Dublin-Cliffs of Moher-Galway-Oughterard

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Tuesday



Left Dublin this morning and made it out ok through the traffic onto the M6 and on our way to the Cliffs of Moher. We travelled across the country in a morning! Equivalent from driving from Perth to Southern Cross. We drove from Dublin, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Gort and Cliffs of Moher.

We left the main highway and travelled on some of the back roads and suddenly came across some ruins. Pulled in, wow very cool. "Kilmacduagh Monastery is located in a small village of the same name, about 5 km from the town of Gort.

The name of the place translates as "church of Duagh's son". It was reportedly the 7th century Saint Colman, son of Duagh who established a monastery here on land given to him by his cousin King Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin of Connacht, who had a fortified dwelling near what is today Dunguaire Castle.



Arrived for a late lunch at the Cliffs. “Standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.” They are very spectacular, but boy, we weren’t Robinson Crusoe there! So many people and most not staying behind the barriers, some people are fearless. We had the most perfect day, the water was so calm, the sun was shining, it was warm. I am sure it can get very wild there both the wind and the sea. The tourist center and shops are all built into the side on a hill and have grass roofs etc. to be as environmentally friendly as possible.



Leaving there we headed on the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway through The Burren. “The word "Burren" comes from an Irish word "Boíreann" meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone Pavement. However it has been referred to in the past as "Fertile rock" due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species.” It was amazing so much rock right down to the sea and such a stark contrast to the Ireland we had seen so far.



We parked at the Cathedral carpark in Galway and caught the end of Mass when we went to look at it. Walked around Galway centre to stretch our legs then off to Oughterard to our B & B. It was right on the lake hence the name The Waterfront! Just behind the golf course and so beautiful and peaceful. Mary our host was really lovely and very accommodating. Our room had a beautiful view. We went to dinner at Connemara Lake Hotel then back to bed to try and get back into sleeping rhythm.



Photos will come as I’m trying to catch up.

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