More from Mick

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Ed

 Here is another photo of the Wexford coast sent today by Mick and Jane, and one they took of the world’s sneakiest cat, Mocha.

Anyone who has stayed here will know not to trust this cat for an instant: very cute and friendly, but a total liar. She will say she is a house cat, and permitted to enter any cottage  at will. She will say we never feed her. She will say she really only eats salmon…

Ah, Mocha. So sweet when she’s asleep.

And here’s another one of Mocha specially for Anna M, Sara B and Emma C

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View from Hook

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Ed


This photo was sent to me yesterday by Mick, a favourite visitor from England.
I’ve just read a review of the Wexford Coastal Path by Francis Bradley in the Irish Times. Here’s a quote: ” It’s a coastal walk that captivates, from cliffs to rocky headlands, golden beaches to natural and historic wonders “. You can find out more on www.discoverireland.com about the year-round wonders of the Hook penninsula, a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. This time last year we went whale watching, but even without the added drama of the whales the sea views are stunning. Thanks for reminding me, Mick.

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Posted on January 22, 2012 by Ed

This photo of me was taken in Rome just as Mr Berlusconi nearly ran over our toes as he left Parliament by the back door in November

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No peacocks !

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Ed


Not a peacock in sight today, and it feels very strange….Our three birds had taken to straying into neighbours’ gardens and leaving too much evidence. They are very curious, and also very sneaky. I tried bribery ( sunflower seeds ) and appealing to their vanity ( a mirror ), but they continued to wander, so we arranged a swap with another breeder. Now we have just one pair of young birds but can’t let them out until they are used to the place. Fingers crossed that they will settle and eventually breed. Fruit Hill without the peacocks just wouldn’t be the same.

Update : The two new peacocks are real homebirds – so much so that they won’t leave the windowsill, and love to keep an eye on what’s going on in the house. I think they must have been reared in a shed, because they don’t have a clue about roosting in the trees at night. Dick has had to build them a special platform, and I have to get up on a LADDER to call them up to their roost – otherwise the fox would be delighted to entertain them. It is ridiculous really, but they are very sweet.

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Thank you

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Ed


Thanks to Mick and Jane who stayed with us in November for the new profile photograph.

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The full team

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Ed


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Summer at Fruit Hill

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Ed

Some lovely photos from a French family who spent their summer holiday with us last year. The picture of the little girl was taken at Hook Head.

Lots of children here again this year, enjoying mostly fine weather so there have been picnics on the beach and trips to Kennedy park. We’ve also had three honeymoon couples staying – a summer of romance

The Tall Ships Race at the end of June was a

great weekend, and this year’s Dunbrody Festival in

New Ross had sunshine all the way.

This is Kilkenny Arts week with a great programme of events;

the sand sculpting festival in Duncannon is coming up next, and Heritage Week with free events all over the County.

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Easter

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Ed

We’ve had beautiful weather this Easter, and visitors from Wales, Dublin, France and England to enjoy it. The bluebells are in bloom; the peahens are thinking about nesting, and everyone’s had more than enough chocolate.
Sadie and I did the tour of the new Waterford Crystal Visitors’ Centre and found it very interesting. Also they have a cafe there which is run by the same team as our favourite place in Waterford – the Park Lodge Cafe.
On the subject of food, congratulations to Billy Whitty of our local restaurant, Aldridge Lodge (http://www.aldridgelodge.com/) who is Wexford’s top chef of the year. He’d certainly get my vote !

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Kilmore Quay

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Ed


Happy 65th birthday to Jim who spent the past week staying in the Garden Cottage. Jim and Susan are from Kent and this was their first time in Ireland. Here’s what they put in the visitors’ book :

“Came to relax and enjoy Ireland: Mission accomplished, but we will have to return as there is so much to see and do.
Travelled as far as Limerick and Cork, explored many small villages and sampled a lot of Irish cuisine. All rather splendid ! Favourite place was Kilmore Quay – spent most of the day there exploring the beach and dining in the Crazy Crab bistro.
Fruit Hill will stay in our thoughts for a long time. The place is amazing and hosts Susan and Richard the best !
Thank you for making us so welcome. Hope to come back soon, perhaps with the rest of our family.”
We hope you will come back soon – it’s always nice to see people coming back to us.

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Buzzards in Wexford

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Ed

The Buzzard population in Ireland has been making a steady recovery, but the bird-watchers’ websites don’t seem to know that there are two pairs at Fruit Hill. Yesterday was fine and sunny, and we were treated to an amazing display of aerobatics high in the sky over our heads.


This is just an approximation !

St. Patrick’s Day today, and there are parades all over the place. It hasn’t rained yet, but the buzzards won’t be flying high today judging by the clouds.
Happy St Patrick’s Day

Posted in March 2011 | 1 Comment