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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ireland - County Cork:- Youghal and Painting




Ballymaloe, Ballycotton, Co Cork
Youghal (pronounced Yawn)  and the Old Monastery is situated on the mouth of the Blackwater River which feeds into the Irish sea.  Each year, we have been  guests here.  The Old Monastery was, as the name implies, a former monastery which has been converted into condominiums.  Our particular unit is ground floor, overlooking the river and  the Irish Sea.  It is a beautifully appointed two bedroom apartment which has been carefully restored and appointed.  The medallion in the ceiling comes from France c 1600 and the chandelier is Waterford crystal. We have window seats which face the ocean and these are prime spots for reading.

One of the 3 window seats
Helen's favourite window seat


Comfortable couches and chairs and good reading lights
To reach the street above one must take these steps as a short cutThe town of Youghal was incorporated in 1209 and is seeped in history. It is a walled city and quite hilly, lots of steep hills and stairs.  The town has numerous restaurants, our most frequented being Aherne's, famous for seafood and our favourite the seafood chowder accompanied by their home made Irish soda bread.


View from our Condo
view from our condo

So many vistas to paint and so little time!



St Mary's Church dates back to 452 - and is oldest continuous Catholic church in Ireland
Our haven for one week allows us to be with family, cook, dine, take long walks along the beach and there are many interesting day trips within easy driving distance and these deserve a separate post.
In 1777, the town's Clock Gate was built on the site of Trinity Castle, part of the town's fortifications. The Clock Gate served the town as gaol and public gallows until 1837; prisoners were executed by being hanged from the windows. 
 Sir Walter Raleigh was Mayor of Cork in 1588 and 89. He lived in Youghal.

Miles and Miles of ocean and a beautiful beach welcomes swimmers


Moby Dick, was filmed in Youghal, starring Gregory Peck.

Do you have a favourite restaurant?
.
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60 comments:

  1. Emilie's daughterSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Oh, Helen! This all looks so very beautiful! I have once been to Ireland and when I was young I even had an Irish boyfriend... Do I have a favourite restaurant? Yes, I do! It is: http://www.entrecote.ch. It is just beside the Swiss Parliament and it is always so nice to have dinner there. Thanks for your friendly comment on my today's post. I am certain that you will enjoy the pannacotta. Let me know how it tasted!

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  2. fashion and frankSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Firstly - that looks like a perfect week to me - and then fave restaurant - easy - cheyne walk brasserie on cheyne walk chelsea - amazing food, friendly, easy and yet special - hard mix to find and i have a really severe dairy allergy - they make sure i am ok totally and utterly to me that is worth its weight in gold - and i love the food i get - there is more than one thing i can eat - it is so rare to be able to relax and enjoy a night out in a restaurant without being terrified i will spend all night with induced vomitting and then weeks of pain - i am going on Saturday and i cant wait - absolutely fabulous and really good champagne - ooh i am excited as we speak xx

    http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

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  3. flowers on my tableSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Oh I love Gregory Peck! What a gorgeous place to stay Helen, you were making me positively drool. Cork is a special place. I went 2 years ago to a food writing course in Ballymaloe Cookery school. When they said you would have to 'tweet', blog, use the computer I quickly went off the whole idea, how things change! I enjoyed your post and photographs, thankyou. Have a lovely weekend, much love Linda x

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  4. MiseSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Helen, you go to the nicest places! Those window seats and the chandelier would be lure enough for me, and what a sense of peace. One day I'll follow in your footsteps and take the Helen Tilston tour of Ireland to see my country at its very best through your discerning eyes.

    And I do love Ballymaloe and could spend weeks there. Sometimes when life is hectic I like to just sit back and think of their cheese trolley...

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  5. Jacqueline @ HOMESeptember 29, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Dear Helen,
    Ballymaloe is where my niece did her cookery course with Dorina Allen and is now a chef. Such a beautiful area. You must have had inspiration thrown at you from all corners !! Such beautiful images of the stunning country called Ireland and I hope that you have more to show us.
    Many thanks for your lovely comment. I took those photos without flash but they still got angry !! Never mind, I managed to take a few before I was found out !! haha.
    Looking forward to more beautiful images of your trip. XXXX

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  6. ~Lavender Dreamer~September 29, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    What a fabulous place! I love that window seat...perfect view for inspiration! You amaze me, my friend! ♥

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~September 29, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    PS We have a favorite restaurant here in Florida on the Gulf coast that serves the freshest almond fried Grouper...oh my! It's good! ♥

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  8. Jane and Lance HattattSeptember 30, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Hello Helen:
    We are totally consumed with envy. What a wonderful place The Old Monastery looks to be and we can think of nothing more perfect than to be sitting on one of those window seats, book in hand, and looking out across the fields to the Irish sea. We say 'book in hand' for it is unlikely, with such views, that much actual reading would be done. Perhaps the odd William Trevor short story!

    Aherne's Restaurant sounds equally wonderful. One of the things we do miss here is fresh seafood, something which we should most likely always choose given its availability.

    Alas, we have not tasted homemade soda bread for years. Delicious, and especially so, for us, with homemade lemon curd. On a maternal side, grand parents, and great grand parents, were part of the Anglo Irish [dare we say this today?] living in Ireland, with time spent in India, right up to the 1916 Rebellion. And so our receipt for soda bread, handed down,is, we feel, the real thing.

    Oh, Helen, we are sure that you have a wonderful life in Canada but how you must miss Ireland which has, whatever anyone may say, a magic and brilliance all of its own. And the Irish are such fun!

    Kellemes hetvégét!

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  9. Val's alentejo blogSeptember 30, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Helen, It all looks so beautiful. What perfect scenery to paint. The rich greens of the irish countryside.
    I enjoy so much reading about all your travels and the wonderful places that you stay at.
    Youghal sounds most interesting.
    Here in the Alentejo. Our special place to eat out is the beautiful Convento do Espinheiro. Heritage hotel and spa.. Evora. The food is out of this world and the setting in the long hall of the convent is superb.
    Maybe one day you might visit.
    I one day, must go back and visit the birthplace of my grandmother . Cork
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  10. AnnaSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I love the silvery-green tones of Ireland and the almost aristocratic beauty of the landscape. What a place to be for an artist like you, or anyone, indeed, who is able to appreciate beauty.

    I love the window seats and that fireplace is very stylish! So nice!

    Change of subject... favourite restaurant has to be l'Ancora, in Palese, Bari, just across the street from my sister's villa, in Italy. No point in even trying Italian restaurants abroad: they just don't have a clue!

    Anyway... L'Ancora is a beautiful restaurant on the seafront, where they mainly cook seafood, which is so fresh, you wouldn't believe! They will cook anything for you, from lobster to mussels... my mouth is watering, just thinking about it!

    In Manhattan, when we are there, we often visit OLLIE, which has to be the best Chinese restaurant ever! Yum! And Two Boots, in Park Slope, Brooklyn has a fantastic ambiance and good food, though not fancy! I like it in there!

    Ah... and I must mention "Ristorante delle Rose" in Paestum, Italy. Excellent pasta dishes using a combination of seafood and vegetables such as: mushrooms, zuccini flowers and whatever is freash and available. Very nice!

    Irish stew with dumplings is not bad, though....

    ANNA
    x

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  11. RDA Pony TalesSeptember 30, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Dear Helen
    Most of my fathers family were Irish, and nearly all my husbands family are too, yet I have only been to Ireland a few times. Your photographs are wonderful and The Old Monastery looks the most amazing place to stay.
    It is my husbands birthday, so we shall be going to our favourite hotel on Saturday to celebrate. Jesmond Dene House, is a beautiful old building situated in the most lovely grounds. The food from their restaurant is the best we have eaten in the North East of England, so we are looking forward to our visit there.
    I hope you have a very enjoyable weekend.
    Hugs from Spotty and Abby xx

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  12. MadeliefSeptember 30, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Dear Helen,

    Such a beautiful part of Ireland this is. A great place to retreat to. Your condo has an amazing view and that window seat. We don't have window seats in Holland, but when on holiday in the UK I love sitting there too. I tried to read the title of your book, but alas....

    Wish you a lovely weekend,

    Madelief x

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  13. Lisa GordonSeptember 30, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    What beautiful images these are Helen.
    I just love those window seats.
    Sending you wishes for a wonderful weekend!

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  14. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Emilie's daughter- thank you for stopping by and glad to hear you have been to Ireland and a boyfriend too! I hope he treated you well. I went to the website of Engrecote.ch and it looks just like the type of place we would enjoy. Hopefully one day we will visit Bern. Wishing you a joyful weekend and happy cooking
    Helenxx

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  15. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Hello Fashion and Frank
    It was a perfect week and the time flew by. I love your description of cheyne walk brasserie in Chelsea...how lovely and kind that they make a special dish for you. I am sorry to hear you have a dairy allergy and I sympathize.It seems like dairy is in so many dishes, it must make it virtually impossible for you to dine out.
    Have a wonderful time.
    Helen xxx

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  16. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Flowers on My Table - Hello Linda
    Always a joy to hear from you. How about that, you were at Ballymaloe Cookery School. It is an incredible business and so beautiful. We saw Darina and Myrtle when there. I hope to post some images next week of our day there.How interesting that you are now blogging - do you twitter/facebook too? Perhaps they planted a seed
    Have a restful weekend Linda and best to Lois and hubs
    Helen xx

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  17. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Hello Mise

    Wouldn't that be fun to have a trip together around Ireland. We certainly could find some wonderful spots and you likely know many hidden gems too.
    Ballymaloe is marvelous and they really know food and cheese - we had a delicious lunch in the cafe when there.
    Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you have done all your hiring!
    Helen xxx

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  18. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Jacqueline@HOME

    How interesting that your sister is a successful chef, following her studies at Ballymaloe. It is a wonderful school and the setting is divine. I actually saw Darina when there, she was being filmed and was wearing orange knit tights and an orange knitted cap...she looked stunning (oops! she did have a skirt and jacket in black too.)
    I hope to post more next week on my trip.

    Thank you for your comments.
    Helen xx

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  19. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Lavender Dreamer- thank for your kind comments - you would love Ireland and there is something about a window seat which is magical.
    Have a lovely weekend
    Helenxx

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  20. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Hello Lavender Dreamer, again

    Grouper is one of my favourite fish dishes. It is so unique and delicious!
    Helen xx

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  21. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Hello Jane & Lance

    I know you would both love living at the Old Monastery - it has all the comforts and grandeur and luxury. The kitchen is spectacular too - modern diswashers/stoves oops! I forgot you have no interest in that area.

    How interesting you have your family receipt for Irish Soda Bread. It is delicious. With your new position at PRETTY FAR WEST, does this mean you will now relocate to Ireland? The burning question "Is Ireland ready for the Hattatts?" I would just love to read your posts then.

    Yes, it is always an adjustment returning to North America following a visit to Ireland. I miss the humour and quick wit. I am also very fortunate to have great friends here in Canada and the USA.

    Fondest wishes
    Helen xx

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  22. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Valerie Tilston Rosa da Silva

    Thanks Valerien for stopping. I am happy you are interested in Ireland and Cork City is about 20 miles from Youghal. We did visit and I hope to include pictures in next week's blog.
    You must go Valerie - you would enjoy exploring and painting
    Your favourite restaurant sounds wonderful and, hopefully, one day I will visit.
    Fondly,
    Helen xx

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  23. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Hello Anna
    Your artistic eye and mind describe beautifully the Irish scenery. The window seat is so comfortable and I even managed a nap. Anna, you would love the kitchen, neff oven, two drawers which are dishwashers (very silent)Pots and cutlury suitable for a chef. The owner is a cook.

    The restaurant you describe in Bari sound exactly what I like and perhaps one day I shall visit.

    Hope you are doing well Anna, I have been thinking about you, in prayer.
    Helen xx

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  24. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    My Spotty Pony - Dear Abby

    Your planned dinner sounds absolutely delightful at Jesmond Dene House - I hope you have a wonderful memorable evening and wish your husband "A great year"

    It must be difficult to travel Abbey and leaving my friend Spotty Pony - though a horse probably is easier leave than a dog.

    Have a delightful weekend
    Helen xx

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  25. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Hello Madelief

    Yes, window seats are the best for reading and dozing off too. There is a wonderful selection of books at the Old Monastery and I was re-reading the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho in the photo.

    I hope you have a wonderfully productive and yet restful weekend
    Helen xx

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  26. helen tilstonSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Hello Lisa

    Thank you for the compliment on my images. Coming from such a famous photographer, I am most grateful.
    Hope you have a delightful weekend
    Helen xx

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  27. Castles Crowns and CottagesOctober 1, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    OMG is this not a wonderful retreat and a place where I would like to be right NOW! Actually, my home is close to looking like this! DEAREST HELEN, YOU are gracious to come and leave a comment. Blogger is being fussy and ZAP there went my hard work. We all work hard during the week, but being a busy teacher, I scramble to get a descent post up....oh well, TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY!!!! LOVE TO YOU, Anita

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  28. UnknownOctober 1, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    Helen hello! that beautiful place.
    I would like to know Ireland should be wonderful.
    kiss.

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  29. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Crowns Castles and Cottages
    Dearest Anita

    I know you would love Ireland and the many original, stunning country houses.There is such an elegance to historic homes. One day when teaching is a memory perhaps you will have time. Sorry to hear your post disappeared into blogspace.
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Helen xx

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  30. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Preta - Good Morning

    I know with your discerning eye and curious mind that you would love Ireland and I would love to see you write about it.

    Wishing you a joyful weekend
    Helen xx

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  31. La DolfinaOctober 1, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Wow, what an incredible time you are having!! I am so very happy for you Helen. You must be in hog heaven!!
    Can't wait to see more and of course your paintings!!
    Thank you so much for the most amazing comments you leave me... you have now idea how much they mean to me!!
    Love you!!
    Terri

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  32. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    La Dolphina - Dearest Terri

    I know, without a doubt, that you would love Ireland and get much inspiration from visiting.

    I will post next week on my trip to Cork City and some of the beautiful stately homes in the vicinity. I did some small paintings which are studies for larger ones and have been busy painting this week. I feel so inspired and there is not enough hours in the day.

    Wishing you a week full of joy goodness and success in your business.
    Helen xx

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  33. 24 CornersOctober 1, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Helen...this is such a breathtaking place, both the logings and of course the town. What a gift that you are able to visit here...I would never want to leave.
    Scary about the clock tower though...times could be brutal in the past, couldn't they?! Thank heavens the tower is just there to enjoy now!
    xo J~

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  34. SuzeOctober 1, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Helen, I love window seats.

    And I'm also quite fond of Gregory Peck. :)

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  35. PCovi October 1, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Oh wow what a place! What views!!!
    I looove those window seats...don't guess I'd ever get up.
    Hope you got to paint to your heart's content!
    Yawn? No way!

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  36. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    24 Corners Hello

    I know you would love staying at the Old Monastery - it was built in 1829 and there is a very peaceful feel to the place, perhaps all those prayers which were prayed through the centuries.
    Yes, it is disturbing to see the clock tower and know its history. We have come a long way..
    Have a lovely weekend
    Helen xxx

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  37. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Hello Suze and welcome

    Window seats are so comfortable and I think I even napped in the sunlight one day.

    Gregory Peck - handsome!!!

    Helen xx

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  38. helen tilstonOctober 1, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Hello Aunty Bliss
    That window seat did call me too often ha ha.

    Surprisingly I did manage to paint several small paintings (studies)

    Hope you have a lovely weekend
    Helen xx

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  39. vicki archerOctober 1, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    I am sure you are having a wonderful time in this gorgeous part of the world....Enjoy Helen.....xv

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  40. helen tilstonOctober 2, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Hello Vicki Archer

    Vicki I know with your keen eye and camera you would create another award winning book of Youghal and the surrounding areas. Perhaps one day you will.

    My best
    Helenxx

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  41. ted and bunnyOctober 3, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    hi Helen, hope all is well with you.
    That Kit cat definitely looks too cute for her own good!

    Have a really good week
    x

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  42. Emilie's daughterOctober 3, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    Thank you, Helen for your comment on my yesterday's post! It is lovely to hear from you! I have added you on my blog list for others to discover your blog as well! Have a nice day!

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  43. Pamela Terry and EdwardOctober 3, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Just a gorgeous spot. And so inspiring.
    My favourite restaurant is probably Loch Bay Seafood on the Isle of Skye.

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  44. SteveOctober 3, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Helen, your captures tell a story, your words allow us to see through your eyes. Wonderful images, one can take a vacation of the mind and never leave the home. My wife and I do have a favorite restaurant located in Gatlinburg Tennessee called The Peddler, a meat peddler will come to your table with choice whole cuts of beef and allow you to select a size, he then cuts the beef at your table and takes it away for cooking. Wonderful atmosphere with a trout stream next to our widow.

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  45. LaPouyetteOctober 3, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    This is a wonderful post, Helen!
    Must show it to my husband who grew up in Ireland. So beautiful images and all the historic information, love it.
    I was only three times so far in Ireland. Dublin, Avoca and Dunlyrie (??) but loved it very much, the landscape, the atmosphere and the people!
    The house looks wonderful, very inviting and I adore the window seats! What a perfect place for reading and painting.

    And thank you very much, Helen, for your lovely comments which I really do appreciate, coming from an artist with a 'special' eye!

    Warmest greetings from the Périgord,
    karin

    Sorry for late commenting and my imperfect English, apart from that writing is not one of my talents, mildly spoken...

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  46. LaPouyetteOctober 3, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Oh - by the way - my husband really misses the soda bread!

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  47. helen tilstonOctober 3, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Ted and Bunny Hello and thanks for stopping by.

    Yes cats certainly know how to enjoy life

    Thanks for your good wishes
    Helenxx

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  48. helen tilstonOctober 3, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Emilie's Daughter

    How kind of you to stop by and offer good wishes. Thanks for following my blog and putting me on your blog roll. I truly appreciate this.
    Helen xx

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  49. helen tilstonOctober 3, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Pamera, Terry and Edward

    Thank you for your kind words and support.

    Wishing you a great week and a wonderful trip

    Helen xx

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  50. helen tilstonOctober 3, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Hello Steve

    Thank you for following my blog. Yes, we can travel and be uplifted by bloggers beautiful images and words.

    Your restaurant in Gattlinburg, the Peddler sounds delightful and quite unique. If our travels bring us to this city we shall certainly visit this restaurant.

    My best
    Helen x

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  51. helen tilstonOctober 3, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Hello Karin at La Pouyette

    How exciting that you have been to Dublin and know Ireland and you must make some soda bread for your husband (Darina Allen's Ballymaloe Cooking School recipe is the one I now follow)
    Yes you would love our accommodation, it is luxurious in a comfortable way, not overdone.
    Wishing you a joyful and creative week
    Helen xx

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  52. MrsLittleJeansOctober 4, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    O Helen, What an incredible place! I don't think I could leave if I were there (explains why you visit each year, right?). I think a home or condo that offers a reading place in various corners is a real home. You truly absorb your surroundings by painting them...thank you for sharing. See you later! xoxo

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  53. annie@mostlovelythingsOctober 5, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Helen,

    This is just gorgeous. I have never been to Ireland, but this is making me want to plan a trip. The way your describe your accommodations and from the photos...it looks perfect. I'm sure the views are inspiring to all, but especially to a painter. Enjoy!

    xo annie

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  54. helen tilstonOctober 6, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Hello Mrs Little Jeans
    Thank you for visiting and yes, books and art make a house a home (in my opinion) The kitchen is also so beautifully equipped with incredible cook books. I think I need at least a month in such a place but that might over-extend my welcome

    Helen xx

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  55. helen tilstonOctober 6, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    Hello Jacqueline

    Thank you for visiting from Switzerland.
    Wishing you a great week

    Helen xx

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  56. helen tilstonOctober 6, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Hello Annie

    You know me so well, I love painting and Ireland has incredible scenery- there is something around every corner.
    I hope you go one day.

    Helen xx

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  57. Julie@beingRUBYOctober 6, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Hi Helen
    Well a window seat facing the ocean... that sounds absolutely perfect to me!! thanks for popping in to visit.. and hope you have a lovely weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

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  58. Emilie's daughterOctober 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Thank you Helen for your comment! Yes, it is nice to use the rake like that! I would have one but I do not have any jewelry... ;o)

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  59. Emilie's daughterOctober 16, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    Helen! Thank you for your comment! Yes, it is a beautiful escape! You are so right! When I saw it I immediately thought of a Bed and Breakfast! I think people would love it! By the way it is situated in Lucerne - definitely a tourist spot! Enjoy your Sunday evening!

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  60. bed and breakfast in corkMarch 12, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I've really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

    ReplyDelete

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