I’ve been thinking about 1976 and all that because of our excellent summer in Cork this year. We seem to have had sun since late May broken by very few periods of rain and none of them prolonged. Quite a change from last year’s July and August which had day after day of relentless rain showers barely five minutes apart it seemed.

Good weather makes such a difference to ones outlook on a day and makes it more bearable to get on with the mundane everyday tasks knowing that a nice weekend awaits you or a sunny walk at the end of a stressful day. Suddenly the area in which you live takes on a slightly different aspect and one looks at it in a different light, literally in some senses. This summer has been made up of picnics, walks in the woods, days on the beach, barbecues and lots of outdoor time.

I have been to Wales a number of times this summer and never tire of the fabulous scenery on the Gower peninsula although I haven’t had much of a chance to stop and take it in. Next weekend I will spend in Pembrokeshire sailing with friends and am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will hold out for just a little bit longer.

Its not much to ask for and it makes all the difference.

The intricacies of the claim while interesting and frustrating in equal measure for the public are not the subject of this post. What struck me reading the coverage of the story in the press here in Ireland was the number of writers who commented that whatever, the morality or ethics of the expenses claim, Ivor certainly knew a great location to purchase a holiday home. Each journalist who went in search of Ivor in Kilcrohane on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula commented on the beauty of the surroundings, no doubt helped by the great summer weather we have been having.

The Sheep’s Head Way is an award winning rural destination with a series of hiking trails and looped walks created by a huge volunteer effort which showcases the natural beauty and unspoilt environment of this magical place. If it gets some recognition nationally and internationally as a result of Ivor’s story then some good wuill have come out of this unsatisfactory situation.

And the connection with Dylan Thomas? Well it seems Ivor has taken to heart that beloved poem I learned in school by the incomparable Welsh bard, “Do not go gentle into that good night”!

The reason I used the ferry to France was because my destination in Normandy was not easily accessible by plane and because I stayed in self catering accommodation and brought bicycles and golf clubs and the occasional canoe with me. I always enjoyed the journey itself it seemed very civilised and as a frequent traveller there was a certain comfort to the routine; the pint in the bar, the musical entertainment, the Sunday afternoon table quiz on the return journey, the cinema, the meal.

Life moved on and life changed and there were no more regular ferry trips. I moved back to Cork and discovered the ferry link was no more. They say you never miss something until its gone and suddenly there were many reasons why I would have wanted to use the ferry. Cheap and hassle free air travel became a little less so each year. My friend with the fear of flying was more reluctant to drive all the way to the furthest reaches of  West Wales and down from Wexford to visit me. The convenience was gone.

Since Fastnet Line has re-started the Cork to Swansea route I have been on the ship many times for work and those memories come flooding back to me. What a civilised way to travel in an increasingly less civilised world. Good food, a bit of relaxation, space and comfort, a decent pint the chance to stare out of the window aimlessly and do a bit of thinking. Good things. Comforting things. Things that should remain.

Cardiff Bay

The capital of Wales is an exciting place to visit with a compact city centre containing all you need and being a great place to base yourself for an assault on all things Welsh. The advent of a degree of autonomy for Wales within the United Kingdom, with its own government, elected representatives and legislative assembly has given Wales a self-confidence to face the challenges of the new millennium. The Castle remains an iconic feature of the city as it has for over two thousand years alongside the more modern features such as the Millennium Centre, the visitor centre known as “The Tube” and the stylishly classic National Museum. Many people will come for large sporting occasions such as the biennial Six Nations clash between the Celtic cousins Wales and Ireland but Cardiff Bay boasts an impressive array of watersports to participate in as well as nearby walking, horseriding, rock climbing, kayaking and cycling. Golf of course is the vogue sport with the 2010 Ryder cup taking place at Celtic Manor just twenty minutes from Cardiff and is sure to attract thousands of spectators from Europe and the USA. Don’t forget to unwind with shopping, bars, cafes and restaurants or make a beeline for a concert or opera to keep the culture quotient high.