Journeys on Screen: A B&B Roadtrip

A Full Irish Breakfast

Daniel & Majella's B&B Roadtrip is a lighthearted show that follows famous Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella as they tour around Ireland hopping from one Bed and Breakfast to another, letting their hosts choose their daily activities. More than anything I loved how much the show reminded me of my own trips - of hot breakfasts in cozy dining rooms, of seaside views from my room, of the warm welcome from hosts across the country. This is a fun little jaunt across the Emerald Isle streaming on Amazon Prime.

Journeys on Screen: Scottish Islands and Lochs

Paul Merton exploring Scotland's Lochs and Islands

If you can't get there by plane, train, or your own two feet, how about grabbing a hot cuppa tea and your tv remote and setting off to explore the Celtic Isles of Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain! It's great for armchair travelers, cozy couch explorers as well as those trying to plan a journey to these wild and wondrous islands.

BBC One's Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (seasons 1-4) and Grand Tours of Scottish Lochs (season 1) are two very impressive travel shows hosted by Paul Merton. This show offers some great scenery but also is engages with the unique Scottish culture and explores the history of land and people. Quite a fascinating show that delves way deeper into the land of the Scots than just the normal tourist destinations. They are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Scottish Relics: Craignethan Castle

The Castle Keep

Craignethan Castle in Lanarkshire was built around 1530.

 It overlooks the River Nethan and a great gorge. 

Lots of tunnels and corridors to explore here.

The River Nethan from a lookout on short hike from the castle. 

Magical Hawthorn in Bloom

On the hike below the castle

The Holly & The Ivy

Gathering the Greens

The holiday season is well under way. I hope amidst the usual busyness of December you take time to slow down and experience the beauty of the season, the dark and starry nights, the twinkling lights, warm hearts, fires in the hearth, traditions of old and new.

A quick note: Nearly everything in shop is 20 to 40 percent off and much of it comes shipped for free. Gathering the Green Print above is only $5.40 and the Yuletide Emerald Post is only $10.40 both with free shipping. 

Yuletide Emerald Post

Scottish Relics: Crichton Castle

"That castle rises on the steep

Of the green vale of Tyne;

And far beneath, where slow they creep

From pool to eddy, dark and deep,

Where alders moist and willows weep

You hear her streams repine."

- description of Crichton Castle in1808 

by Sir Walter Scott from Marmion

Crichton Castle rising from the banks of the Tyne below. Built around 1400 by John Crichton. This castle is unbelievably picturesque and grand. Cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and on their Members Pass, about 40 minutes from Edinburgh and well worth a visit.

It was the very end of May when we visited but the May Tree, hawthorn, was at her splendid height of bloom as you can see. The castle overlooks this incredibly lush river valley, a strategic outpost with near 360 degree views and would have held control of the river. 

Unique diamond faceted façade added in 1580 by Francis Stewart - inspired by journeys to Italy.

Inside of the Grand Stables

The Grand Stables

The Gatehouse

Crichton Collegiate Church - Built in 1449 by William Crichton, Chancellor and one of the most powerful people in Scotland at the time.

Happy Halloween

Today, Halloween is upon us. The ancient Celtic roots are just underfoot at Samhain (summer's end) as we tread across the threshold from the light half of the year to the dark half, a time of fire and ice, hearth and home. Explore some roots and traditions below and enjoy your celebrations. 

Macnas Parade Galway 
Halloween Origins
Derry Halloween Celebrations
Halloween from Ireland to America

Ireland - Land of Saints and Scholars

Trinity College Dublin - www.tcd.ie

Ever fancy moving to Ireland, enrolling at Trinity College and studying some Irish History? Well, you can have a little slice of that dream from the comfort of home if you wish. Trinity College Dublin has offered a FREE online course "The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Mediavel Masterpiece."  The course is super easy to join, did I mention free, and it has just begun - available until Nov. 18th.

Page from Book of Kells - www.tcd.ie

It is a self paced 4 week course. I've already been through the course material for week one. It is fascinating and well presented with articles, videos, and interactive media. The course is offered through www.futurelearn.com which offers tons of other free online courses (also of note Irish 102: An Introduction to Irish Language & Culture). So go sign up, sharpen you pencils and your wits for a journey through Medieval Ireland. Grab a scarf and a hot cuppa tea as you imagine with me - strolling through the Autumn grounds of Trinity College, into the Long Room Library to learn in the land of Saints & Scholars.

The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin www.tcd.ie