Our Ireland Adventure

by Mary Anne Gibson

When a chance conversation over the purchase of an umbrella led to a spontaneous trip to the Emerald Isle, who could refuse? Yes indeed, that’s how this story starts. Some excellent umbrella modelling by Neil on the Scottish Austin 7 Club Facebook page led to our first sale and a conundrum. The cost of postage to Ireland would be more than the price of the umbrella itself. What could we do, but deliver it ourselves, and that’s what happened. Ferries booked and youngsters farmed out to grandparents for the weekend, we (Neil and Mary Anne Gibson from the Scottish Austin Seven Club) headed for the ferry.

Shortly after departure, we took in the sights of the headland and in particular Corsewall Lighthouse where we got married almost 16 years ago. If you look, really closely through the spray in the photo, you might just spot the lighthouse in the distance. After a hearty meal on board and a restful crossing, we arrived safely in the port of Belfast. Without much of a clue or recollection of our surroundings, except for a giant fully lit golf ball, we found our way to our hosts Geoffrey and Wendy Livingstone. What a reception it was, a drink in hand, surrounded by Austins and good craic set us up for what promised to be a great weekend.

An early start on Saturday saw 7 Austins head in convoy to the Argory. Neil had the pleasure of driving Geoffrey’s Austin 7 tourer, our first topless drive out. The occasion being an event organised in the memory of an esteemed past member of the UPWAC, Wesley Lamont, who did so much to promote and encourage ownership and use of pre-war cars. Wesley, at his untimely passing, was already planning this event and the club felt they needed to fulfil his wishes and make it happen. (Source - UPWAC programme)

80 cars assembled at the Argory house and courtyard including a Wolesley, Rolls Royce and Wesley’s Heavy 12, box tourer and van. Refreshments were available in the courtyard and a lovey day was spent wandering around the beautiful surroundings meeting like-minded people and admiring some beautiful vehicles.

Later that evening, many members gathered in Geoffrey and Wendy’s garden for a BBQ. It was a great opportunity to unwind and relax in good company whilst enjoying terrific Irish steaks and lovely accompaniments provided by other club members. Recipes were shared and many stories told. A special mention to Ross and Jo, Billy and Caroline and Kenny and Lynne for making us feel so welcome. Never one to miss out on a sale, the Scottish Austin Seven Club pop up shop made an appearance. Umbrellas, hats and mugs were all safely hand delivered to their recipients.

Sunday morning was a little more relaxed, a hearty breakfast in our stomachs saw us set off in convoy again. This time for a drive out with around 15 Austins from the Irish Austin Seven Club through the Armagh countryside. They say Ireland has 40 shades of green and we saw them all that day.  

After assembly at the hotel in Armagh, directions were handed out. Pen in hand and prepared to diligently tick off each road and turn (I like to know exactly where I am), I soon realised the handout was for a completely different route. A mystery tour it was!     

We took in some really interesting sights on the way. Road bowls stopped play to let us pass, I’m not sure how happy they were, it seemed like a really serious game, perhaps with a gambling element? A brief stop at Basil Sheils pub allowed us to take some photos in beautiful surrounding. This place is definitely on our list to return to. At the Fews Forest we climbed the summit to Carrickatuke View Point, as you will see from the photo, the weather wasn’t favourable. (This means we’ll just need to come back and see it on a clear day). It did clear a bit to give a glimpse of Armagh county beyond. The next stop was Seagahan Dam, a brown trout stocked fishery and then to On the Hoof for lunch served from an Airstream caravan and a double decker bus! Our final stop on the tour was Dan Winter’s ancestral home, which for those who don’t know the name, is where the Orange Lodge originated. A 300 year old cottage steeped in history made the perfect backdrop for a group photo.

On return to base (Geoffrey and Wendy’s house) Neil was panicking about catching our ferry. “We need to leave at 4” was his cry. Well, half past 4 came and went and tea and cake was served, Neil had no choice but to go with the flow because I do love my tea! We departed company at 5pm and made it safely to the ferry on time. A restful crossing and drive up the road saw us reflect on our weekend. “We’re never spontaneous” we had repeatedly uttered to anyone who asked. It seems now that we are more spontaneous than we thought. An unplanned weekend was indeed good for the soul. I’d recommend it to anyone and urge you all to take opportunities when they present themselves. As we Scot’s and in particular my granny used to say “you’re a lang time deid”.