Ireland #3 A walk around Adare

Adare is one of our favorite towns in Ireland.

There are beautiful thatched roof cottages and flowers galore.

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of the beautiful cottages

this trip.  While I was napping in the afternoon, Dave and some

of the others were walking around taking in the beauty of this little town.

After dinner, however, we did walk around a bit and I got some lovely

pictures to share with you.

This is the only thatched roof cottage that I got a picture of

in Adare this trip.

This is a shop along the main street in Adare. 

I can't imagine having fully dressed mannequins

outside the shops in our area.

So fun! 

I love the bright colors and the flowers on the pubs and other 

businesses that are so common in Ireland.

Roxie, Jane and me in the Adare Town Park.

Dave, Ed and Michael

Michael and Jane happy to be in Adare.

Having a little fun.

Dave and me.

Beautiful!  Everything is kept so nice and clean.

You seldom see litter anywhere.

There is a beautiful old church in Adare

and I was taken with the doors.

I love this red door!

This is the side of the church.

Jane was loving thinking about the history of this old church.

Being an ex-history teacher, Jane was amazed thinking of 

all that went on in this old place, the history of it, 

and who would have been in this place so many years ago.

Now let me tell you a little bit about 

Tidy Towns

Tidy Towns is an annual competition in Ireland.

First held in 1958, it is organized by the Irish Department of Environment,

Community and Local Government.

It was started to honor the tidiest and most attractive villages, towns and cities in Ireland
It started as an initiative to encourage communities 

to improve their environment and make their area a 

better place to live, work and visit.

It rapidly developed into the most well known competition in Ireland.

It is a true honor for a community to be named a "Tidy Town"

But it's more than just about being the prettiest village, town or city.

There are modules that must be completed such as a 5 year plan for 

Overall Development, Building the Environment, Landscaping, Litter Control 

and several other categories.

The whole community is involved when it in the running for Tidy Town.

What started in 1958 with 52 entrants is now a competition with 

the average of 700 entrants each year.
Adare has won the distinction of being a 

Tidy Town

and it is well deserved.

It's such a pretty little town and they are very proud of it.

Flowers of the day.

I love to take pictures of flowers 

and this trip was no different.

I am drawn to them and always want to capture their beauty.

I'm not good at growing them, 

but I sure love to look at them and photograph them.

I'll try to show some flowers each time I post.

Here are some of the flowers from Adare.

Hydrangeas were in full bloom in many areas of Ireland,

so you'll be seeing lots of them.

Adare had some gorgeous pink ones.

I don't have a clue what this little flower is, 

but I thought it was pretty.

Wish I would have spent a little more time taking more pictures

of it and the others around it.

Well, that's my post for today.

Thanks for stopping by.