Day 14
The next morning was the coldest yet. I awoke early to get a good start on the day, and immediately made the decision not to get out of bed. I couldn’t bare to move the covers, instead curling into a tight ball and waiting until the sun rose and the earth began to warm.
A few hours later it finally felt safe to crawl out of my cocoon and, after a quick breakfast, I was on my way this time heading for Dungarvan. As luck would have it my friend Danny was going to be at home while I was passing through this part of the country, and I began my day with the excitement of knowing I would wake in a wonderfully warm bed the following morning.
Thinking I didn’t have such a distance to travel I took my time, and soon realised it had taken me around 4 hours to do barely half the planned distance that day! My journey took me along wonderfully quiet country roads with farmland surrounding me, fresh air filling my lungs as I climbed hill after hill.
Eventually I decided to rejoin main roads. I loved the country roads, but between being distracted by the views and so wanting to stop to take photos, and needing to break for navigation checks, at the rate I was going I wouldn’t be at Danny’s before it got dark!
Just as I was leaving the tranquility behind, a man who had pulled over in his truck stopped me, curious of my journey. Before I knew it I was being informed of history of the surrounding area, invited (with any friends that may be with me) to come and camp at his property if I ever return to Ireland, and being given a ridiculous amount of apples for someone who is travelling by bicycle!
On my way again and moving at a much faster pace, Lismore was soon in sight. As was the incredible castle that came with it. Positioned at the edge of the town at the top of a steep tree-filled embankment, you are able to get views of much of the exterior, as well as the lands of the property, via the road that takes you through town and over the bridge.
By the time I reached Dungarvan my phone was dead again, as was my backup battery charger. Luckily I’d had the foresight to write down Danny’s number and soon found myself using the Information Centre’s telephone to call for his direction. It once again felt quite enjoyable to be without the ease of technology, to be challenged a little and to feel like I had to pay much more attention to the world around me for fear of missing something important.
From Dungarvan there was another Greenway that led towards his house. An excellent pedestrianised old rail track, meaning an easy flat ride for my final leg. Now all I had to do was work out exactly which exit Danny had told me to go through…
After a welcome reunion, getting to meet his parents and see his wonderful house, we had a quiet evening. Both enjoying the fresh air and natural sounds that came with the beautiful place, with ocean views visible from front windows of the house, while farmland stretched out for miles at the back.
Day 15
Up early the following morning, I had some admin to finish off before heading on my way and needed to find a hostel halfway between Dungarvan and the ferry port. Although the admin was done the hostel was never found as, after Danny woke, I made the decision to stick around another day. It is not often we get to see each other and there was no need for me to rush, lucky that his dad worked in Waterford (the next city along) and had agreed to give me a lift the following morning. Plus, it was a great opportunity to see the place from a local’s point of view. I can’t deny the idea of another night sleeping in a wonderfully warm bed, with a hot water bottle, definitely helped to sway my decision!
After a relaxing day around their property and a few afternoon chores in town, Danny treated me to a coastal drive along what is known as the Gold Coast. Historically, much gold mining had happened in this area, and as is often the case, conditions for workers were poor with long hours worked. Stopping at an old sight, a place surrounded by such natural beauty, but also laid bare to the elements, it was hard to imagine the suffering this area had once seen – working long hours at a cliff edge, intense winds blowing, most likely often accompanied by cold and rain.
We made our way back as the sun was setting. The sight made all the more beautiful by the ample verdure filling my view, from time to time the glistening ocean falling back into sight.
As a thank you to his parents for letting me stay, we cooked a curry that evening. It was great to speak to them, to share some of my adventure and to hear stories they had to share. I was so grateful for a warm couple of nights and amazing hospitality to end my time in Ireland! So thankful in knowing that no matter where I was along my journey, if I ever really needed anything I had a good friend to call on.
We ended the night with another little walk along the lane. A bright moon lighting our way, stars scattered through the sky. As I listened once more to sounds of the ocean, enjoying the absolute peace that came with this magical place, I felt very envious that Danny is able to call this his home.
