Armagh

Robert picked us up to drive us to the airport at Exeter where we flew out to the next leg of our journey, Ireland. We arrived in Belfast and collected our hire car, set our google maps and were ready to drive off. But what is it about airports that always frustrates us? Getting out of them! Our lady on my phone said to take the second exit at the roundabout. Trouble was, which way do we turn to find the roundabout! After a few re-routings we were on our way. It was a seemless trip to Armagh.

Marion Staratt had arranged for us to meet her at Charis's home, just out of Armagh. What a delight to see Charis again with her four children. Barbara and John were there too. Lunch had been prepared and we all loved catching up. It was a busy few hours. Marion led us back to her home where we stayed for a couple of nights.

Barbara and John took us to Hillsborough, to the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the house where the royals stay whenever visiting Northern Ireland.

We had a guided tour of the house. We just missed Charles and Camilla but they left their signatures for us to admire.

Many ancient artefacts were viewed, royal chairs weren't sat in, interesting tales about regal banners were heard, opulence examined, crowns observed...

My favourite room was one decorated by the Queen Mother. It had a lovely warm feel to it. I could imagine sitting there reading a book, watching foreign dignitaries signing important documents, like the Good Friday Agreement, an historic peace agreement, or chatting with Charles and Camille just after the unveiling of a recent painting of Charlie, painted by a local artist. Sorry no close up picture, not allowed to take photos of individual artwork, it contravenes copyright!

The group of photos on the table were family shots. One was four generations: Philip, Charles, William and George.

An interesting point to note, most photos of foreign dignitaries are taken in front of a fireplace, like this one.

I think I like the Queen Mother's taste in soft furnishings and art. Most of the paintings in this room were chosen by her; apparently she was fond of particular artists and accumulated quite a tasteful collection.

Once the tour was finished we stopped for lunch in one of the tea rooms which were very tastefully fitted out. Actually, everything around here was tastefully done. This included the gardens. Much of the garden has been recently restored and replanted and only this year opened to the public. A most extensive veggie garden has been planted

As you may have observed, the weather is very cold, at least it's not raining so we managed to get around the gardens rugged up but unhindered.

I am trying really hard not to bore you to death with garden photos but this blog is also my diary, and I/we love gardens. Maybe a weathervane or two will be ok.

Hanging around with the Lord of the Manor.

A most pleasant day was had by all. It ended with dinner at Marion's before John and Barbara rushed off to a meeting. Ruth, Marion's sister came round to meet us and we ended with a late night supper, as you do in Ireland.

Unfortunately Allan awoke in the morning feeling very unwell. He has spent the day in bed so we have delayed our arrival in Cavan by a day. Charis told me there has been a bug around so perhaps he caught it from the children. All is not lost - Marion suggested we go for a walk. Man, she can walk fast. We managed to clock up 10,000 steps and visited the Planetarium while walking around Armagh. It was great to get out again for a good walk.