April 2016 - Outward journey from the Netherlands via Wales to Ireland

Betws-Y-Coed - N. Wales

Our journey started with a ferry crossing from Hook of Holland to Harwich in England.
Before travelling to our destination Kenmare, Co. Kerry, we spent a few days in Wales,
and in the town of Kilkenny, in Ireland.

In Wales we stayed in the village of Betws-y-Coed and visited the Bodnants Gardens and Gwydyr Castle.

Photo shows view from our room in the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel, in Betws-y-Coed in North Wales.

Betws-Y-Coed - N. Wales

View from our room in the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel in Betws-y-Coed in Wales.

Betws-Y-Coed - N. Wales

Enjoying the view from our balcony . . .

Betws-Y-Coed - N. Wales

Our room in the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel.

Betws-Y-Coed - N. Wales

Our room in the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel.

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

Gwydyr Castle, north of Betws-y-Coed, near the town of Llanwrst.

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

A very noisy welcome awaits you this time of year (mating season).
There's even a peacock doorman here.

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

The courtyard.

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

Gwydyr Castle, also spelled as Gwydir Castle.

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

Am I or am I not beautiful . . .

Gwydyr Castle, Llanwrst

Shaped as a rabbit . . .

Llanwrst - N. Wales

Llanwrst town centre.

Llanwrst - N. Wales

One of the banks offering a cash-point service here. . .

Llanwrst - N. Wales

Access-bridge to Llanwrst, built in 1636.

Llanwrst - N. Wales

The "Tu Hwnt i'r Bont"-tearoom in Llanwrst dates from the 15th century.

Llanwrst - N. Wales

Stone circle at the outskirts of Llanwrst, pre-historic (!?!?).

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Spring flowers with the last of the winter snow on the mountains.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

The last snow is melting away rapidly now.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

The mansion where the former owners used to live.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

This mansion is now owned by the National Trust.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Various brooklets and streamlets criss-cross the gardens.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

One of the eldest giants of forest.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

This giant of forest dates from 1876.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Mausoleum for the former founders and owners of the house and gardens.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

One of the many camellia's.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Back at the mansion, a central focus point within the park.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

View from the terrace in front of the house.

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Spring

Bodnant Gardens - Tal-y-Cafn, N. Wales

Spring

Kilkenny - Ierland

After crossing the Irish Sea we stayed in the town of Kilkenny, in the south east of Ireland.

Kilkenny is Ireland's oldest town and still has a lot of old buildings, of which ´Kilkenny Castle´ is the best known and ´St. Canice´s Cathedral´ the oldest.
Wij stayed at the ´River Court Hotel´, in the centre of Kilkenny, with lovely views on the castle
Photo shows our room in the ´River Court Hotel´.