Gem and Jo take on Spraoi

If you saw our 'Gem and Jo take Waterford' post you'll know that we had such a great time frolicking around the county. So when we had the chance to head back down for their annual Spraoi festival it was a no brainer. Spraoi is Waterford's annual street arts festival which takes place over the august bank holiday, and we couldn't wait to soak up the atmosphere with all the free street acts and live music.

We headed down to Waterford on Saturday, however the weather wasn't really on our side. If you live in Ireland you'll know that we had torrential downpours on Saturday which wasn't the best weather for an ourdoor festival (unless you're a duck..... which we aren't).  Luckily, the rain cleared up by evening, which meant that we were still able to check out some of the street acts before we headed in for the night. 

On Sunday the weather took a complete turn around and it was a scorcher. This meant that we were able to hang around the town all day and check out some awesome acts including the drum band Torann, The Correspondents, Gypsi Swing  and Propeller Palms. Even got to see the Hot sprockets in Geoffs cafe bar. 

Gypsi Swing 

Torann

The festival finishes every year with a parade and fireworks. This year the theme was 'to the waters and to the wild' and it definitely did not disappoint. The floats were amazing and the performers in the parade were incredible and had loads of energy

After the parade, the fireworks were the icing on top of the already amazing cake. Jo has been to going to Spraoi for many years now and she thought that it was one of the best fireworks displays they've ever had. 

It was incredible and the whole crowd was wowed. 

The whole festival was brilliant. The atmosphere was unbelievable and we had an absolute blast. If you ever get the chance to go to Spraoi definitely do. You won't regret it. Check out their website here.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time, 

XO Gem and Jo 

Gem and Jo take Waterford

 So last weekend we decided to hit the road and visit county Waterford. For those of you unfamiliar with Ireland, Waterford is located on the the south east coast of the Island and when we arrived we were met with beautiful sunny weather that the sunny south east is famous for. 
 After dropping our bags at the house (we were staying with some of Jo's family), we headed into the city to soak up some atmosphere. Although it was just an ordinary Saturday, the city was bustling and there was even a stage set up in the main square of the city (John Roberts square),  where a band was playing some great music. We walked around the city, did some shopping and looked at the historic  sites which Waterford is full of, (well it is the oldest city in Ireland), from Reginald's tower to the Medieval museum. 

We then headed to the book centre! This place is amazing! Don't be deceived by the outside, this place is huge on the inside (a bit like the Tardis).It used to be an old cinema. If you like books or stationary or anything in between this is the place for you. It has just about any book you could every want and a whole floor dedicated to stationary. It's a dreamland. 

The view from the cafe!

They also have a chocolate counter and a cafe which does some really good food This is where we had our lunch. The book centre is worth a trip to Waterford alone.

On Sunday We decided to hit the beach! We first went to Tramore and had a walk along the beach and then headed for a coffee in a local coffee shop.

We then headed onto Annestown beach where we had a swim (It wasn't that freezing!) and then had a picnic. 

On Monday we decided to head back into the city and we went to Geoff's Cafe bar for some food before we headed home. This place has great food and a brilliant atmosphere! 

After that we bought ice-creams and went and ate them in the near by community garden! The garden is only newly opened and is beautiful.

The garden is decorated with beautiful artwork and there is even a stage area. It was so nice and the weather was glorious!

We had such a great time! If you are thinking about heading to Waterford their annual Spraoi festival runs from 1st to the 3rd of August and the place will be vibrant with lots of music, street acts and even a parade and fireworks! check it out here

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Until next time.