TAKE A BREAK IN PINE CREEK Do not make the mistake of by-passing Pine Creek on the way to Darwin, Kakadu or Alice Springs. This charming little town serves as a convenient overnight rest stop for weary travellers seeking a break from the long stretches of road. Upon entering the small Outback town, you will discover an unspoilt gem nestled within the rugged Australian landscape. Located approximately two and a half hours' drive away from Darwin, Pine Creek is strategically positioned yet often overlooked, as it is by-passed by the main North-South highway, making it easy to miss. The town's rich history is rooted in the discovery of gold, which played a pivotal role in its establishment and growth, leaving behind a legacy that is still celebrated today. THE LAZY LIZARD AND THE SHED The Lazy Lizard Tavern and Caravan Park is one of Pine Creek's notable attractions, offering a variety of experiences that cater to different interests. Among its remarkable features is "The Shed," which houses a fascinating private collection of Australian motor vehicles alongside an impressive array of motorbikes from various makes and models. This extensive collection is contained within a spacious shed that invites visitors to explore the evolution of Australian automotive history. A small fee is charged to view the collection, and all proceeds are generously donated to the Melanoma Institute of Australia, making your visit not only enjoyable but also beneficial to a worthy cause. Often on site are quirky characters, such as The Shed caretaker, who is known for his engaging stories and anecdotes about the vehicles, and his pet blue tongue lizard, adding a unique charm to the experience. The Tavern itself is a delightful spot where guests can indulge in fresh homemade pizzas served throughout the day, complemented by the refreshing taste of Lazy Lizard beer, which is proudly available on tap. PINE CREEK Pine Creek truly offers a refreshing and relaxing break from the long days of travel on the open road. It provides an opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy the local hospitality, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. It's important to note that the Kakadu turnoff is located on the bypass section of the road; therefore, it's crucial to be mindful while driving into Pine Creek. Many travellers have unwittingly driven into the town and out the other side, only to realise too late that they have missed the signage directing them to enter Kakadu National Park. This beautiful national park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and rich Aboriginal culture, making it an essential stop on your journey. So, take the time to enjoy everything Pine Creek has to offer and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to explore the wonders of Kakadu. Traveldriven DRIVE PINE CREEK - DARWIN PET BLUE TONGUE LIZARD SALTWATER CROC SKULL THE LAZY LIZARD TAVERN AND SERVICE STATION INSIDE THE LAZY LIZARD TAVERN CROC SKINS ON THE ROOF THE SHED DISPLAY AND THE BLUE TONGUE LIZARD PREV AUSTRALIA 2025 NEXT

On two previous occasions while passing through Timber Creek I was in a local ruckus and the other time the wildlife was a big problem. Read about this previous visit here, post . On this third visit everything was great. The local people and the wildlife. A longtime resident within the park adjoining the hotel owned a Rolls Royce motor car. The roller now a few decades old and well-travelled, looked rather out of place in the small outback community. When approached the owner was keen to discuss his rare vehicle. He said it had held him in good stead for many years and although he had purchased it well used and paid less than eighty to ninety per cent of the new price the car served him well. FEEDING DISPLAY CROCODILES & BIRDS I was made aware that the local caravan park put on a daily crocodile feeding display. The resident freshwater crocodiles in the creek at the rear of the caravan park lift out of the water to grab the bait held above them. The second half of the feeding display was feeding birds of prey inflight. These are Kite birds and they frequent the park. The birds swooping down for food and up again. All those in attendance agreed the feeding displays were very good. Traveldriven DRIVE TIMBER CREEK-WYNDHAM-BROOME CARAVAN PARK ROLLS ROYCE WAITING TO FEED THE CROCS FRESHWATER CROCODILE FEEDING KITE FEEDING BOAB TREE IN PARK PREV AUSTRALIA 2025 NEXT

Pink Ribbon Breakfast for Breast Cancer The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the only national body that funds life-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public. Research is the only way to prevent deaths. and improve how breast cancer is diagnosed, managed and treated. Host a breakfast , morning/afternoon tea, or lunch. Usually held in October each year. Together, with hundreds of other Pink Ribbon Breakfast hosts around Australia, aimed to raise $2 million in 2016. Nov 6, 2016 Over $1000 raised from the breakfast hosts Connie & Wayne. Fifty persons attending. Thankyou. PINK RIBBON BREAKFAST WEBSITE CONNIE & WAYNE ON HOLIDAY CONNIE & WAYNE PINK RIBBON BREAKFEST BREAKFAST PREPARATION EARLY ARRIVALS WALK OR RUN FOR RESEARCH MOTHER'S DAY CLASSIC Mother's Day Classic Since 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic  has raised an incredible $30 million and funded more than 30 breast cancer research projects in Australia. 2017 sees the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Mother’s Day Classic. This year, the event aims to raise $4 million for life-changing breast cancer research, to improve detection, to develop new treatments and to help women and men who are affected by breast cancer live longer and better lives. http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ When: Usually the second Sunday in May, Australia wide. Distances and times vary by city and town. For example, Melbourne Alexandra Gardens, Boathouse Drive, Melbourne 7.00am Run 12km 8.15am Stronger Together Walk 8km 7.05am Run 8km 8.15am Stronger Together Walk 4km Course information Starting on Alexandra Avenue the course will complete 1 x(4km), 2 x(8km) or 3 x(12km) laps around Melbourne’s the Tan track (Royal Botanic Gardens) and finish within Alexandra Gardens. Regional towns and cities may be from 9.00am PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

TIMS SURF & TURF RESTAURANT Tims Surf & Turf restaurant in Darwin is a beloved establishment where both locals and visitors converge to enjoy a delightful dining experience. Renowned for its exceptional offerings, this iconic steak and seafood eatery has been a staple in the community since it first opened its doors in 1994. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for families, friends, and tourists alike to gather and indulge in a memorable meal. TIMS MAGIC TRICKS One of the unique features of Tims Surf & Turf is the charming presence of Tim himself, who is often seen mingling with guests and performing impromptu tableside magic tricks. This engaging aspect of the dining experience adds a touch of whimsy and entertainment, as diners are treated to Tim's impressive sleight of hand. The story goes that Tim was once a performing magician in the vibrant entertainment scene of Las Vegas, USA, where he honed his craft. His tricks are not only skillfully executed but are also designed to elicit laughter and astonishment, leaving guests with unforgettable memories of their time at the restaurant. Among the culinary highlights, a serving of WAGYU beef is always featured on the menu. WAGYU refers to a specific breed of Japanese beef cattle, known for its rich marbling and exceptional tenderness, which contributes to a luxurious dining experience. Interestingly, while WAGYU is traditionally associated with Japan, these cattle are also successfully farmed in Australia, allowing Tims Surf & Turf to offer high-quality cuts that showcase the best of both worlds. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing premium ingredients, ensuring that each dish is crafted with care and expertise. Tims Surf & Turf provides a versatile dining experience with options for both inside and outside seating, allowing guests to choose their preferred atmosphere. The restaurant is conveniently located on Litchfield Street in Darwin City, nestled in a quiet back street that offers a peaceful respite from the bustling high-rise surroundings of the area. This prime location makes it accessible yet provides a sense of seclusion, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you are looking to enjoy a casual meal with friends or celebrate a special occasion, Tims Surf & Turf is the perfect destination to savour delicious food while being entertained by the charming magic of Tim. Traveldriven TIMS OUTSIDE DINING CROCODILE SPRING ROLLS TIM AT WORK WAGYU STEAK TIMS MAGIC TRICKS TIMS COURTYARD GORILLA AT TIMS TIMS MENU 2025 PREV AUSTRALIA 2025 NEXT

Exploring Warm Destinations: Mid-Winter Swim Northern Tropical Australia The obvious answer to escaping the chill of colder climates is to travel somewhere warm, and one of the most appealing destinations for this purpose is northern tropical Australia. This region is renowned for those seeking respite from the cold. In Northern Australia, particularly during the winter months, visitors can expect a delightful weather pattern characterised by cool nights and warm, sunny days. Temperatures frequently rise above the mid-twenty degrees Celsius (80 F), often reaching into the high twenties or even low thirties, making it an ideal environment for outdoor activities and relaxation. The warm sun and gentle breezes create a perfect backdrop for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. TROPICAL DANGERS However, it is essential to be aware of the natural hazards that come with this tropical paradise. Many of the picturesque swimming holes and rivers that dot the landscape can be perilous due to the presence of crocodiles and other marine life. These creatures are a significant part of the ecosystem in Northern Australia, and while they contribute to the region's allure, they also prevent swimming in natural waters. For those looking to cool off without the associated risks, local public swimming pools present a safe and enjoyable alternative. These pools are often well-maintained and provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Additionally, caravan parks throughout the region typically feature inviting resort style pool areas for a mid-winter swim, with some establishments boasting multiple swimming pools to accommodate guests. These facilities not only offer a safe environment for families and individuals to relax and unwind but also foster a sense of community among travellers. The allure of a swimming pool lies in its ability to provide a carefree way to cool off after a day of exploring the beautiful landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that Northern tropical Australia has to offer. So beat the winter cold of southern Australia and go north. You will be glad you did. Traveldriven A SPA, POOL AND OUTDOOR DINING JABIRU AURORA KAKADU LODGE RESORT STYLE & LUSH GREEN GRASS COOL OFF IN THE TROPICS REFESHING WATERFALL POOL DARWIN WATERFRONT NO CROCS THERE ARE NO STINGERS IN WINTER DARWIN SAFE SWIMMING FORESHORE DARWIN WATERFRONT POOL WAVE POOL PREV AUSTRALIA 2025 NEXT

One hundred and thirty km/h is the maximum legal speed on the Stuart Highway to the NT/SA border Present day, some claim unrestricted speed is still allowed. Due to high temperatures, the frequency of roadtrains, no fencing, and roaming wildlife it's likely ill advised to drive above the recommended speeds. Northern Territory Cannonball Run. 1994. Darwin to Alice Springs (Ayers Rock) and return. A legal event. Entry fee of $7500 Total distance driven of about 3200 kilometres. Reportedly 142 individuals entered. Some sharing with co-drivers. Near Alice Springs a Ferrari F40 lost control, hit and killed two officials at a checkpoint, went onto gravel and hit a parked Jeep. Two occupants in the car and two officials killed. After much discussion and delay the event continued and finished in Darwin. First place taken by a Porsche 911 Turbo. The event was never to be run again. Impossible to see how any timed event could ever be held today over similar public roads due to much more awareness and enforcement of safety concerns. Northern Territory Finke Desert Race The two day Finke Desert Race for off road vehicles is probably the best way to race outside of a closed racetrack. Alice Springs to the Finke River community cross country is about two hundred km return as the crow flies. The inaugural race was held in the year 1976. As an interesting observation, the Cannonball Run Memorial site on the Stuart Highway is about 170 km north-west as the crow flies of the overnight rest stage at the Finke Community. Quite close considering the huge area of the Northern Territory. Traveldriven TRY TO AVOID SOLO NIGHT DRIVING DRIVE ALICE SPRINGS - ERIDUNDA - YULARA RESORT (THE ROCK) CANNONBALL RUN ROADSIDE CANNONBALL RUN CANNONBALL RUN MONUMENT BETWEEN ALICE SPRINGS AND ERLDUNDA ROADHOUSE OUTBACK GUITARIST NORTHERN TERRITORY WELCOME KULGERA PUB DRYING SHOES? CAMPING WITH CAMELS TWO ROADTRAINS THREE TRAILERS EACH ON THE WAY TO THE ROCK Mt Conner along the Lasseter highway often mistaken for Uluru PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA Traveldriven was born, raised and has always lived in Australia. For foreigners visiting or thinking of living in Australia some things are good to know. Things Australian's regard as common knowledge. Ask an Australian directly for the right answers. There are quite a few travel blogs written by non-residents of Australia and these all say similar basic things. These may or may not be hearsay. As an Australian living in Australia. ON A VISIT TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA For the record: The term Down Under is never used by Australians in general conversation and is not always liked. The phrase is used by foreigners. As far as we are concerned, we are on top of the world. It's all about one's perspective. The wildlife . Australians are quite fond of their native fauna. These include crocodiles, sharks, red back spiders, snakes, kangaroo, emu, birds etc. Even our stingrays. We know the deadly and dangerous one's and don't need to be reminded. As for visitor's all would be very unlucky to cross paths with the most dangerous. If, however, a person is in a particular fauna environment be mindful encountering something. For example, don't walk in long grass in hot weather, pay due attention to roadside and pathway warning signs etc. Don't approach any wildlife. Safe and simple. Australia is not expensive . Look at the money exchange rate. For example: The United States Dollar is always valued more than the Australian dollar. Usually between 65 to 80 cents for every Australian dollar to one US dollar. The British pound generally is twice the value of one Australian dollar. Visitors from English speaking countries should think that's good. Air fares are reasonable for distance travelled. It is not always hot . Even in the tropical north nights may be cool. Ask a Victorian or a Tasmanian about the cold. Often most months of the year may be cold. Down to zero overnight and a high of single digit Celsius in the daytime. Or 32 to 50 Fahrenheit. Australian's all use a little slang . G'day and Mate are probably the most common. Be careful with slang. For example. Many American words have a rude Australian slang term for the same word. For example: we never root for our team. That would mean we have sex for or with our teammates. This one is a bit tricky. After some light banter back and forth we may insult you to your face. If we have a smile on our face, we may intend it as a way of showing we like you. Don't assume the opposite. Australia is safe. There are no off-limit areas to any particular group of Australian's. A few places may be seedy or high end but if walking or driving through these neighbourhoods it's not a problem. Permits may be required in remote indigenous communities. Anywhere else the use of common sense and respect for locals goes a long way. Do not view Australian's and New Zealander's as almost the same people. This is insulting to both. A friendly rivalry exists between the two countries. Although both get along with each other, significant differences remain in sport and culture. Australians as a rule don't tip for service. We see this as rather odd. People earn enough to cover bare basics. If payment is in cash sometimes saying keep the change is ok for convenience's sake. All Australian's love vegemite and having a BBQ in the backyard or in parkland. Often with a cold beer in hand. (not Fosters). We do not drive on the wrong side of the road . Right hand drive is great for us and safe. Holidays Australian's do not go on Vacation. We go on Holidays. It means the same thing. Generally, working Australian's get at least four to five weeks annual holidays and many choose to break holidays into weekly or fortnightly periods throughout convenient times of the year. Weekends are important to Australians. Viewed by many to enjoy time with family and friends outside of the usual Monday to Friday working week. Keep In Mind Flying to Australia and visiting Sydney, Uluru, Gold Coast and a few islands of the Barrier Reef is a convenient tourist packaged way to see Australia. However, much more of value can be obtained to include a few days in "normal Australia". This might include suburban retail strips, local sport or a visit to a country town or seaside town. Enjoy a meal at a local hotel or a morning breakfast at a coffee shop. A chance to meet and see local people. Frequent not just the well-known internationals and large resorts. Traveldriven RIVERSIDE SWIM IN AUSTRALIA HOMEPAGE

ANZAC Day Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. A day of remembrance in both countries. Remembering those 'who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations'. Dawn Service ANZAC Day Canberra I attended the 6am dawn Anzac Day service at the Canberra Australian War Memorial. The 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Knowing thousands would attend I awoke 4 am. Drove from Rydges Motel accommodation via Canberra city to the War Memorial underground public parking. Thought I would be one of the first arrivals around 4.30 am. Surprised by how many hundreds of people were streaming to the dawn service area on the left side facing the Memorial main buildings. I managed to get a position near the front where it was roped off to the public. Television crews in attendance. The pre-service preceding's began shortly. Informative talks given by distinguished people. Some were ex-servicemen talking about experiences of battle and not leaving anyone behind. The service itself fairly short. Generals and Admirals were in attendance. The service backed by the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. A Didgeridoo player from the RAAF and a Piper of the Australian Federal Police. An address to those gathered was made from the national President of the RSL. (Returned and Services League of Australia) Mateship of Returned Servicemen After attending the ANZAC day service in Canberra, a deeply moving and significant event that honors the sacrifices of those who served their country, I was involved in a poignant encounter. As I made my way to my vehicle, an ex-serviceman of military age approached me with a sense of genuine concern and respect. He kindly inquired if I was a returned serviceman myself, noting that long walks seemed challenging for me. In response, I humbly expressed I had never served in the armed forces but felt compelled to pay my respects to those who had bravely served. Later that day, I decided to revisit the Australian War Memorial to immerse myself further in the history and stories of wartime sacrifices. The impact of the visit was profound, especially considering the restricted visitor numbers due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the limitations, the experience of exploring the displays and paying tribute to the fallen heroes left a lasting impression on many attendees. It was a reminder of the importance of honouring the past and reflecting on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. Traveldriven DAWN SERVICE 2022 LIGHT OF DAY, WAR MEMORIAL ANZAC WREATHS AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL WEARY DUNLOP OUTSIDE WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA STATUE OF WEARY DUNLOP THE WAR PRISONER SURGEON EXPLOSIVE FINDER DOG & HANDLER WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA 2 UP THE JETTY CANBERRA ANZAC day is the one day of the year two up can legally be played Australia wide PREV CANBERRA ROADTRIP NEXT HOMEPAGE

WACK - Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids. A Show & Shine Fundraiser & optional gold coin donation upon entry. Held at May Park on a Sunday over the March Labour Day long weekend in Horsham, Victoria. Also on the same weekend is the annual fishing competition often attended by thousands of people camping on the banks of the Wimmera River. The Show & Shine is situated off Baillie Street and Dimboola Road. On the May Park grassed grounds. There is large, grassed areas with shady palm trees. On this occasion there were two hundred and sixty vehicles on display. Many from the surrounding Western Victorian towns and farming communities. Usually there is great autumn weather. Horsham is a regional city in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. Horsham is approximately three hundred kilometres west of Melbourne. Traveldriven LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND FISHING COMPETITION Show & Shine 2025 MAY PARK HORSHAM TEAR DROP GREEN WEEKENDER? OR TRAVEL AUSTRALIA BUILT FOR ONE OR A TIGHT FIT FOR TWO Show & Shine 2024 OLD FORD TRUCK BIG ENGINE HOLDEN GRILLED FJ 186ci MUSTANG CREAM Show & Shine 2023 An old completely refitted out in new condition tray truck or ute. Mag wheels. No spoke rimmed spare tyre! Rabbit Trapper decals and rabbit hanging from side mirror. Stuffed and fake of course! No drinking and driving are the messages authorities like to send and is a very sensible message to all. The above image has a skeleton holding a can of Victoria Bitter. Note the beer screw tops glued on the glovebox. All Australian beers. Early Ford stretched limo in need of a full paint respray. Bonnet, roof and boot paint in poor repair. Flying boot emblem. Electric windows. MAD MAX KAWASAKI Z900 Dale Bensch was a stuntman on the mad max (1979) moive set. He appeared as a stunt double for Jim Goose, MFB and as the donut rider in the main street. He also was one of the stunt riders on the country bridge crash scene. The urban myth created was he died as a result of the stunt going wrong. The bike unintentionally flipping over. However this was untrue. Nice swag tied down with straps and four into one pipes. A few arrivals at Show & Shine HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2020 HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2020 HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2018 MUSTANG SHELBY SUPER SNAKE EARLY MUSTANG BRIGHT RED LIGHT BLUE CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG WITH TOP UP NICE YELLOW SANDMAN TOWING VAN IN BACKGROUND EARLY MODEL RED MUSTANG CHERRY RED CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG REAR VIEW CHERRY RED CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG FRONT VIEW 1964 AND A HALF ON SIGN? EARLY MUSTANG BLUE COLOUR SHELBY SUPER SNAKE GT 500 5.4L 2008 PREV SHOW & SHINE NEXT HOMEPAGE

A soothing relaxing experience for all to enjoy. Better than the beach. -Traveldriven Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool These are a group of twelve or more artificial rock themed open air thermal heated pools of various temperatures ranging to 42 degrees drawn from 850 metres below ground. Up to 1.2 metres in depth. Many pools have water jets and waterfalls. Pool sessions are limited to two hours. An entry fee of $46 ranging to $57 per individual depending on time of day. (2024) to access all pools. Popular with Warrnamabool locals and visitors alike. The Deep Blue six level high-rise four-star hotel is onsite. Ocean and beach views. Warrnambool Hot Springs is a great experience. The hotel and hot springs could be considered as part of the one large visitor's complex. Hopkins Falls Up to thirteen metres in height, form part of the river system of the Glenelg Hopkins catchment and is about twenty km east of Warrnamabool along Wangoom Road following onto Hopkins Falls Road. The Hopkins River rises near Ararat, and flows south, joined by twelve tributaries before reaching Warrnambool and emptying into Bass Strait. The river follows a 270 kilometre course. A drive was taken to Hopkins Falls near Warrnamabool in late June '16 during a high rainfall event. The falls are one of the widest in Victoria. Ninety metres wide with unobstructed views from the viewing platform or at the foot of the falls. Often a very small overflow of water in warmer months. Warrnamabool Breakwater Pier is 315 metres long. Walking and fishing access is allowed along its length. Warrnamabool is a 258 km drive via the Princes Highway from Melbourne CBD. About a three hour drive. Two hours shorter than driving the more scenic Great Ocean Road. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WARRNAMBOOL GOOGLE MAPS DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS HOPKINS FALLS HOPKINS FALLS HIGH RAINFALL VIEW OF WARRNAMBOOL PIER & FOREGROUND OF LAKE PERTOBE FROM CANNON HILL DEEP BLUE, ENTRANCE TO SHORT CAVE & THERMAL SPRINGS WATERFALL DEEP BLUE, OPEN CAVE WATERFALL OPEN AIR SHALLOW HOT THERMAL POOLS DEEP BLUE OPEN AIR THERMAL HOT SPRINGS WARRNAMBOOL, VICTORIA PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

ALAN JONES Alan Jones, Australian "An obnoxious little bastard, a big-headed little prick." - Jones' view on himself as a youngster "About as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle." - Jones on the Lola he drove in his final season in F1 in 1986 Alan Stanley Jones MBE (born 2 November 1946 in Melbourne, Victoria) is an Australian former Formula One driver. He was the first driver to win a Formula One World Championship with the Williams team, becoming the 1980 World Drivers' Champion and the second Australian to do so following triple World Champion Sir Jack Brabham. He competed in a total of 117 Grands Prix, winning 12 and achieving 24 podium finishes. In 1978 Jones won the Can-Am championship driving a Lola. TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS Two bronze busts of Jack Brabham and Alan Jones were unveiled at the Albert Park Lake F1 motor racing circuit in 2013. Likeness appears very good for both. The two drivers were both born in Australia. Alan Jones in Victoria and Jack Brabham in New South Wales. JACK BRABHAM & ALAN JONES TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS IN F1 ALAN JONES LIFE, STUDIO 10 ALAN JONES 1980 WORLD TITLE MILESTONE Highlights of F1 triple World Champion Niki Lauda 1949 - 2019 F1 career including the actual footage of the horrific 1976 Nürburgring crash. The dangers of F1 PREV PAGE NEXT

BALLYSEEDE CASTLE ghostly visits by Hila the friendly ghost -castle tales ASHFORD CASTLE A luxury hotel, built by the Guinness family. Ashford Castle is frequented by many tourists. Day visits are allowed and meals or high tea can be ordered by non-guests. A school of Falconry is located on the castle grounds. A fulltime gatekeeper keeps an eye on all who enter across the grand stone causeway. Ashford Castle is in fact a part of the village of Cong with a ruined medieval abbey, where Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland, spent the end of his life. The castle has its own sparkling wine and is reasonable priced. Cong is surrounded by fast streams and has natural underground water channels. Cong was the location for John Ford's 1952 movie The Quiet Man, featuring John Wayne. Many of the movie scenes were filmed around Ashford Castle. The general area has retained its charm since the film. BALLYSEEDE CASTLE HAUNTED CASTLE Accommodation and Irish history. Highly recommend spending a night. There is a resident friendly ghost, Hilda ! She is said to appear on March 24 each year, but guests and staff have seen her around more often. Hilda is seen in the upper floor and the main stairs of the castle. Her presence is always announced by the smell of roses. Weeks later on return home, I did notice an artifact like a small childlike waving hand motion on the very outer edge of the video I captured facing the top left of the third storey stairway. A few seconds of video. Of course I was the only person in this area. I did not smell the scent of roses. Probably nothing. Adds to the mystic of the castle. Ballyseede Castle is on approach to The Ring of Kerry . The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometre-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. Beginning at Killarney following a pathway through small towns before returning to Killarney. Highlights of Ireland are the scenic drives, haunted castles and Irish county life. Traveldriven DRIVE DUBLIN TO CONG DRIVE RING OF KERRY TO BALLYSEEDE CASTLE ENTRANCE TO BALLYSEEDE CASTLE REAR OF BALLYSEEDE CASTLE STONE ROOM FOR BREAKFAST CANDLE LIT DINNER, BALLYSEEDE CASTLE STEPS WALKED BY HILDA THE FRIENDLY GHOST BALLYSEEDE CASTLE WINDOW SUITE WAVE HIGH TEA, ASHFORD CASTLE ASHFORD CASTLE FALCONY HAWK ON ARM, ASHFORD CASTLE ASHFORD CASTLE ENTRANCE ASHFORD CASTLE GATEKEEPER BALLYSEEDE CASTLE HOTEL ASHFORD CASTLE PREV PAGE NEXT HOMEPAGE POST