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It’s that time of the year again – December 2023. Time to reflect on my amazing journey through 2023 with enthusiastic visitors to my homeland Northern Ireland!
It never ceases to amaze me why so many people delight in visiting our small country. The visitor steps off the plane or ferry onto this small island with a wish list and a keen interest to see and learn so much about us and our ancient land.
Some are on a return journey while others are fresh to the views and varied cultures. Some come for a short while creating a wish to return and tarry a while. Others take the slow road spending time on every bend.
All the while I am learning so much about my land through the eyes of the visitor!
Trips around “the edge” of the island bring home the reality of life surrounded by the sea.
Our cities, some bigger than others, provide a picture of people around their buildings old and new oozing stories from every corner.
The small green fields of the countryside highlight the landscape where family farms are still worked by generation after generation. Many visitors come in search of their ancestral homesteads with a longing to walk the land of their ancestors.
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year filled with so much good conversation. laughter and strong handshakes.
it is true to say “there are no strangers here only Friends you haven’t met yet” W B Yeats.
A big thankyou to those with whom I travelled around my homeland in 2023. A good mix of local knowledge and an inquisitive traveller create great memories.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C S Lewis.
Have a peaceful family holiday season 2023 and step out into 2024 ready to dream and travel.
Will raise my Annual Christmas Day toast to you my friends all over the world at 3pm GMT.
Regards
Barbara (Biddy)
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Guided Tours and ServicesYOUR PERSONAL GROUP GUIDED MINIBUS TOUR AROUND THE LANES OF COUNTY ARMAGH’S APPLE ORCHARDSPersonal Stress Free ToursInformation
Oh boy where has the time gone! Thought I'd just leave the message below as it is to let you know how far we have come from those dark days of Covid. Delighted to say we are now looking out at spring 2023 and everyone is well! Better days are coming.................
What are your thoughts for 2023 or indeed 2024?
Better Days Are Coming.....................
Life here in Northern Ireland is certainly looking good. I have had my Covid "jab" and all of NI will be vacinated by the end of Spring; thanks to our wonderful Health Service plus lots and lots of amazing volunteers. Those of us in tourism have been "zooming" every week; sharing ideas and working together to provide you with that holiday of a lifetime with us here in Northern Ireland.
Uppermost in our conversation is reassuring you of our attention to hygiene detail and safety during your holiday with us. With all aspects of care covered all those in the tourism industry will be accredited with the "GOOD TO GO" certificate. We are excited that travel throughout Northern Ireland will almost certainly be up and running June/July 2021.
I will shortly start travelling around my small country of Northern Ireland checking out quirky accommodation with a twist of local character, enjoy lots of traditional food like soda and wheaten bread and possibly a rack of lamb with cabbage and potato!
While the top attractions in the world are here there certainly is a lot more to see and experience when you wander off the beaten track. To get a true sense of how we live, talk, work and enjoy our wee country you really don't have to travel more than a couple of miles off from the famous UNESCO Giant's Causeway - you just need to know where!
So chat with me and I will share my thoughts and even suggest we travel the route together to meet the locals and share their love of this land and question me on our complicated if not a tad interesting history! We can travel either by car, motor van or coach depending on numbers.
To start your journey plan I have attached a map of Ireland with Northern Ireland tucked up on the North East. This will give you an idea of some of the main cities and towns within Northern Ireland.
Remember.................landscape, daylight hours, temperatures, all change with the seasons!
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ARMAGH - SAINT PATRICK'S CHOSEN CITY
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY 2023
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At last I have moved towards sharing my passion for the countryside and my farming life.........check this out!
Step away from the cities and towns of Northern Ireland into the heart of farming life. These small generational farms are steeped in stories and traditions passed down through the generations
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FAMILY, FRIENDS OR CLUB GROUP TOURS ARMAGH CITY
Heard about the monkey and the stone mason dispute in Armagh City?
Take a stroll out with Barbara, a local long standing Tour Guide for Armagh City, and enjoy the quirky fun history of the old City of Armagh.
Share the fun with your friends/family/Club on this 2 hr walk.
Tour starts and finishes at the Charlemont Arms Hotel (Ulsterbus Station at rear entrance) where you get to enjoy a complimentary glass of locally crafted Cider www.macivors.com
(Full Audio System available on request)
Group Tour ie 1 to 14 (inclusive) £75
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - NAME YOUR DATE!
Call Barbara on 07740 511442 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book or discuss.
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Christimas Wishes from Barbara and All at Beechlodge Farm, County Armagh - December 2022
Wishing you all far and wide a Happy Healthy Christmas 2022. A big thankyou for travelling with me over the years.
Wishing you also a wonderful 2023 with lots and lots of travel.
2023 bookings are already well in progress are you in there yet?
28 October 2022
A BIG THANKYOU FROM BARBARA
One full week back at my desk........something I haven;t had from March! It has been an amazing season. Everybody catching up on their lost travel time over the previous year and my experience was of visitors so happy to finally get to visit Ireland.
The season has been a whirlwind of amazing visitors from all over the world. Many from the USA; lots from Canada; coach groups from Scandanivia, enthusiastic visitors from Asia and humourous Australians.
Walking the stones of the Giant's Causeway with visitors never ceased to pour out the wow factor to all.
Group dancing and singing around ancient Celtic sites created a sense of understanding ancient Ireland.
Examining the meaning of the "murals" together helped weave a thread of understanding through "The Troubles".
Gentle walking along the edge of Ireland's cliffs and shoreline reassured all that yes we are an "Island".
Following the twisty long lanes into the middle of farmland to enjoy an opportunity to chat over the fence to a local farmer; learn about his family and listen tentively to his beautiful use of local descriptive phrases.
Evenings spent tasting local ciders, craft beers, whiskey and gin created a friendly loud flow of conversation and laughter.
Sharing my country and lifestyle with visitors is easy when you enjoy good chat. Opening up chat with the locals either in the cities or countryside was the top highlight of the tour.
Cathedrals, castles and characters all make for a good pot of discussion about an area. Wooo our irish history is so rich in all of this.
Following ancestral footsteps around overgrown derelict homes, old outhouses, graveyards and long lanes taking time to pause and toast with local whiskey or a cup of tea to those ancestors who left this land and lifestyle many many years ago.
Searching and shopping for that something "local and special" to bring back home.
Sharing stories, folklore and indeed an odd song along our travels shortens the journey and all the while we are encouraged to "live in the moment".
Thanks to one and all for spending time with me in my homeland of Northern Ireland in 2022.
Winter well as we say here and you never know where our paths may cross again.
Keep well.
Regards
Barbara (Biddy)
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Quote from Patrick's Confession in the 9thC Irish Illuminated Manuscript "The Book of Armagh"
"I Patrick, a sinner,a most simple countryman,
the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many"
Ancient Irish Manuscripts tell us so much about a period in the early christian history of my
homeland City of Armagh.
Why not follow a site trail with me around the ancient City of Armagh and discover the City's importance in the education of the early scholars from the shores of Ireland.
All year round guided Group Walking Tours available on request max 15 (with audio system)
Contact Barbara on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call: +44 (0) 77 4051 1442
Happy Saint Patrick's Day 2022
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Delighted to be part of this amazing "international" family. Life as a Tourist Guide for me is an ongoing learning curve. The University of Life has been my best source for over 21 years! Certainly I have witnessed tourism open up after "The Troubles" and to peak just before the Covid 19 epidemic. A keen member of www.tourguides.ie, the Institute of Tourist Guiding and The Guild my guiding backup is amazing.
As a Tourist Guide today I define my role as "a local guide for you the Tourist". Now that we are picking up after Covid 19 my role as your personal Tourist Guide for Northern Ireland has blossomed and I am excited about meeting new tourists ready to travel with me as their local Guide for 2022.
Barbara (Biddy)
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Last week my path took me on a walk through the peaceful woods of Ballymoyer or Ballymyre three miles from Newtownhamilton, County Armagh and just about four miles from our farm. What a lovely day with a clear blue sky overhead, the shadows of the tall tree tops on the forest floor and the music of the river all along my way.
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Guided Tours Ireland/Armagh Guided Tours Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy New Year
Wishing you all a Happy Healthy 2022 and many thanks for your continued support in 2021.
I’m always keen to move forward and see what the new year has to bring. Plans are already in place for many of you to visit in 2022 if the Covid situation allows you. This I appreciate.
I know that many of you have taken a lot more time to think and share thoughts on that long held dream to visit the homeland of your ancestors.
With small family groups we certainly can create a lot of happy memories, visit townlands, graveyards, family homes all together and jointly share our love for the ancestral places of what shaped us today.
Living on an island I am always drawn to the edge and tours around the famous Antrim Coastline are not to be missed………a walk along the headlands and a paddle in the ocean bring out the child in all of us. Ancient Celtic settlements tell us of our early ancestors while castles and churches reveal our more recent history.
Good food and accommodation are very important and as a keen cook and farmer’s wife my love of local produce is key to fully embracing life here. Picnic hampers are certainly very popular and ideal for large family groups.
Choosing where to lay your hat is also very important when travelling as a family. I will be out on the road shortly to chat with my favourite hotels, B & B’s and restaurants………..ohh lots more good food to experience!
From my Ferguson Family here at Beechlodge Farm, Armagh, Northern Ireland I wish you and all those you love dearly a Happy Healthy 2022.
Best Wishes
Barbara (Biddy)
PS Do hope you enjoy my own personal amateur “seasons” video. Pictures were taken by me on my phone. They reflect the changes in landscape around my farm here in County Armagh and a trip to County Fermanagh. May help you decide what season you would like to visit.
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Once in Royal David's City is a Christmas Carol originally written
as a poem by Cecil Frances Alexander,
The carol was first published in 1848 in her hymbook
"Hymns for Little Children".
A year later the English organist Henry John Gaunteltt discovered the poem
and put it to music.
Hello Friends
Hope you and your family are all keep well and looking forward to the Christmas Holidays.
I do hope you had an opportunity to travel and enjoy some time away in 2021.
Glad that I took advantage during relaxed Covid times to travel a little throughout the UK and Ireland…….sometimes on personal holidays and other times with visitors. Travelling at a slower safe pace certainly does allow you to absorb a lot more on your journey.
2021 was a year of uncertainty in the travel industry. The year started out with enthusiastic planning followed by cancellation or Covid Regulation Changes. Some people managed to travel while others decided to postpone until 2022.
At home here on the farm I have been doing a lot of the normal things…….lots of baking, hiking and catching up with friends and family.
Long easy walks on my own gave me a lot of time to think and my mind drifted to thoughts about organising more “easy going” guided group walks with specific interests.
Living close to the ancient Armagh City – Saint Patrick’s Chosen City - my thoughts drifted to other Pilgrim Walks throughout UK.
It’s early days yet but I have linked up with my Blue Badge Guides in the UK to work on suitable Pilgrim’s Walking Holidays in 2022.
As always my very popular personal car/coach tours will still be available in 2022. Also my local Armagh Village Walks will certainly be a large part of my 2022 tours.
I know that it has been a difficult time and our travel lifestyle has certainly changed but I feel it is important to work with the situation in the best possible way.
Thanks to all who have travelled with me in the past and welcome to my new travellers in 2022.
So from my family home here at Beechlodge Farm, County Armagh to your family I wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas 2021.
Best Wishes
Barbara (Ferguson)
www.guidedtoursireland.com
www.armaghguidedtours.com
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MEMORIES OF ALLISONS STUDIO ARMAGH
Running a Tour Guiding business within Northern Ireland allows me the opportunity to meet wonderful people from all over the world. Its exhilarating to see your own country through the eyes of the visitor. I have been in business since 1999 so as they say “there has been a lot of water under the bridge since then”.
Living on a working farm close to Armagh City it is a wonderful thing for me to share Armagh City and its County with strangers.
Some years ago when my mum became frail and due to the onset of Macular Degeneration was unable to pursue her favourite pastime of knitting, life became somewhat lonely for a once active farmer’s wife.
After a lot of persuasion, she joined the local Armagh Partially Sighted Club and attend their weekly meetings. At first she felt somewhat guilty leaving the farm during the day to sit chatting in the City! For an 88 year old who worked on the farm all her lifetime it’s hard to change a habit of a life time.
However surrounded with lovely people who welcomed her into their circle she took to the Club just “like a duck to water”. She enjoyed the weekly chats, a cup of tea and very soon she became actively involved in organising the weekly calendar.
Annual Outings were discussed and many were concerned that this would be difficult given the mobility of the members however mother stepped up and suggested that I, her daughter, could organise that………….and so began the Annual Mystery Outing of the Orchard Club for Visually Impaired Persons.
A tour with a difference had to be carefully thought out and with guidance from the Club Volunteers and helpers we set off on our coach tour usually in April/May to enjoy some good social chat about the surrounding countryside, villages and cities we travelled through. It certainly made me sit up and take notice of the various variety of trees, colours, hills, townlands etc my delight was in sharing a mental picture with all on board of the landscape we travelled through. Short stops off to feel, smell and share our thoughts and knowledge were humbling. The treat of the day was “dinner at dinner time” in one of the best hotels or restaurants I could find on the route. No “tour menu” please we want the white tablecloth with silver service. This was one aspect of the tour which I was very determined these lovely people would enjoy the best of fine food in a top establishment. We managed and enjoyed it as we laughed and helped each other through the fine dining experience.
Mum passed away peacefully some years back and it was just yesterday when I was asked by Ann a Volunteer to come and speak to the Club as they had been unable to meet or travel during the Covid 19.
I was excited at the thought of being back among such a jolly bunch who in the adverse of poor visibility were ready to once again embrace the social joy of “the wee Club”.
I dusted down my favourite Roger Weatherup books and began to look for a suitable topic that would encourage all of the group to become interactive. On the first page I was absorbed by an article on the story of “Allison Studio in Armagh City”. There it was the very topic that everyone in the group would have something to say about…………and so they did………..what an afternoon I had with truly happy inspirational people.
Tour Guiding all over Northern Ireland, RoI and Scotland over the past 20 years has been amazing but right on my doorstep is this small group of visually impaired people with whom I travel once a year is the icing on the cake for me.
Thanks all for teaching me how to smile in the face of adversity.
Barbara
November 2021
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LANE WALK 1
THE LONG LOANIN'S OF KILMORE
You say Armagh, and I see the hill
with the two tall spires or the square low tower;
the faith of Patrick is with us still;
his blessing falls in a moonlight hour,
when the apple orchards are all in flower.
(Poet John Hewitt)
Just about 5 miles outside the ancient City of Armagh, perched on a low hilltop sits the crossroads of Kilmore. 20th Century Irish Poet John Hewitt wrote about walking the lanes of Kilmore when visiting his grandmother here. A fertile land once a monastic settlement of the Culdees. During the apple blossom season in early May these rolling hills are awash with the hues of pink apple blossom. A guided walk through the twisty lanes of this ancient landscape will not only allow you to enjoy the beauty of the apple blossom but learn a lot about life past and present in this ancient settlement.
Approx 4 mile round walk.
LANE WALK 2
LOUGHGALL VILLAGE TO ORCHARD FARM
Step out in the pretty Conservation Village of Loughgall and enjoy an interesting walk through its historical past. Today the grand entrance and leafy driveway to the Copes Manor House is quite the landmark of the village. The well known 18thC poet Jonathan Swift spent a lot of time with the Copes when in need of a break from Dublin. Leave the village behind and take to the lanes nearby to enjoy the panoramic views over the orchards. Identify the timeline of the apple tree as you guess the ages of the various orchards in view.
Approx 4 mile round walk.
LANE WALK 3
DAN WINTER'S COTTAGE LANE WALK
On the outskirts of Loughgall village tucked back in its farmyard sits Dan Winter’s Cottage. Take a step back in time and hear all about Dan Winter and this amazing traditional weaver’s thatched cottage. Leave the cottage behind and walk the steep hill known as The Diamond Hill only to discover more history and numerous orchards in blossom in sight.
Approx 4 mile round walk.
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Irish Mythology -NUADA OF THE SILVER ARM
Along my way with visitors to this land I am often drawn to sharing its myths and legends. History on its own is boring and incomplete without also capturing the culture of early life on this land. To me it allows the curious visitor to embrace more about our present culture and how it is shaped by our past!
Lost without the opportunity to visit, chat and explore more about our land at present I have written down the legend of Nuada which today holds links to the ancient City of Armagh. When the time is right take a visit to the hilltop Anglican Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh City and there you will find the strange stone figure of "Nuada".
According to legend, Nuada was King of the Tuatha Dé Dannan before they came to Ireland.
A skilled hunter and fighter, Nuada led his people into Ireland from the north. He set up the court at Tara and ruled the Tuatha Dé Dannan fairly.
He made his home in Brú na Bóinne until he was tricked into giving up both his home and his wife to the Dagda, Chief of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. Even though the Tuatha Dé Dannan had arrived on the Emerald isle, they did not yet control Ireland.
At that time, the once-mighty Fir Bolg and the monstrous Fomorians ruled over most of the Island but the cunning Nuada had a plan to conquer them both.
In Irish legend, Nuada was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. He brought his people to Ireland and fought the native Fir Bolg for control of the island. Nuada went to the king of the Fir Bolg and asked for half of the island. The Fir Bolg refused his demand so the two groups went to war.
In this fight Nuada lost a hand. Being physically imperfect he was no longer elgible for kingship so he abdicated in favour of the half-Formorian Bres.
Unfortunately Bres allow the Formorians to take control of Ireland.
The Tuatha Dé Dannan crafted a silver hand for Nuada so he could reclaim his place as king.
Nuada held the throne for another twenty years until Bres returned with a Fomorian army to take power by force. This time the powerful warrior Lugh led the Tuatha Dé Dannan to victory in a battle that secured their power and took the throne after which Nuada was killed.
The Tuatha Dé Dannan are often interpreted as a representation of the first Celtic invaders of Ireland. The Fir Bolg were earlier inhabitants, while the Fomorians were subsequent invaders who sought to claim the Island as well.
Nuada may be partially rooted in Irish history, but he also possibly originated from Germanic religion before it was brought to Ireland. Similar figures in Britain, Wales and Scandinavia show Nuada's arrival from outside of Ireland is both factual and legendary.
Would love to hear your story on Nuada from your part of the world.
Barbara.........your local Tourist Guide
Always travel with a local
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Barbara & her great outdoor lifestyle
Check out my very own photo snaps of some of the place I have taken visitors in 2019. Some are a bit out of focus - proof they are my very own snaps!
You can see I obviously enjoy the great outdoors, animals, wild flowers, activities and home cooking. Just can't wait to share these places and more with you when you are ready to visit Ireland/Northern Ireland.
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What a picture!
First stop Brownlow House, Lurgan where they set up the Headquarters for the US Army and plans for secret operations were drawn up.
Today an excellent WW2 Exhibition with video footage open to the general public is situated in the magnificently restored 19th Brownlow House.
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HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY FROM ST PATRICK'S CHOSEN CITY - ARMAGH CITY
Hope you are all keeping well. Ah well no St Patrick's Day Walking Tours for me or you this year again but I am busy working on great family/group outdoor activities for us all to enjoy hopefully during this summer ahead.
We all need the tonic of wildness! Time to discover more about what is on our doorstep with a flavour of adventure.
Took my walk out today (Tue 16 March) around the ancient "hills of Armagh City". Amazing what you can see and learn from the views of a good hilltop...........and only the locals know the best places to go!
Here's to a good St Patrick's Day however you get to spend it. Sure we can always stomp around St Patrick's Chosen City - Armagh any day of the year!
Sorry folks having difficult posting pictures.
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Thanks for popping in to take a read........................
DOWN ON THE FARM WITH BARBARA IN COUNTY ARMAGH
Well Thursday is the 1st April 2021 and I am delighted to say that life here in Northern Ireland is gladly returning to normal. Living on a working farm my main distraction throughout Covid 19 has been the annual lambing season. Little did I know that in March 2020 I would continue to work on the farm and help with lambing 2021!
Working with new birth brings me close to nature and helps to distract from the unsettling world news. All lambs are born now and out in fields. Looking forward to enjoying their new life skip, hop and jump down by the river banks at dusk. It truly is a refreshing picture.
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Hello 2021 and Northern Ireland is once again in Covid19 “lockdown” so my car is parked and its back to long walks in my local park.
I’m lucky as Gosford Forest Park (240 acres) is just one mile from my farm here in County Armagh on the outskirts of the small historical Plantation Town of Markethill.
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The story starts with Sam McGredy (the first) (late 19thC) and his passion for pansies. To fulfil his dreams he moved from Southern Ireland to a small plot in the townland of Garvaghy, Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Contact Us
Barbara Ferguson
Accredited Blue Badge Tourist Guide
Northern Ireland Guided Tours
41 Coolmillish Road
Markethill
Co. Armagh
BT60 1SH
Northern Ireland
For your answer to an experienced & fun guided tour of Northern Ireland - Barbara is here to help
+44 (0) 28 3755 1119
+44 (0) 7740 511 442
Email: info@guidedtoursireland.com
