Jewel of the Seas made port in Dunmore East in County Waterford, Ireland, on 17 June 2022. We actually arrived here on the preceding Iceland-Ireland-Northern Ireland cruise of 5 June, but rain kept us aboard Jewel that day. No big deal, as this second shot gave us much better weather. So, we tendered in the village and started our self-guided walking tour into this quaint Irish fishing village. On this trip we opted to stay in town, as we’d already visited nearby Waterford on a previous cruise.
The Fleet is In — Dunmore East, Ireland
Most of this week’s Dunmore East photos were taken on Convent Road. But before we head north on Convent Road, let’s take a look back at the harbor:
Dunmore East Harbour
This being mid-June, flowers were in blume:
Dunmore East Flowers
Dunmore East in Greens and Violets
This next photo was taken on Convent Road looking back south from the direction we came:
Convent Road near Island Road
Turning back to face the other direction you’ll find Dunmore East Library and Tourist Information:
Dunmore East Library and Tourist Information
Continuing northward is where things get especially charming. For just past the library one stumbles upon a plethora of thatched roofs:
These roofs are found all along the route:
Thatched Roofs, Dunmore East
Thatched Roofs, Dunmore East
Thatched Roofs, Dunmore East
Beyond the collection of thatched buildings you’ll soon come upon Dunmore East Park. Make sure you stick around, camera at the ready, for views such as this:
Dunmore East Park
North of the park you’ll see Ladies Cove:
Kayakers Preparing to Paddle
Opposite the park is a rather impressive hotel. This is The Haven, which looked to be preparing for a wedding:
Ursula and I recently got back from another 33 days abroad, on three back-to-back cruises once again involving Iceland, Norway, and England, but this time with a stop in Halifax on the initial transatlantic crossing. So, imagine my surprise when I got back and, without warning, found that my favorite local gun store had relocated from the eastside of El Paso back to the westside, which is where they originally were twenty years ago. This is Collector’s Gun Exchange, and if you’re a collector, this is the place to go for an excellent selection of collectible firearms as well as the new stuff.
Collector’s Gun Exchange, 6510 N. Mesa Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912
I’ve been giving Paul Lee of Collector’s Gun Exchange the bulk of my business for the better part of two decades. I won’t go into what prompted the sudden, unexpected change in location save to say that Paul only had a month to find new digs and make the move. This was unfortunate for him, as it left precious little time for him to advertise his sudden relocation. So, rather than the usual three blog weekly articles, this week I’m posting a special fourth one to help him get out the word.
Paul in a relaxed pose behind his desk
Paul is a charming, friendly FFL (federal firearms licensed dealer) who really knows his stuff. He’s fun to chat with, and I always learn a lot whenever we converse. The same goes for Eddy, his most senior salesman:
Eddie of Collector’s Gun Exchange
If the names and business sound familiar, it’s because I’ve mentioned them before. If you want to know just how honest these guys are, and how much they’re willing to help a collector with whom they’ve an established relationship, read Beretta 81FS Cheetah — And tips on Gun Collecting.
Collector’s Gun Exchange — Still getting situated and lacking signage
So, what do I mean about carrying collectible firearms? How about a 1943 Inland M1 Carbine still sporting the original high wood stock, two-rivet handguard, pushbutton safety, and type one barrel band; or an early Winchester M1 Carbine that’s not quite as original but still desirable; or an M1 Garand that appears to be a CMP rebuild:
Two M1 Carbines (second and third from left) and a Garand (far right)
Want to know the prices? Here you go:
Inland M1 Carbine
Winchester M1 Carbine
Springfield Armory M1 Garand
And, yes, he has some classic handguns as well, including this Colt Frontier:
Colt Model 1878 Frontier
Here’s a classic High Standard Sport King:
High Standard Sport King
Centered in the image below is a nickel-plated .357 Magnum Smith and Wesson Model 27-2 with a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers:
S&W Model 27-2, pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers
Want something a bit newer, but still classic? On this visit Paul had the full barrel-length assortment of new Colt Pythons:
Colt Python 6-inch (left) and 4.25-inch
Colt Python 3-inch
Here’s an increasingly difficult-to-find handgun. It’s a Wilson Combat Beretta 92G Brigadier:
Wilson Combat Beretta 92G Brigadier
Or, how about two SIG P226 pistols? The one on left is a single-action only (SAO) Legion in the original, since discontinued PVD finish. To the right is a rare Blackwater variant, which I believe was only made for one year:
A pair of SIG P226s
Want a place to park the spouse while you go hunting? Here’s a nice place, although quite truthfully it could use a more comfortable seat that’s not quite so low to the ground (are you listening, Paul?):
Collector’s Gun Exchange
Guns aren’t the only thing you’ll find here. There’s also a wide selection of holster, including classic Western styles, knives, and other stuff:
Collector’s Gun Exchange — Knives
Collector’s Gun Exchange — Western Holsters
Don’t live in the area? Paul ships… but only to a local FFL in your area. That’s the only legal way to do it. If you see something you like, or want something Paul might be able to find for you, give him a call at (915) 771-7399. Just tell Paul, or Eddie, orJohn, or Ashley, or Cameron, or Wily that Doug Wicker sent you. I’ll leave you with these additional store views.
And before you ask, I am not being compensated for this article in any way. It was entirely my idea to give Paul a hand because of his short-notice relocation. His business is still recovering, and his clientele are not yet fully aware that he has a new site.
I had a lot of favorites this day in Wales, and you’re going to be the beneficiary with many more shots than usual for a Fun Photo Friday. I’ll also be running today’s photos as captioned individuals rather than my usual photo gallery/slideshow:
Serenity
On This Site Nothing Happened
Warding Off Bird Poop
Railcar in Green
Kazie the Gorilla — Make a Wish
Castle Turret
Windows, Bricks, and Roof Tiles
Railroaded
Inviting Approach
VR (Victoria Regina) — 19th Century Post Letter Box Dating to Queen Victoria