Southeast Ireland

Leaving Fishguard on the Stenna line MV Europe the sun makes a welcome appearance

and we are treated to a smooth crossing to Rosslare where we arrive on time at 6pm. Rays takeaway is a welcome sight and we purchase fish and chips for our supper before driving down to the beach where we wildcamp for the night.


Morning arrives and so does the weather, a very blustery start and we soon arrive at the Irish Tintern Abbey, certainly in better condition than its Welsh partner.

A little further down some very rough muddy roads and we arrive at the oldest working lighthouse in the world at Hooks head.

Apparently there has been a beacon on these rocks since the early 5th century. The area has yet another claim to fame, it is responsible for the old saying “by hook or by crook” and here’s how. Back in 1169 Strongbow (Richard de Clare – Earl of Pembroke) landed here on his way to capture Waterford (of crystal fame) he reputedly instructed his men to land “by hook or by crooke” (crooke being the nearby settlement across the harbour).

The rain stops and as we enter Annstown the clouds part and we have blue skies and sunshine for the rest of the afternoon, - thanks Ann !!

Driving down some even rougher roads we arrive at Whiting bay just outside the village of Ardmore where we wildcamp for the night.

Just an observation but I think some of those Irish fellas that knock on your door asking if you want your drive covered in tarmac should maybe come back here and do some of their roads.