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Newgrange

Newgrange is a neolithic monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath and was constructed about 5,200 years ago It is part of a number of monuments built along the River Boyne. The other two significant monuments are Knowth (the largest) and Dowth, but throughout the area there are 35 smaller mounds. Newgrange is a large mound covering an area of over one acre. The base includes 97 kerbstones,…

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Hook Lighthouse, Wexford

Hook Lighthouse was built in the 13th century and is the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world The tower is four stories high with walls that are up to 4 meters thick It was built with local limestone. The tower is 36 meters high, and has a mural stairwell of 115 steps There are three floors which are vaulted chambers with original fireplaces The fourth floor used to hold the fire…

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The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh

The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh

An eighteenth-century country estate In 1854, the estate came to Thomas Acton who built the garden in collaboration with the curators of the National Botanic Gardens The original house remains on the property and is in the process of being refurbished The garden is famous for its rhododendron collection, and includes a gigantic century old rhododendron The gardens are open daily, except for…

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Meeting of th

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The Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford

The Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford

The Irish National Heritage Park is an open-air museum near Wexford which is part of Ireland’s Ancient East. It includes recreated sites ranging from the Mesolithic period up to the Norman Invasion FIRST PEOPLE The reconstruction demonstrates a campsite from 9000 years ago and is based on remains found in various places FIRST FARMERS Around 70 Neolithic houses are known from Ireland. The houses…

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Snippets of St Stephen's Green

Snippets of St Stephen’s Green

St Stephen’s Green is a popular park designed by William Sheppard Opposite the park is the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre The park was reopened to the public in 1877 when Parliament passed an Act initiated by Sir A.E. Guinnes who subsequently paid for the laying out of the Green in its current form. The city commissioned a statue of him, which faces the College of Surgeons  The Fusilier’s…

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A Taste of Zanzibar

A Taste of Zanzibar

Our first stop was Bububu, close enough to take a taxi into Stone Town (more…)

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Monastic City at Glendalough, Wicklow National Park

Monastic City at Glendalough, Wicklow National Park

Glendalough is in the Wicklow National Park. There are many marked routes ranging from easy to difficult. You can park your car at the visitors centre, find out more about the area, and then wander around on the path you choose The gateway marks the entrance to the old monastery of Glendalough which was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. This double gate way separated the monks from the…

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Iveagh Gardens, Dublin

Popularly known as Dublin’s Secret Garden, Iveagh Gardens is a lovely spot for a quick walk Even in winter, the park has a delicate beauty The gardens were designed by Ninian Niven in 1865 as grounds for the Dublin Exhibition Palace The cascade is a lovely addition to the gardens, and contains rocks from each of Ireland’s 32 counties Two fountains face each other A yew maze conceals a…

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Arklow Duck Pond

Nautical paraphernalia decorate the coastal town Wooden bird statues hint at the rich bird life that can be found around the pond The Arklow Duck Pond is a lovely little walk Arklow Duck Pond is a small lake located behind dunes and coastal defence works There is outdoor exercise equipment, a skateboard park, and some basketball courts available for those wanting some exercise It’s lovely to…

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Buckroney Sand Dunes Nature Reserve and Beach

Buckroney Sand Dunes Nature Reserve and Beach

Just 8km north of Arklow, Buckroney Nature Reserve is a gorgeous must see. Buckroney is quite diverse with birdlife including terns and plovers and a variety of wildflowers. Horses roam the dunes as part of a sustainable grazing strategy It takes about ten minutes to hike across the dunes, which can be steep at times, before reaching the beach Finally, the beach can be glimpsed in the…

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Amy Beach

Image by Almeida from Pixabay Amy Beach (5 September 1867 – 27 December 1944) was the first American woman to compose a symphony. In 1896, the Boston Symphony Orchestra played her Symphony in E minor, Op. 32 known as “Gaelic Symphony”. Beach was born in Henniker, but grew up in Boston. She displayed immense talent even as a one year old child. She could hum 40 tunes accurately and in the key…

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Montrose Nursery

Gia’s on Montrose is a lovely restaurant in the middle of the Montrose Nursery. It has a bar with some reasonably good cocktails and second hand books that you can buy through donating to the charity of your choice. You can enjoy your meal in the gorgeous garden. Their menu consists of breakfasts, homemade burgers, sandwiches and tramezines, salads, and offers a decent vegan selection as…

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The Four Seasons Nursery is a lovely garden centre in Benoni Orchards, Benoni.

The sign from the road is unassuming and from the front of the house there is a sign pointing to the nursery at the back of the property.

The place is surprisingly big with tons of plants from which to choose at very reasonable prices.

There is a small shed where you can get a limited selection of seeds and pots and fertiliser.

You pay for everything at the front, and the owner has a lot of wisdom and experience to share. When they first moved in there was nothing but veldt, but over the years they have transformed the place.

Contact:

(011) 965-1511

  Street Address:

2 Eva Rd, Benoni Orchards, Benoni, 1514

Four Seasons Nursery The Four Seasons Nursery is a lovely garden centre in Benoni Orchards, Benoni.

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Ripple Creek Nursery is a lovely nursery on the edge of Benoni, in the agricultural holdings.

They have a wide variety of plants at reasonable prices, with much of their stock being homegrown.  They also have a small selection of pots, seeds, tools, and garden decorations. Ripple Creek sells instant lawn, lawn dressing, compost, garden mix, veggie mix, potting soil, as well as a selection of building materials. 

The highlight, however, is the friendly cat that accompanies on your journey around the nursery.

The staff are helpful and knowledgable, but don’t take kindly to jokes about taking the cat with you!

Hours:

Sunday:8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday:8:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday:8:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday:8:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday:8:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday:8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday:Closed

Street Address:

78 Elm Rd, Benoni AH, 1514, South Africa

Adventures with a cat at Ripple Creek Nursery Ripple Creek Nursery is a lovely nursery on the edge of Benoni, in the agricultural holdings.

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