The weather forecasts have never been more correct than for today. All week Easter Sunday was predicted to have the worst weather of the weekend. As promised, the day started out "cloudy" and raining. The clouds were very low as pictured below.
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| And when we opened the front door our view was gone |
The plan for the day had been made and was followed very closely. We'd booked a tour at the Wicklow Brewery which makes craft beer. It's in a village called Redcross, in Co Wicklow. Google maps found it easily and our trip was without diversions or detours. Quite astonishing really. Actually, the weather had cleared a bit although long-distance vistas had to be imagined rather than viewed.
Fortunately, there was a parking lot around the back of the brewery and the attached and very popular Mickey Finn's Pub. We found an end parking space easily, into which I backed up. It was fortuitous as leaving the parking lot could have been very tricky as there was a car parked pretty close in front. Backing up would have been a nightmare. Of course, it was raining, but even walking around to the front entrance wasn't too far. Inside we couldn't get over the crowds. Why weren't these people at home for Easter dinner with their families? Do they really allow young children in pubs that serve food? Obviously, the answer is yes.
We arrived about 20 minutes early and as scheduled our guide showed up at 2 pm. The tour was private - we're the only ones who've booked a tour in a very long time. Bonus for us. The introductory video was very good as the two brewers shared the description of the various phases. I learned a lot about brewing and have already forgotten most of it. They make several different brews from the Coola Boola light-coloured and light-tasting beer to a very nice stout which to my taste buds, really does give Guinness a run for its money. As I am the driver, I sampled only a few and only very little. My favourite was still the lager.
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| one of the beautiful natural bars |
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| Pat and Martin our guide with a view of the taps for the sampling |
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| Look closely at the top to see why it can be called IPA, even though it's just barely less than 5% alcohol to be truly called an IPA Following the tour, Pat enjoyed a pint of the Stout and I enjoyed a Club Soda. There are some drawbacks to being the designated driver. We shared a bag of Mature Cheese and Red Onion Crisps (chips to Canadians). Note to self - look for those in the grocery store. A look at google maps showed that we were only 15 minutes from Ashford and it was our plan to pick up keys to where I'll be staying in Rosslare next week courtesy of Margaret and Eugene Stephens. Not only did we get the keys, but enjoyed a very tasty slice of chocolate cake and a cup of coffee. Of course, there was also great conversation and we had a lovely visit. We did make a slight diversion en route to see the Wicklow Golf Course. Wowser - arguably the most scenic course I've ever seen. We wanted to play there this week but they are all booked up for almost every day except maybe Friday. It's unlikely we'll make it but hope springs eternal.   And these were taken on a cloudy wet day. Rather than taking the scenic route back, provided by google maps, we took the M11 back to Gorey and from there I know the route "home". Google Maps has sent us on many scenic routes, which were probably shorter by about 200 yards, with roads narrower by a few yards. The chosen routes were not marred by a centre line painted on the roadway but there's incredible scenery when it's not overcast and raining. No point in driving there when you can't see those vistas. Once back at the cottage we did a little golf planning for the week and now it's time to call it a very good day and drift off to sleep. |
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