at Ashford Castle nearby. Tourism is a key industry here. Other facts and information: Population 185. Straddles border of County Galway and County Mayo. Within the village is a ruined church and ruined abbey. Built on an island formed by streams. Home to shops, eateries, pubs and various accommodations for visitors. Telephone booth and signage in Cong. Quiet Man House, Cong Derelict Church, Cong Pat Cohan Bar and Cong Village