Ireland - Day 5 - County Clare and a lot of rain

After our very athletic day on the Island we took the last ferry and then drove to Galway. A university city, we saw plenty of youth at the pubs in the fun main street of town as we searched for parking and then a B&B. Exhausted we finally found one on the end of Nun’s Island off the center of town. The rate was great, the married couple who owned it: extremely hospitable and the room was ridiculously comfortable and nice. We were so tired and grateful. After hot showers and tea we were so tired that P fell asleep at 8pm as I flipped through the TV. I could see he was better off getting some sleep so I didn’t wake him as planned to hit the town and soon crashed myself.

The next morning we hit the road again towards North County Clare. On the way we stopped to meet up with his cousin “Paddy” – a real old-school Irish gentleman bachelor. Paddy is in his 60s, races horses and grey hounds, speaks Irish and English and is of a most amiable nature – I can see why Patrick keeps in touch with him. It was a pleasant meeting.

After that we drove along the coast through the Burren (“great rock”). The Burren are huge slabs of deeply fissured limestone. There is a noticeable absence of trees and greenery here. But even with the uncooperative weather we could see its rough beauty. Unfortunately we didn’t see the blooming flora and fauna from the Mediterranean, Arctic and Alpine regions that grow there on the rocks (evidently brought by migrating birds) that attracts visitors. The weather was just being difficult. After pulling over and climbing the rocks and watching the pounding sea we continued onwards, stopping to eat at the touristy but quaint Kilrush before checking out the surf town of Lahinch - Patrick enjoys surfing when he has the chance. I had no idea that the Irish surf by the way! He he he.

Finally we arrive at our destination along with many tourist buses to the Cliffs of Moher. We were very disappointed that not only had it rained all morning during our drive but now there was a thick fog that completely enveloped the spectacular cliffs. We couldn’t see more than 5 feet ahead of us!! Instead of seeing the majestic 650 feet cliffs rising above the Atlantic, we and many other tourists had to be happy perusing the gift shop and information center. Such a shame. Eventually there was nothing else to do but start our long drive home up to the north and County Down. It was good to be back in Warrenpoint with some fresh soda bread and tea. :)