Irish Christmas Cards
Irish Christmas Cards
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 20 CHRISTMAS Irish ANGEL Shamrock Greeting Post Cards PRINTED US OR CANADA  US $10.25
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The Wicklow Way in Winter
The Wicklow Way in Winter
The Wicklow Way is Ireland's most popular way marked trail- winding over 100 kilometres through the high heather hills south of Dublin. It's proximity to the city means that at its northern end at least, it gets a fair amount of traffic. That said, as its Ireland, it's still very quiet and you can walk for miles without meeting more than a handful of fellow travellers. In the past year we've walked both ends but for some reason we never managed to cook up a plan to do the remoter ‘middle bit' south of Glendalough between Aughavannagh and Moyne. Just after Christmas we resolved to do something about this mental Bermuda Triangle and got ourselves sorted with some accommodation in Aughavannagh valley in the pretty Aughavannagh Cottage – a lovely Irish cottage to rent right in the middle of the mountains.
Little did we know however that last week it would start snowing relentlessly! It doesn't snow much in Ireland and when it does, it tends not to linger. The Wicklow Mountains are not especially high- barely scraping 1000 metres (3000 ft) but they do hold the snow longer and it certainly made an interesting trip. The idea was to take two cars as there were 6 of us, leave one in at the cottage in Aughavannagh and then head back to Laragh near the beautiful valley of Glendalough and set off for the cottage from there. However as soon as we left Dublin, it became clear that the normal route was impassable. We were advised to head for Aughrim via Arklow on a lower but still pretty road and access Aughavannagh valley from the east. Eventually we made it, slipping and sliding through a winter wonderland that hadn't seen much in the way of snow ploughs or gritters. However the sky was blue and despite the cold, we hadn't seen Ireland under a blanket of snow like this for many years and it looked so pretty.
We dumped the bags at the cottage which looks out on to Lugnaquilla – Wicklow highest mountain. It looked foreboding- looming out of the winter mist, all ice covered scree and vast clouds trailing off the barely discernible summit. After tea and biscuits we jumped back into the remaining car and headed back for Laragh. It took over an hour and a half to reach the village – at which point it was getting decidedly late. At 3.30 pm - discretion being the better part of valour, we decided that heading up onto the Spink and Mullacor was a risky strategy. Eventually the snow committee deemed that since the mountain road was virtually impassable, we would instead return to Aughavannagh on foot- but on the road. This would normally be the slightly boring option, but since the road was car free and had in effect disappeared under several feet of snow it was just as enjoyable and didn't need any map reading or navigational skills.
We set off for Glenmalure, recalling the exploits of Hugh Roe O'Donnell's escape from Dublin Castle over forty miles away in January 1592. In the height of winter, they successfully reached the stronghold of the rebels, where they found refuge, but his companion and fellow escapee Art O'Neill died of exposure in the snow bound mountains. O'Donnell lost both his big toes due to frostbite. Hugh Roe O'Donnell and his two companions, the brothers Art and Henry O'Neill, are the only prisoners to ever successfully escape from Dublin Castle. Looking over the frozen landscape, we shivered at the thought of being pursued by the English Redcoats in such arctic conditions.
The walk was beautiful. The snow was like frozen sugar and it flew off our boots when we kicked it. There were deer tracks in the ditch and the silence of the mountains was enhanced by the muffling white sound blanket draped over the land. When we got to the top of the pass, the Shay Elliot memorial was buried in the snow. Elliot was a famous cyclist and the first Irishman to make the big time in this most arduous of sports. Apparently he loved these mountains and his friends put up the monument overlooking one of the steepest road climbs in Wicklow in his memory. For now – it was covered in snow.
The views from the top of the pass to Lugnaquilla were amazing. As the sun was dipping lower in the sky, we decided to press on without paying a visit to the Glenmalure Lodge pub. We stomped through the little crossroads at Drumgoff avoiding a little detour for a pint of Guinness, but such was the cold that we were more tempted by the kettle and fire in Aughavannagh, now 8 kilometres away over Flags Pass. We'd be back to the pub as soon as possible!
Passing the old English military barracks we started climbing up the road through the trees. It was remarkably still. Normally the sound of gushing water fills the woods, but we figured that the ground was so frozen that the flow of water to the streams was reduced to a trickle. A deer stared at us from a forest trail, observing our progress with a nonchalant look before she suddenly turned and skipped over the ditch- not even a crackling of branches to indicate her exit.
As we climbed out of the valley the wind blew up – pushing great plumes of icy snow off the top of Faneneirin ridge. The snow squeaked underfoot and our breath steamed up into the cold air. The road hugs the right hand side of this hanging valley and as we got higher the Sitka spruce became all the more ice blasted. When we got to the top, the cone of Croaghanmoira (664 metres) and otherwise known as the Motty Mountain came into view. Below us stretched Aughavannagh - ‘The Last Place God Made' according to local yore. It was more like a scene from the Great North Woods – miles of snow bound hills and mountains and not a house to be seen. The road had disappeared and the snow had drifted into boulder size shapes where the wind had sculpted its own crazy arctic designs. Thankfully the trees gave some indication of the route and we headed sliding down hill to our destination. The great wall of the South Prison of Lugnaquilla came into view after a few minutes – an ice shattered rock face shrouded in cloud. It's not a high mountain (925 metres) and not an especially difficult climb but yet it has claimed lives and every winter is mentioned in the dispatches of the Wicklow Mountain Rescue team (in fact some days later two snowboarders were involved in a lengthy mountain rescue involving helicopters and rescue teams from all over Ireland).
As we descended with the pass behind we walked parallel again with the Wicklow Way proper as it crossed the road and headed down through the snowy woods. Our pace quickened as we neared our destination, finally reaching Aughavannagh Cottage as darkness descended. We stayed for four days and made several forays out into the snow to various beautiful walks. It froze hard every night, but with the turf blazing and the playing cards to hand we were well entertained. A snowplough eventually made it over the pass and we managed to get the car back up the hill. And yes – we did stop in Glenmalure for a pint on our way home! http://www.holidaywicklow.com
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Candle In The Window Christmas Blessing Cards $14.99 Send a warm Christmas blessing with cards portraying a lovely Irish Christmas window. 18 single fold 5 x 7 cards and 19 envelopes. USA. Boxed. |
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Christ Is Born Christmas Card $17.99 These exclusively designed cards are absolutely stunning in rich Celtic colors embossed in gold and with gold foil lined envelopes. 18 French fold 5 x 7 cards and 18 envelopes. USA |
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An Irish Christmas $7.49 An Irish Christmas |
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Irish Christmas Blessing Platter $29.99 Inscribed with a beautiful verse and decorated with raised Celtic knot work, this platter will be used time and time again during the Christmas season. Crafted of oven, microwave and dishwasher safe ceramic. 13 7/8? x 11 ??. Imported. Boxed. |
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Santa's Irish Christmas Candy Box $13.99 Six of Ireland's most popular candy bars all in one box! A real treat to receive on Christmas morning. Cadbury's England |
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Christmas Crackers $13.99 An Irish tradition at Christmas. Each contains a snap, a joke, a surprise novelty, and a party hat. Box of eight. Designed in Canada. |
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Lucky Irish Lotto Scratcher And Key Ring $10.99 No fumbling for a coin...always be ready with your Lucky Irish Penny, perfect for those lottery cards. 4 1/2 long. USA. |
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Irish Terrier Christmas Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 by CafePress $33 Lovely Christmas art with an Irish Terrier sitting in the snow in front of a woodland decorated tree. Beautiful holiday merchandise. Gifts for Irish Terrier lovers to treasure. Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Irish Terrier Christmas Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 Lovely Christmas art with an Irish Terrier sitting in the snow in front of a woodland decorated tree. Beautiful holiday merchandise. Gifts for Irish Terrier lovers to treasure. Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Irish Setter Christmas Cards Pk of 10 Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 Have yourself a Merry little Christmas with our Irish Setter holiday greeting cards Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Irish Gaelic Christmas Cards Pk of 10 Holiday Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $18 Inside Blank. Nollaig Shona is Merry Christmas in Irish. Holiday Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Irish Wolfhound Christmas Pets Note Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $18 Irish Wolfhound Christmas art with a wolfhound greeting Santa Claus by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Beautiful print on a variety of holiday gifts merchandise. Pets Note Cards Pk of 10 Sending a note card is the perfect way to express yourself anytime. Let your friends and family know you care, whether you're marking a special occasion or just keeping in touch. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a tou |
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Holiday Irish Sensation Sweater $51.99 Exquisite Christmas wreath hand beaded sweater is adorned with sparkling crystals and dazzling sequins. A real eye catcher for the holidays! Imported. |
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Various Artists - An Irish Christmas $5.99 Various Artists - An Irish Christmas |
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Spirit Of An Irish Christmas $10.49 Spirit Of An Irish Christmas |
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An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas $11.49 An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas |
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Irish Setter Christmas Greeting Cards Package of Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 He's making a list, checking it twice Beautiful watercolor simulation of Santa and his Irish Setter. Wonderful gifts for Irish Setter lovers. Christmas cards, ornaments and more merchandise. Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Christmas Cards $49.99 Christmas Cards - Giclee Print |
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Irish Kilted Santa $21.99 This roly-poly Santa is truly dashing in his green plaid outfits and will add such fun to your Christmas decor. It is 8 tall, resin and fabric. Boxed. Imported |
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Irish Wolfhound Christmas Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 Irish Wolfhound Christmas art with a wolfhound greeting Santa Claus by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Beautiful print on a variety of holiday gifts merchandise. Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Changeable Season Irish Plaque $24.99 Switch your seasons on this unique plaque! Choose between a summer scene and the saying Cead Mile Failte (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes) or a winter scene with the saying Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Happy Christmas). Wood; 8 x 10. Boxed. This item can be personalized. |
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Killarney Crystal Christmas Bowl $19.99 This sparkling cut crystal bowl with Christmas tree and snowflake design will be used throughout the holidays. Perfect for serving all kinds of Christmas treats. 4 high x 6 wide. Boxed. Ireland |
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Claddagh Note Cards $9.99 Ten beveled-edge note cards printed on heavy stock, and envelopes. Blank inside. USA. Boxed. 5 x 3 1/2. |
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Christmas Irish Setter Greeting Cards Package of Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $18 Have yourself a Merry Setter Christmas. Great gifts for Irish Setter lovers such a t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs and more with a custom illustration. Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Celtic Note Cards $11.99 Perfect for both men and women whenever a note needs to be written. Blank inside. 14 High quality embossed note cards and envelopes arrive in a keepsake box. 5 x 3 ??. |
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Claddagh Wedding Reception Cards $29.99 This beloved symbol of eternal love presents an ideal motif for wedding stationery. Beautifully printed with an embossed gold claddagh on heavy vellum stock with beveled edges, these wedding cards are left blank, ready for customizing by your printer. Count: 50 4 7/8 X 3 1/2. USA. Web Exclusive! |
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Claddagh Wedding Place Cards $29.99 This beloved symbol of eternal love presents an ideal motif for wedding stationery. Beautifully printed with an embossed gold claddagh on heavy vellum stock with beveled edges, these wedding cards are left blank, ready for customizing by your printer.Count:50. 4X 2 1/4 folded. USA. Web Exclusive! |
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Happy Christmas Poinsetta Shirt $35.99 A new design to wear this Christmas season and a real talking point! 100% cotton. Printed in USA. Sizes S (2-4, M (6-8), L (10-12), XL (14-16). |
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12 Days of Christmas Charm Bracelet $15.99 Perfect wee charms for each of the 12 days and interspersed with beads. 8 1/4 toggle closure bracelet. Arrives boxed with Christmas poem. Imported. |
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Claddagh Wedding Response Cards And Envelopes $29.99 This beloved symbol of eternal love presents an ideal motif for wedding stationery. Beautifully printed with an embossed gold claddagh on heavy vellum stock with beveled edges, these wedding cards are left blank, ready for customizing by your printer. Count: 50. 4 7/8 X 3 1/2 USA. Web Exclusive! |
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Irish Setter Christmas Pets Oval Ornament by CafePress $12.5 He's making a list, checking it twice Beautiful watercolor simulation of Santa and his Irish Setter. Wonderful gifts for Irish Setter lovers. Christmas cards, ornaments and more merchandise. Pets Oval Ornament Instantly accessorize bare wall-space with our Oval Ornament. Makes great room or office accessories, fun favors for birthday parties, wedding or baby shower Ornaments, or adding a unique, special touch to gift-wrapped packages. Comes with its own festive |
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Images of Ireland Playing Cards $5.99 Capturning the essence of Ireland with 54 different original photos of Ireland. Shamrock Gift Co., Dublin. |
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Santa's Irish Setter Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 by CafePress $33 He's making a list, checking it twice Beautiful watercolor simulation of Santa and his Irish Setter. Wonderful gifts for Irish Setter lovers. Christmas cards, ornaments and more merchandise Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Claddagh And Shamrock Design Save The Date Cards $149.99 These beautifully gold foil stamped and green shamrock embossed Save The Date cards each measure 7 x 5 and are printed on 100 smooth white cover stock with matching envelopes. Read Please reserve the date of _____________ for the wedding of _______________. A formal wedding invitation will follow. Choose from a box of 50 or 100 - see below for pricing difference. USA. Web Exclusive! |
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Irish Xmas Cards Pk of 20 Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 by CafePress $33 This Sheltie Christmas card is sure to bring a smile. Not JUST for Shetland Sheepdog lovers or the Irish Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 20 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Irish Xmas Cards Pk of 10 Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 This Sheltie Christmas card is sure to bring a smile. Not JUST for Shetland Sheepdog lovers or the Irish Pets Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Nollaig Shona Dhuit Christmas Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $21 Wish your Irish friends and family a Merry Christmas with Nollaig Shona Dhuit. Christmas Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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Santa's Irish Setter Pets Note Cards Pk of 20 by CafePress $28 He's making a list, checking it twice Beautiful watercolor simulation of Santa and his Irish Setter. Wonderful gifts for Irish Setter lovers. Christmas cards, ornaments and more merchandise Pets Note Cards Pk of 20 Sending a note card is the perfect way to express yourself anytime. Let your friends and family know you care, whether you're marking a special occasion or just keeping in touch. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a tou |
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Holiday Irish Setter Cute Greeting Cards Pk of 10 by CafePress $18 Send Christmas greetings with this card showing an Irish Setter wearing a Santa hat surrounded by snowflakes and the words, Happy Howl-idays Great to send to Irish Setter-loving family and friends. Cute Greeting Cards Pk of 10 Greeting cards are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.Available in your choice of paper stock |
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