Beware of your car being burgled.

My favourite picture from my latest tour. The family enjoying a break at Ashford Castle in Cong in the heart of the "Quiet Man" country. I miss them already.
The old forge on the outskirts of Cong village with its horse-shaped doorway. The forge would always have been a gathering place for local farmers as they went there to have their horses shod and their bits of farming equipment fixed.

This is the time of the year when the turf (peat) is cut and dried and then stacked and ready to be loaded onto trucks to be transported to the various homes for the fires for the Winter months.

There were warnings on our news bulletins this evening about the number of tourists cars being burgled recently. If you do hire a car do not park it leaving things on view inside. Remember that if you put items into the trunk you may be observed doing that, and that leaves you open to being burgled also. Bring your valuables with you when leaving your car unattended. Better still....hire a chauffeur.

Driving home this evening i was stopped by the police as there were diversions in place on my local roads. The policeman informed me that two tourists had been killed in a horrible accident on the edge of the Burren. I am not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding this accident but once again it is a strong warning to all using the roads in these regions. Driving in these rural areas is dangerous. If you are not an experienced driver, think twice about doing it. If you can afford a car and driver/chauffeur then that is the best way to go. It may not be as expensive as you imagine so at least give it a try.