Cork city and Kinsale on Irish chauffeurdriven vacation with Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 8 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Cork city and Kinsale on Irish chauffeurdriven vacation with Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 8 2016

My latest tour got under way early today at Shannon airport, and these ladies brought the sunshine with them, all the way from New York. My new group consisted of four sisters, Pat, Eileen, Kathy, and Kerry. Kerry's daughter Allison was to join us later in Cork, where she is studying at the moment in the University there. Our program today included a visit to the Sacred Heart Convent in Cork where we had arranged a meeting, with their friend, Sister Mary Mc Manus.
In the picture above we have, from the left, Eileen,
Sister Mary, Allison, Kathy, Pat, and Kerry, standing at the front door of the new convent.

 
In this picture we have my group pictured on the front steps of the old convent, which has been closed now for some years.

All together with sister Mary, relaxing inside the new convent. This was a very special meeting with a very special lady, sister Mary, who is now ninety years young, and still with a wonderful memory and marvelous personality. A memorable visit.

Back at our hotel in Kinsale, and enjoying the lovely sunshine on the patio at the back of the Mac Donald's hotel.
From the left, Kathy, Kerry, Allison, and Pat.

Kinsale was celebrating it's Gourmet Festival this weekend, and today was Mad Hatter's day there, and our ladies joined this group of party goers for a photo on the street in Kinsale. Despite the fact that they had such a very early start at Shannon this morning, my new group were in great spirits, and lasted the full day, before retiring after a lovely meal together in Jim Edwards pub restaurant in Kinsale.

Tomorrow we  will have a relaxing day around Kinsale with a visit for lunch at the Old Head Golf Course, and also take in some of the many sights in this historic town.
Make sure to follow along.

If you need me for anything just message me.

Chauffeurdriven tour to Jameson's distillery and Cove with Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 7 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Chauffeurdriven tour to Jameson's distillery and Cove with Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 7 2016

On Wednesday, we made our way to the famous Jameson's distillery in Midleton in county Cork. There was great excitement as we were all aware that after the tour of the distillery itself there would be a sampling session. This, of course, could be where the problems might begin for me, not that my people would cause trouble, but they do know how to party.

You can see in the picture above how anxious Annette was to get on with the tour, as she urges Joe to get a move on.

After completing  the tour without incident, and partaking in some sampling,we then we retired to have a snack. That was when the Irish coffees appeared, and the party was underway. Here we all are together, and it is obvious from the look on my face, (in the background there,) that I was getting a little nervous, as things were hotting up.

The ladies were now anxious to find out how to make the best Irish coffee, while in the home of the best of Irish whiskey. An expert was called in,(seen in the picture above),and the lesson began. Jane was fascinated by this, and took to it like a duck to water.

Now Annette was well into it also, as you can see here. I know that her Mom is following my Blog, and i hope that these pictures do not worry her too much, but i have to tell it as it is. I was concerned as these girls were my responsibility.

In this picture, it is clear to see that Annette is getting a slightly glazed look in her eyes.It was at this point that i called a halt to this session, which was difficult, and took a lot of tack, and i insisted that we would have to get underway soon as we had to get to Cove. Dick backed me, and took command of the situation, as any good mountie would do, and all was well again. The fact that he had settled for the soup helped a lot, as he was in full control of his senses.I suppose my concern for the girls may have been a little overdone, but having a couple of daughters myself, i know just how hard it is to keep an eye on young girls. I am sure that Annette's mom will understand.

By the time we got to Cove, all was well again, and the fresh air helped a lot. Here they are, all together at the memorial to Annie Moore and her two young brothers, the first people to register at Ellis Island in 1892.

Later in the day we returned to Kinsale, and to the old Charles Fort, which overlooks and guards the harbour there.

Kinsale is a beautiful town and one to put on your list.

This tour ended in Dublin yesterday, and what a fun tour it was, with a really lovely group of people. This year, i have been really blessed with many fine customers, people i would now like to call my new friends.
Thank you for all the fun that i was privileged to enjoy with you, and i wish you a safe journey back to the USA.

A very special thank you to my dear friend Dieny, who has helped me so much with her advice on how to deal with Annette during my latest tour. Your assistance Dieny, was invaluable, as she could have been a handful but for your guidance, and it all went off really well.

I begin another tour on Saturday, so if you are enjoying my Blog, feel free to journey along with us on my next adventure.

Blarney and Kinsale with Dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 4 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Blarney and Kinsale with Dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 4 2016

These Canadians do know how to eat. Last night it was a feed of the finest of Irish fresh fish and home cut chips from real potatoes, (not those stupid fattening things some misled people call chips, which are really crisps). The place for these in Killarney is Quinlan's, where you get the finest of both. It was there that they met up last night with Patrick Schmidt, all the way from Germany, and who was touring on his own. I think he enjoyed their company, and laughed a lot, as he was not used to what he described as "The Hilarious Canadians". Well he got that one right anyway. It must be all that "Irish" in them. They do not know how lucky they are.They enjoyed your company also Patrick, or should i call you Paddy?

My pals in the grounds of the popular Blarney Castle today. You can make out the top of the castle over Joe's head. (I should have made him take off his hat, but then Dieny would be disappointed, as she likes him with his hat on.) Who's Dieny you ask? Not telling. Just watch this space.

I never had it so good.There are bonuses on this job.

Pictured together again with the Blarney castle in the background.

Believe it or not, this stone was used for ladies to stand on, before mounting their horses in the stable yard at the castle, as they rode side saddle.Here Jane demonstrates this for some interested tourists.

We spent some time walking in the lovely gardens at the castle,before going for a really nice lunch in the Blarney Woolen Mills stores restaurant, which is really good. The plate with the fish and chips was mine, and also the one with the profiteroles,and gorgeous chocolate. Note how i kept it away from poachers. You need to know these things when you are in my job. You could end up skinny.

In Kinsale at last, and pictured together on the balcony at the rear of the Mac Donald's Hotel, overlooking Oysterhaven Bay. This is a lovely Hotel and one i would recommend. I am not sure what Annette is doing with her hand bag but i think she wanted her Mom back home to see that she still had her bag. Mom's do worry about their little girls.

Pictured together again with the harbour in the background.

The harbour, and town of Kinsale are really lovely, and also have a great, but tragic history, as it was at Kinsale that the Irish suffered a final great defeat at the hands of the English. Dick reckons that if the Mounties had been called in instead of the Spaniards, that we would have won that battle hands down. Next time Dick.

Tomorrow we head for Middleton, and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, another great adventure, with a drop of "The Creature" thrown in. If you do not know what that is, come visit yourself. Then its on the Cove, the harbour at the entrance to the river Lee, and Cork city. It was from there that the vast majority of Irish emigrants sailed to the USA and Canada, and many more world wide destinations.
It was also the last port of call for the tragic Titanic.

Dingle on Wild Atlantic Way tour with Dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 4 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Dingle on Wild Atlantic Way tour with Dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan - REPOST OCT 4 2016

My party posing with some of the cast members after the Celtic Steps show last evening.

Some of the dancers featuring in last evening's show.

Joe and Annette at Inch beach, on the Dingle peninsula today. The weather was not very nice today, with strong winds and a lot of heavy rain. However my friends did not allow that to spoil anything.

Jane and Dick look happy here in this picture, which was taken before the heavy rain arrived.

Dingle is famous for the Beehive huts, pictured here. These ancient dwellings were home to the fishermen and farmers of old.

Joe braves the weather here to take a picture at Slea Head.

Another picture at Slea Head.

An old stone cottage at Slea Head. This one is for sale right now.

Easy to see here what our weather was like today in contrast to the lovely day we had yesterday.

Our weather looks a bit unsettled for a couple of days ahead, as we prepare to leave Killarney behind, and make our way south to Blarney and Kinsale. There will still be plenty to do however, and i know that my group are not going to let that spoil their vacation.

Chauffeurdriven tour of the Ring of Kerry with Dovechauffeurdrive - REPOST OCT 3 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Chauffeurdriven tour of the Ring of Kerry with Dovechauffeurdrive - REPOST OCT 3 2016

Master of all he surveys, Dick, looking out to sea towards far away Canada. I took this picture yesterday as we began our journey around the famous "Ring of Kerry", a circuit of the Iveragh peninsula in Kerry. In the distance we have the Dingle peninsula where we will be touring tomorrow.

After making sure that everything was safe, Dick gathered the team for this photo in the same location. This man runs the show like a true "Mountie".

Waterville, where i took this picture,was Charlie Chaplin's favourite holiday resort, and is located at the head of the Iveragh peninsula.This statue was erected there in his memory, and the ladies definitely enhance it in this nice picture. Note the lovely sunshine. I like to mention that just to embarrass those who bad mouth Irish weather. We do get rain, but plenty of sunshine also. Do you want lovely flowers?

Three proper "Charlies"? Doesn't Joe look well in that hat? Dick has on his new "Grandfather's shirt, one of my own favourite shirts. Joe refuses to wear one, but then he is at that age where we live in denial. We all go through that.

The views from Cumikista, at the head of the peninsula are stunning, with many little islands scattered in the Atlantic below. I actually annoyed Jane somehow while trying to get my group in line for this photo, and she seemed to be preparing to charge at me, but fortunately, Dick managed to calm her down. She is very nice really.

All calm on the western front once again, as the two ladies, pose high in the mountains, with the town of Waterville, down in the valley below, and the lazy sheep enjoying the sunshine. Yes, sunshine...

Another view from Cumikista.

It must have been have been a hard life, living in these small stone cottages in this area, so exposed to the raging Atlantic storms in Winter, but what a beautiful place it was in the fine weather. One thing they did have here though, was fresh fish from the sea, which they would salt in the Summer, when fish were plentiful, and store for the long Winter ahead.

A studied photo of Joe, one of my leading camera men, carefully studying another picture for my collection.
I only employ the best.

A picture of a couple of tourists from the USA. It is becoming increasingly popular for Americans to travel on horseback, as the horses automatically know the proper side of the road to use, and you just sit there, and they do the rest. It can also be difficult though, finding hotels with proper parking facilities for your horse. I think i would still prefer chauffeurdriven tours. Your choice.

Everybody loves the wonderful variety of colours that people use to decorate their homes and shops in the many little towns in Ireland. Sneem, on the Ring is just one of these.

Here we have Dick and Joe, with the Gap of Dunloe in the mountains in the distance. I took this picture at Moll's Gap at the top of the mountains.

And finally, the full group, all happy together again, at the famous "Ladies View" with the lakes of Killarney strung out in the valley below. It is no wonder that Queen Victoria proclaimed this to be "The most beautiful view in the Kingdom."

Another great day with a really fun group of people as look ahead to our visit to the Dingle peninsula.
Last night they went to the wonderful Celtic Steps show at the Racecourse auditorium in Killarney, and thoroughly enjoyed a really wonderful night of Irish dancing, song and music.

Gap of Dunloe tour with dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan Holidays in Ireland - REPOST OCT 2 2016

---
To my many followers, especially those involved in these particular three tours.
Due to a computer error, three of my recent tour Posts were deleted from the Blog, and I am now reposting them.

They were the Blog posts for the following tours:

Phil and Barbara Reichart - Sept 13th- Sept 23rd
Dick Shannon - Sept 27th- Oct 6th
Pat Scanlon - Oct 8th- Oct 13th

Please note the dates of these Posts, as they are not being posted on the actual dates that these tours occurred. 

Sincerely, Dave Hogan
---

Gap of Dunloe tour with dovechauffeurdrive and Dave Hogan Holidays in Ireland 
REPOST OCT 2 2016

My adventurous group, with group leader Dick Dick, looking like he has everything under control, all geared up, and ready to go yesterday morning, as they prepare to depart the Plaza hotel, to begin their journey to the awesome Gap of Dunloe, an ancient gorge carved through the Kerry mountains by a giant glacier,during the ice age,and located on the outskirts of Killarney. (Note the warm clothing, long johns and all. Well you cannot see the long johns, but you can get them in Quill's shop in the main street in Killarney. It gets cold up there in the mountains.)

A picture of the lower stretches of that fearsome Gap road.

The journey proper begins at Kate Kearney's cottage, and here they are, from the left, Joe, Annette, Jane, and Dick, waiting to board their jaunting cars, for that first leg.

All aboard, (Hey!!!!! close that door or the wind will get in. )

Here we have Dick, issuing instructions to the his mighty steed, (in Irish),as they set off.

A view of what lies ahead. (The people walking ahead are just some ordinary tourists who have no idea how to handle a horse.)

It takes bravery to lead your crew on an expedition such as this, but my crew have all that it takes. I did not venture with them there myself today, as i sometimes feel, that like the cat, i have only nine lives.

What relief to see that they have safely navigated that treacherous first leg of their journey as they await their boat, to begin their journey down through the rapids on their final leg to Ross Castle in Killarney. This crew has no fear.

Dick, Jane, and Annette, pictured together with their boats in the background. Joe is missing here as he was gone to stable their exhausted horse, (him being the farmer, and having the know how with animals.This was no easy job as he had to pick up some Irish phrases to talk to the horse, as these are Irish speaking horses)

A view of the lakes ahead as they set out.(That woman in the front is an Irish Sherpa)

The ancient Ross Castle, where this epic voyage ended for my gallant band.This will make news back in Canada.

They made it. All smiling and happy to be back on dry land as they pose together at the old Ross Castle in Killarney.

A final picture, with Lough Leane in the background.
Tomorrow we make our way to the Ring of Kerry.We are having a great time, so do come along..