Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Reginald's Tower, Waterford


Reginald’s Tower is Waterford’s landmark monument and Ireland’s oldest civic building. It has been in continuous use for over 800 years.  The first tower on the site was built by Vikings after 914 and formed the apex of the triangular settlement, an area known to this day as the Viking Triangle.  Re-built by the Anglo Normans in the 12th century the top two floors were added in the 15th century.  Until about 1700 the tower was the strongpoint of the medieval defensive walls that enclosed the city. 

Hook Lighthouse, Wexford, Ireland


The oldest lighthouse in Ireland down at Hook Head. Monks tended a light here from the fifth century.


Sunday, April 6, 2014

Wadi Rum, Jordan - March 2014


 Stayed in a Bedouin tent in the desert of Wadi Rum. This is where either Peter O'Toole drove the Turks out of the region (British version of history) or the Arabs drove the Turks out of the area (everybody else's version)


Fantastic scenery but not a cat in sight. Or a tree...

Petra, Jordan - March 2014


 This is the ancient city of Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world.


 Rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks and rocks


 Petra rocks!


 Frankly, it was so hot, I was knackered by the end of it...


The Dead Sea, Jordan - March 2014

 Laying a claim to be the lowest spotted dog on earth. Here I am at 426 meters below sea level on the Jordan side of the Dead Sea. I was warned not to go in as the 30% salt content could seriously damage me


Aqaba, Jordan - March 2014


Relaxing in a five star hotel on the shores of the Red Sea. This is the life!


And then messing about in the hotel lobby...




Thursday, February 27, 2014

Stintino, Sardinia - May 2013

Overlooking the beach at Stintino

Alghero, Sardinia - May 2013

Looking out across the harbour in Alghero

Bonifacio, Corsica - May 2013



 Bonifacio lies on the southern tip of Corsica, across the strait from Sardinia
Le Bandit Corse

Sheeps Head Lighthouse, co. Cork - July 2012

 Had to hike a couple of miles to reach this lighthouse


Fastnet Lighthouse, co Cork - July 2012

 The most southwesterly point of Ireland, the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse


Mizen Head Lighthouse, co. Cork - July 2012

 Ireland's most southwesterly point, on the mainland anyway
 Slowly slowly catchee seagull



Kilcrohane, co. Cork - July 2012

 The beautiful views from above Kilcrohane on the Sheeps Head peninsula

The Healy Pass county Cork / county Kerry - July 2012

High up on the Beara peninsula

Macau - February 2012

The former Portuguese dependency of Macau, an hour by hydrofoil from Hong Kong, is now famous for its casinos and has been dubbed The Vegas of the East. 

Hong Kong - February 2012

 Meeting the Giant Pandas at Ocean Park

 About to board The Peak Tram

 The Bank of China Tower (above and below)


On board a Hong Kong tram