Bunclody is a pretty little place situated on the River Slaney. It also lies right on the border between Counties Wexford and Carlow. The 1798 rebellion features heavily in Bunclody’s history. Many motorcycle tourists don’t come this way too often I imagine which is a pity. It is off the well-trodden routes. It is worth a visit and lies at the foot of Mount Leinster, which we passed yesterday. I wish we had more time to explore more.
We woke up to persistent rain, as a frontal system was passing through, moving east. Curtains of drizzle blow across the landscape.
Our tour of Ireland started in the rain, and it looked like it would end the same way. Today was our final day. We felt quite sad, for the past 3 weeks have been simply superb. I will finish the blog with a summation page of feelings, emotions, do’s and don’ts. It will also include tips for anybody else that reads this and wants to do something similar.
After a hearty breakfast we bid farewell to the Meadowside B&B and our host Phyl. We donned the wet weather gear and set off north east. We crossed the river Clody. Then we turned southwest onto the L2026.
The drizzle caused large plops of water to drip from the tree canopy above. The smell of the earthy woods and foliage was wonderful.
The road started to climb through pastures next the signs for the Leinster Way.
The wind now picked up as we approached the high ground. Cloud level is above us and we climb ever closer and disappear into it. Fog and mist are all around.
We are in glorious heather country again. Oh, how I love being up here. Yes, it is windy and wet and a little chilly. But the panoramas all around make up for that. The patchwork quilt of County Carlow spreads out around us. We pass a deer park information board in the mist. We see no deer. We do see a fox and plenty of sheep walking on the road.
As we descend on the L3005 down from the clouds and skirt the flanks of Slievebawn, suddenly blue skies unfold. The road dries. We dry. Huzzah!
Turning onto the L7045 we pass Killedmond. Bizarre name. We head for the small village of Borris and stop in a lay-by to remove the wet weather gear.
In a chance discovery, we see an enormous stone viaduct spread out before us. It needs exploring. Various notice boards describe it.
The Borris Railway viaduct is a truly impressive piece of railway heritage. You can walk over it where once the railway tracks were laid. Another example of finding hidden treasures if you wander off the track most trodden.
With less hindrance from wet weather gear we move on.
We pass the impossibly named village of Graiguenamanagh. We take the R703 and move along at a decent speed. We then cross the River Nore and enter Thomastown.
It is another pretty little place. Parking is a bit of an issue. We circle the one-way system twice and find a spot for the bikes. The Blackberry cafe hosts us for coffee. We have a slice of lemon cake and an almond tart. Both are scrumptious.
Duly refreshed we contuinue south on the R700. This is a fairly easy road to ride. Well surfaced and dry. Too many cars cross the centre white lines on the bends encroaching on our side of the road. Dont do that. You will kill a motorcyclist. We are on our guard all the time for this.
We enter the large town of New Ross by a bridge over the River Barrow.
Upon the river lies the Dunbrody.
She was a ship that carried emigrants aboard. Many as a result of the great potato famine of 1845. You can read more here. This page even has a searchable emigrant database.
We take the road south once more. The countryside changes to open farmland and then coastal reed lands. The uplands are for the sheep. The lowlands are for the cattle and arable crops. The fields are different shades of colour reflecting their use. There is evidence all around of the Normans. Church towers are square. We chance upon signs for the Norman Way. The smell of the sea is suddenly in the air. It is heady and wholesome.
Passing through Wellingtonbridge we stop and soak in the views.
We continue following country lanes rather than the main highways. Around every corner, interesting architecture presents itself.
We divert down to Kilmore Quay just for a look.
It is a busy holiday makers gathering spot. Ice cream sellers appear to be doing rather well. We stretch our legs and take a wander around.
We have to check in to our accommodation near Rosslare for our last night. So, we press on to Kilmore. We continue to Tomhaggard (got to love that name). Broadway is next (we were in Hollywood yesterday). Finally, we reach Tagoat.
The enormity of what we have done has not sunk in yet. It will. In time.
Today has been another fabulous day in the saddle. Ireland is the country that keeps on giving. If seeing is believing then I am a convert.
We have an early morning ferry home tomorrow morning. In a few days once I have gathered my thoughts I will do a final post. Until then farewell Ireland. You and your people are beguiling, enchanting, funny, witty, chatty, warm, and giving. I love you. I love you. I love you.
There will forever be a part of Ireland in our soul. Neither I or Andy will leave the Emerald Isle without leaving a part of us behind.
Woodend Wanderer 