We are so fortunate to have great connections all over the world, it really makes traveling that much more exciting. After spending the day in Belfast we headed south to Stangford Lough to stay with Peter and Caroline. They are so lovely and have a stunning hotel The Cuan and home right by the water.
This area was the filming base to Game of Thrones. I can see why they chose this spot as there are beautiful castles and walks around the lough. Now The Cuan is a famous spot for many fans as the cast stayed for a couple of nights! People from all over the world come to this area to see the famous scenes so The Cuan offers a Game of Thrones Banquet dinner which we were lucky enough to have! Peter is a fantastic chef and they have done a very fine job of setting the Winterfell theme. You really did feel as though you were in the set of the show!
Peter took us on a walk with his wee dogs around the Village. It was like walking through a fairy tale, the cottages and castle remains make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. We were lucky enough to see the Victorian baths which was enjoyed by Queen Victoria on a high tide. I’m always blown away with the history of this country and how these special places still stand.
We had our first taste of Irish summer today and the late sun sets really allow you to enjoy the sunshine.
Day Two
George is working in New Castle and we took the scenic route to catch up for a coffee. New Castle is a cute little village about half an hour from Strangford and is the spot for the Women’s Amateur Golf Open at the Royal County Down. It was great fun seeing George and even better seeing him in action in front of the camera.
Picnics in our van have become a daily ritual for us. The food market in New Castle was the ideal hub to buy beautiful cheese, tomatoes, olives and crackers to enjoy for lunch. We did manage to enjoy this out of the van for a change as we found a little picnic table on the way back to Strangford.
Peter and Caroline were waiting our return with the mountain bikes ready to go. I can see why they love living in this area as the tracks around the lough are magical. We biked for a good hour and a half reaching a lookout point. The narrow tracks meant you did have to watch yourself coming back down the hill.
As always we were very well hosted and a lovely beef stroganoff was awaiting us for dinner. We had a good laugh with Peter and Caroline and it was also great to see Una and Conall.
Back to Dublin
We feel so lucky to have such hospitable friends and we couldn’t thank them enough for the great time. After a beautiful Irish breakfast prepared by Peter we hit the road back to Dublin at 9:00am.
On the way to drop our beloved camper van back we had another delicious lunch at the Happy Pear. Yummmmm and very warming for a cold summers day.
If you every plan a trip to Ireland the camper van is a great option! Now the weather can be touch-and-go but the scenery and places you are able to enjoy really are breathtaking. Not only is the landscape beautiful but the Irish are so welcoming and friendly. It’s a place you really don’t want to leave.
100 Days of Travel 
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