A VISIT TO THE SISTER NATIONS
An inter-country trek uncovers medieval history, majestic landscapes and age-old stories
It was the first time visiting Europe for my husband and me—we can’t wait to go back, by the way—and our trip itinerary included visiting both Ireland and Scotland. There was just so much to see! We began with beautiful Dublin, Ireland, which looking back seemed to have historic buildings at every turn. The scenery at Blarney Castle was breathtaking and I remember looking up to what seemed like the ruins of a four-storey castle. The Cliffs of Moher, measured at around 213 metres high and eight kilometres long, took quite a while to hike, but getting to see the ancient landmarks and incredible views was well worth it. We also visited Ballygally Castle, located along the Causeway Coast, which was used by the Game of Thrones cast and
crew as a set—a cool tidbit of information! We toured the superb seascapes, towering cli s and spectacular mountains of the Ring of Kerry, and passed through lush lands and crossed more than a few peat bogs en route to Moll’s Gap.
We then crossed the Irish Sea to Scotland, where we “met” Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, toured his expansive house and learned the history of the area, and his family and estate, Ardgowan House in the former county of Renfrewshire. The next day, we travelled through the Scottish Highlands to the Culloden Battlefield, which stretches for miles. The Battle of Culloden took place during the spring of 1746 and was the final confrontation of the Jacobite uprising. Spread out across the battlegrounds are many stones with clan names engraved on them, indicating the people who fought for the di erent clans at Culloden. We then headed on to a cruise of Loch Ness—the water was incredibly dark—but no, we did not spot “Nessie!”
The people of both Ireland and Scotland were so friendly. They chatted with us and asked where we were from. Part of our trip was spent on a tour bus, allowing us to meet many new people, most from Canada and the United States. We spent two hours in each of the small towns and between oneto-two days in the bigger cities we visited. There were historic sites and age-old stories to take in every place we went.
After Loch Ness, we made our way to the Glen Ord Distillery, where famous single-malt whiskey is made. Finally, we took a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains, past the Duke of Atholl Blair Castle, where we spent half the day. We then crossed over the Tay Road Bridge to visit St. Andrews, “The Home of Golf” since the game’s invention in the 15th century. Our last day was spent at Edinburgh Castle. There, we saw the honours of Scotland and its crown jewels. We couldn’t take any pictures inside the building, but the di erent outfits and crowns were beautiful.
We got to roam around a bit more afterwards, before having to return home. Funnily enough, throughout Ireland—no Tim Hortons—but they had ’em in Scotland! ■