Day 8(b): Rosslare to Waterford

APRIL 11 - Technically, our trip to Ireland begins when we drive off of the ferry into Rosslare, on the southeast corner of the island. It is gray with a bit of rain. Distances are now posted in kilometers. No immigration procedures at all, just get waved through the checkpoint and we are on our way.

While the vegetation in Wiltshire was predominantly deciduous (leafy trees, still bare from winter), there is a notable increase in conifers as we drive east. In general it is much more forested than I imagined. Many of the forests are obviously planted, as the trees are all of uniform height.

Arrive in Waterford (Port Láirge) around 20:00, making today’s trip almost 12 hours (that includes 3 1/2 hours on the ferry). It is raining and getting dark, easily find the Portree Hotel, and score a really nice room. Sit in the kebab takeaway, waiting for our food, listening to the other patrons talk in that lilting Irish accent.