Bog hopping on Causey Farm

As a farmer’s daughter the idea of going to a farm for a party, holiday or day out is slightly strange to me. I understand how the idea could be fun for city folk - but for me, it's a bit like returning home!

But never one to say no to a trip, I packed my wellies and headed off for a friend’s hen party to Causey Farm in Co Meath, Ireland.

This is no ordinary farm, it is a fun filled, educational and entertaining experience that really do cater for everyone’s tastes, young and old. I was surprised to see we didn’t have the farm to ourselves, there were school tours, youth groups, international students and other hens running around the place enjoying the facility.

The farm is family owned by the Murtaghs who find time to run a fully functional  300 acre farm in between all the bog hopping.

Bog hopping at Causey Farm, Co Meath

Bog what? Bog hopping! The bog has many nicknames such as 'child slave labour camp' amongst those who had to help “win the turf” as children - so to see the fun side of the bog was really amusing. Bascially wet bog is a little like quick sand, if you get stuck in it it is impossible to get out - but you can also fling bits of bog and push your dear friends face down in it! Bog is also good for your skin. It was so much fun to get out and experience the bog in this new way.

My beautiful brown soda bread ready for the oven

We also got to roll up our sleeves and make brown soda bread - which was delicious with some jam. We par took in some ceili dancing, cow milking and to top it off our own clucking hen jumped on top of a large pig - which had never been achieve before!

Usually a hen party is all about the glamour, so it was great fun to let our hair down and forget about our looks - and some of us finally got to see the fun side of the farm away from the stress of daily activites at home.

The 'hen' milking a Causey Cow

After having a look around the websites, Causey farm hoosts Pooka Spooka for Halloween and The Causey Christmas Experience which even Santa Claus takes the time to visit!

Would I return?

Yes. I really want to go back to try A Victwardian Escapade at Clonard House. I love Downton Abbey and this experience allows you to dress up as the downstair servants and the lords and ladies upstairs! Get me there now! http://www.victorianescapade.com/

www.causey.ie

Majestic Cruise of the Greek Islands

The Greek Islands have been on my travel list for well over a decade, but every time I looked into the trip it always seemed so complicated. Unless you have a ton of money or a few months to spend, it is difficult to organise, as boats do not sail everyday so you could be stuck on some islands for days.

Me and hubby

So it was the last place I expected to go on my Babymoon - which coincidentally was also our honeymoon! To explain: we got married in Italy on the Alps in January 2014 and decided to hold off on our honeymoon until later in the year … later that year we were expecting a baby!

We chose a cruise for a number of reasons, the first was the itinerary, the second was the ease of travel and the third was the great price. We didn't have to worry about strange food to avoid while pregnant, or having to hire a car or spend ages finding our accommodation, a restaurant, etc - a cruise was stress free and easy. Perfect for a Babymoon.

I was 18 weeks pregnant when we embarked on our voyage, I still had plenty of energy and barely looked pregnant (just plump!). This was not an adventure trip, no crazy activities, this was a relaxing, romantic and luxury holiday.

We flew from Belfast to Corfu and met the Thomas Majesty Cruise Ship, the whole package was perfectly organised. We had one full day of cruising out of ten, the rest of the days the ship docked at various locations. I never slept so much in my life! We also ate a lot, listened to smooth music, read and perused the islands at a leisurely pace.

A cruise holiday also gives you the chance to really get dolled up for the formal evenings, which are fun if you get into the right spirit. The Thomas Cruise did not have as much variety or quality entertainment than a Royal Caribbean but it was perfect for our laid back journey.

The ship stopped off at:

Mykonos - idyllic, whitewashed buildings, stunning island

Kusadasi - If you want a bargain and like to haggle this is your place (not my cup of tea)

Athens - Where civilisation began, Acropolis, Hadrians Arc, Temple of Zeus - I love this city!

Monemvasia - A jewel in the ocean. Old town is built inside a walled fortress clinging onto a cliff. 

Such a romantic and unique location - my favourite spot.

Kataklon - Olympia the home to the Olympic Games, not quite as impressive as you would expect, but pretty spectacular all the same!

Corfu - The party island, but we did not party. We did some sightseeing, got some pampering and dined on some moussaka.

I highly recommend a cruise for a honeymoon or babymoon.
Where did you go, was it amazing?

Springtime glamping

There is something about Spring, the flowers, the new lambs, and fresh feeling of the day that makes me want to go camping ...well glamping!

Ards Forest Park, Donegal

I think it it because Springtime brings us back in touch with nature, with the bright mornings and longer evenings, we tend to recognise our surroundings again without the harsh imprint of Winter.

Camping is fun, but in Ireland at this time of year, it is for the brave, because it is still oh so cold at night and the weather as well as the landscape is still quite unpredictable.

But there is a solution, you really can have it all, thanks to cosy wooden pods - camping without the frostbite - glamping indoors!

Last year some friends and I headed north to the wilds of Co Donegal. Such a beautiful county with a stunning coastline, majestic mountains and a fun vibe.

We stayed at the Wild Atlantic Camp in Cresslough, 25 minutes drive from Letterkenny and beside Dunfanaghy. This location is situated at the beginning of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way a world famous coastal drive that is 2,400km long. If you are looking for adventure - and an authentic Irish experience, this is the place to start.

The campsite is also the perfect base to explore the well known and lesser known spots of North West Donegal.

Things to bring:

-Waterproof and warm clothes (think layers)

-Good walking shoes

-A camera

-A good appetite

-Sense of adventure

Marble Hill Beach

During our two day adventure we took a drive up to Horn Head which has spectacular views, we took a stroll and watched the Atlantic push in and out at Marble Hill Beach. We also set out for a fun trek at Ards Forest Park, a 480 hectare Coillte managed forest park, which has forest trails, treks across sand dunes and a beach and playground.

For our glamping experience we stayed in a lovely cosy wooden pod. The pods can house up to 4 adults have lighting, heating and are so snug with cute decor, making them romantic and functional.

The camp also facilitates traditional camping (but who wants the hassle of setting up a tent?!) and motor homes/ caravans.

There are free hot showers, campers kitchen and a den with TV, games and dining area, the wifi is free (seriously though you are camping - get off the phone!) and there is a children’s playground (can also be used by adults when the kids are in bed!) You won’t miss the astroturf as you drive in, we got to watch a local game while we were staying.

This is really a fun Spring get away, whether you are looking for romance,wildlife, culture or fun.

For more info check out The Wild Atlantic Way and Wild Atlantic Camp.

Beautiful scenes in Ards Forest Park, Donegal

Back in the game

I have returned, back with a vengeance and a little difference!

http://imgkid.com/back-in-the-game-tv-show.shtml

After being MIA from the blog world for over 12 months, I have decided to return and I aim to blog at least once a week.

So 2014 was a really hectic year, I got married in a Winter Wonderland Wedding in Courmayeur, Italy on January 11 and a few months later I was delighted to discover I was pregnant.
Most of the year was spent preparing for our first born, and we were still caught on the hop when she arrived five weeks early on October 7!

Almost four months on, life has certainly changed, but I am still me (despite the bags under the eyes, the puke stained top and a new found love for chocolate) and in an effort to remind myself that some of the old me still exists, I want to return to what I love - writing.

2014 - Wedding, pregnant, baby born, and sitting pretty at 3 months old!

To my surprise, I have received so much correspondence from readers over the past 12 months, people commenting and liking my older posts, some asking questions and advice on travel in Ireland and abroad and quite a few requesting I return to the blog world.

Thank you for all the support, as my life has changed somewhat, my posts will reflect that change, so I hope that my loyal readers and the new ones too will enjoy them.

There will be some baby talk, thrown in amongst travel, adventure, lifestyle and current issues as well as random musings!

I hope to bring some changes to the blog in regards style and hope that you all will enjoy this new journey. As always leave a comment, share, like or contact me directly.

The Seeking Adventure bus is back - hop on board! 

It is good to be back, here is to an exciting 2015! What would you like me to post about?

Much love,
FiFi xxx

Discover The Titanic in Belfast

Harland & Wolff, Titanic Quarter

Have you been to the Titanic Belfast museum yet? And if not, why not??

The six story exhibition museum is a must visit when in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Just steps away from the actual birthplace of the world’s most famous ship (the area is now actually called the Titanic Quarter) it showcases the fact, figures, journey and personal histories of the “unsinkable” ship of dreams.

Titanic Belfast

Well if you have or have not made the memorable trip there is more great news for this construction marvel. The award winning museum which only opened in 2012 (read about the grand opening) is undergoing a refreshment with a new gallery addition to be launched in March, while a number of other popular galleries in the Titanic Belfast Experience will be developed.
The development highlights includes a new Discovery Tour – a walking-tour insight into the building’s concept and design that also sees the historic Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices re-open to Discovery Tour guests.


The attraction will also welcome the return of Ocean Explorer Dr Robert Ballard, the man who discovered the wreck of RMS Titanic in 1985, on March 20. He will host a public lecture, and ‘An Evening with Dr. Ballard,’ an exclusive conversational event boasting with it a White Star Line theatrical 5-star dining experience in the building’s breath-taking Titanic Suite.

In addition, while preparing to host the much-anticipated Giro d’Italia 2014 start in May, Titanic Belfast will be extending its temporary exhibition portfolio this year on the back of the popular Games of Thrones exhibit in 2013, which was viewed by more than 12,000 fans of the HBO series.

I visited the huge awe inspired museum in December 2012, and although the information is vast, the design and interaction of the exhibits means that even those who bore easily are kept entertained. The history of Belfast before and during the building of the Titanic was interesting, Belfast was much more than a city of The Troubles, it was an industrial hub. 

From the social history you physically move through the shipyard on a ride and watch as the Titanic is built before your eyes with sparks flying and deafening noise. You get the facts and figures of the launch of the ship as you look out on the actual Harland and Wolff Shipyard. Obviously you learn about the sinking, you hear the story from several different angles including the aftermath and the myths and legends surrounding that faithful night. And then you get to see the ship wreck you watch as it is discovered and look through what was left behind.

Movies and moving objects, interactive screens, an amusement ride through the building of the ship, the artefacts, the underground water discovery of the ship and remodels of the actual rooms are all presented in a way that keeps all the family tuned in.

If you do one thing this year - visit Belfast and see The Titanic!

The Proposal

I didn't know how I wanted to be proposed to.
I didn't have a perfect setting in my head, or a right time or place for the special moment.

But my boyfriend did.

On a random trip to Latvia, I was delighted to see that we could take part in a husky
sledge ride. I had always wanted to do this, I love husky dogs and the idea just sounded quirky, cultural and different.

It was so much fun. From the very start of meeting the dogs, being showed how to control them and watching them get so excited, we were both laughing with delight.
The actual ride with Ronan driving and me sitting and turning was hilarious and exhilarating.
It was much faster than expected, and we had to think quick when we got stuck, when we hit a bump that sent us flying and when one if the dogs took an unexpected toilet break on the run!

I was disappointed when it ended, but we continued to take pictures with the dogs.
As I was kneeling down to get a good picture with one of the dogs, Ronan was preparing to pop the question.

When he got down on one knee in the snow, I was shocked and speechless but in the most amazing way.
I was still on a high from the husky ride and this just sent me off the scale.
I laughed with joy - and eventually said yes!

Surrounded by snow, it was most unusual proposal and yet it was perfect, it couldn't have been more romantic or more suited to my taste.

Staying within this fun snow theme, we are currently organising a ski wedding ...
Stay tuned for the happy ever after!

Always proof read ... twice!

I have booked hundreds of flights and hotels.

I book flights for family and friends. It is what I do, it is what I love to do.

But the danger with experience is that you get too relaxed, too sure of your talent.

And we all make mistakes, even so called ‘experts.’

I wanted to take a break for Valentine’s Day. I felt as a couple we needed it and I wanted it to be special, so after much research into Latvia I set about on a publicity campaign to convince my partner this trip was going to be the best ever - while also being economical.

When I got the go ahead, I was ecstatic. Delirious with delight, I immediately booked the flights and hotel in case of any change of mind.

I quickly read over the bookings and threw my credit card details at it before I printed out the documents, stapled them and put them in a folder ready for take off.

Simples.

Two days before I 'checked in' online, but for some reason I couldn't 'check in' for the return flights. This situation didn't alarm me, I was in my happy holiday mood.

An early morning flight brought us to Riga International Airport and there in the snow was our romantic Valentine’s Getaway ready for exploring.

There was no issue until the Saturday morning, the day before we departed for home. I said I better check in. I tried it on my phone.

No luck, it kept refusing me, so I asked for the use of the hotel’s computer, which they readily obliged.

Then it hit me, instead of the return date February 17, the flight home was booked for March 17.

A whole month later, it couldn't be, how could I make such a mistake? 

But I had, it was there in black and white. When I told my partner he didn't panic, but I did.

We couldn't get through to Ryanair. We couldn't book a flight for February 17 with Ryanair and there was no other direct flight to Dublin.

So we would have to get two connecting flights, which included a 10 hour over night connection in Norway.

The connection time was hell, we tried sleeping on the airport floor but it was impossible.

Unscheduled stop over in Norway
(c) fifiheavey

Lesson: No matter how many times you book flights and hotel ALWAYS read the details carefully - read them twice even!

Or pay the hefty price and develop back pain from trying sleeping on an airport floor and an unforeseen credit card debt!

Latvia - Proposal - Engagement - New Puppy

The past three months have been a whirlwind.

From an exciting trip to Latvia which resulted in a wedding proposal (I said yes!), an engagement ring and coming home to a new puppy, there has simply been no time for blogging.

Since February 15 there has been screams, champagne, screams, dazzling smiles, dazzling diamonds and dreams followed by plans and a few more screams!

To settle my mind and to document my adventures I will be returning to the blog world with tales of how a last minute city trip turned into a romantic snowy proposal, a review of Riga and my impression of Latvia along and events since.

Husky sledging outside of Riga, Latvia
(c) fifiheavey

This is an adventure blog, and although travel is my main adventure hobby, doing something new, being something new is also an adventure. Please hang in there if you start noticing a 'wedding theme' running through, it won't last for long and I promise to keep it to a minimum. Also expect some puppy talk!

Thank you to all for your messages of best wishes and for continuing to read.

Fiona x

The City on the Shannon

Limerick is going to be the first ever Irish City of Culture 2014.

In 2012, Limerick made it one Irish people's top ten cities in the world to visit.

And in the glorious year of 2013, I made my virgin visit to the home of Munster Rugby, the historic and noble city on the Shannon.

The Shannon, Limerick City
(c) fifiheavey

Once known as ‘Stab City,’ Ireland’s third largest city has been underestimated by the rest of the Irish population for too long - with some blame placed at the city's dire portrayal in the award winning but misery filled ‘Angela’s Ashes’ book and film.

But last year, more Irish people visited the city than before- was it just for the rugby? Or was it for the history, heritage, and stunning sights?

I had two days to explore Limerick, and I used them to the best advantage taking one day to explore the city and another to drive around the county. 

King John's Castle, Limerick
(c) fifiheavey

The Treaty Stone, Limerick
(c) fifiheavey

Sunrise, sunset and every minute of the day provides a beautiful photo opportunity of the River Shannon which passes through the city on it’s way to the Atlantic Sea. Seagulls, brave wave riders and some atmospheric landscaping is all you need for some memorable pictures. Take a walk along the water, and cross Thomand Bridge to enter as medievals would have onto Kings Island and the majestic King John’s castle. the impressive structure is even more captivating inside.

Just across the Shannon from King Johns Castle stands The Treaty Stone. The Treaty of Limerick was signed in October 1691 after William of Orange won the war over King James. There is some interesting reading around the historic stone.

Don’t bypass St Mary’s Cathedral- throw just €3 in the kitty for restoration and wander about the cathedral with walls filled with great ancient Royal names. The Cathedral is oldest building in Limerick, founded in 1168.
Art lovers - Hunt Museum hosts one of Ireland’s private collection of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century, including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats.

Limerick is Rugby - Munster Rugby and Thomand Park is the throne. Also if you are looking for the future of Limerick take a drive or a stroll to the University of Limerick. I was struck by how big the area is, full of life during the week - pop into the Student Bar for a Philosophical chat!

Adare Village

Outside of the city you must visit Adare Village. In the Summer this picturesque village is thronged with tourists, so this time of year is perfect for an indepth look about. English style cottages, Adare Manor Hotel, Desmond Castle, Trinitarian Priory and the cutest little village park I have ever seen, will keep you occupied for a few hours. 

Statue of King John, Limerick
(c) fifiheavey

Seafood is the speciality down here, and it is delicious and fresh. The Chowder at the Strand Hotel and anything from the menu at Freddy’s Bistro come highly recommended.

2013 - The Bigger Picture

Perth, Australia  (c) fifiheavey

New Year’s Resolutions - you either make them or don’t. But the majority of people I know make some sort of pledges to change their lives on the eve of a brand new year.

Exercise more, eat healthy, take up a new hobby, lose weight or travel more are some of the most popular goals we set. And goals are very healthy, they challenge us and motivate. We all have our own obstacles to meet, either every day, monthly or seasonally.

But this year I hope to really push myself to and look at the bigger picture.
It sounds simple, but it is far from it. I fret the small things. I worry about the minute details and often forget to take a step back and assess the whole story.

We all do it, we get stressed, frustrated, annoyed and upset about things in our lives that are not ideal or perfect but forget to look at how lucky we are. The only time we feel blessed is when we see tragedy strike others, then we realise how good we have it.

I visited a close friend recently, she had just lost her job and was fretting over buying Christmas presents for her kids. Although the presents she bought were not as big or as expensive as she would have liked she was amazed to see how happy her children were to have their mother at home all over the festive season, playing with them, cuddling on the couch watching a movie and going outside for adventure walks. She realised although money was not plentiful, her family were happy and healthy and that was all that mattered.

Best wishes to everyone in 2013 and may your pictures be big, bright and happy!

The Burren, Co Clare, Ireland (c) fifiheavey

The difference is the security

When people ask me “what is Egypt like” I usually tell them “It is different.”
Different from Ireland, unlike your typical holiday destination, historic beyond comprehension, traditional yet modern, in upheaval yet relaxed.

What is so different? The Irish would argue our Newgrange is older than the pyramids so we can tick off history, Ireland has always been a traditionally religious country so we understand Egyptians passion for their religion, we understand borders too and the need to preserve our culture and we have also been known for our political upheavals.

The actual difference my friends is the level of security.

The amount of security around Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh is like none I have ever seen before. It is intense and it is everywhere. The reason for it is pretty obvious, but aside from the necessity it is there to make you and me and foreign diplomats feel at ease.
Except it does the opposite.

Mubarak party headquarters, Tahrir Square was burned out during the revolution in 2011
(c) fifiheavey

When I arrived at the Hilton, Cairo at 2am on our first night, I barely batted an eye to the security, well my eyes were barely open. But the next day the level and effort put into security around Cairo astounded me.



Airport security is something we have all come familiar with, we know the deal, the checks what is allowed, what is not. Now take that airport security, the metal detector, the bag xray machine, along with some serious looking armed men and their important and urgent questions and place that at every hotel in the country, every shopping mall, every cinema, every museum …. and you get an idea of the level of security in Egypt.

Security at hotel entrance of Marriott Sharm El Sheikh
(c) fifiheavey

If you take a taxi to your hotel, the taxi must stop and show identification before being let inside the 24 hour guarded gates. Also before the taxi can be admitted the boot must be popped open, and checked for explosives. Terrified passengers will also be given the once over with the guard's stern eye before you can be allowed to enter. You may have only left 20 mins before  but the same checks apply each and every time.

You may only want to step outside the hotel door for a cigarette or to check if your taxi is on time, but each time you enter you must pass the metal detector and your bag is scanned.
It is annoying, but is it too much?

For many it provides a safety blanket, a sure bet that your hotel will be safe from any suicide bombers and for a country that has a huge reliance on tourism that is a bet Egyptians want to win.

Sometimes it is the food, the people, the dress, the night-life, the social activities that divides one culture from another, for me it was the security.
Security is a loose term in Ireland, we don’t need it, so it gets little use. But even if we did need it, could we do it? I don’t think so not to that extent, we are too trusting and too lazy to be all the time on the watch out for terrorism activity.

The difference between Ireland and Egypt? The security.