Blogs from Ireland, Europe - page 10

SAT, 06 AUG 2022 – “Day 7: Sheepdog Demonstration and we enter the Kingdom of Kerry - We’ll take in a portal tomb at Poulnabrone, locally referred to as ‘Hole of the Sorrows’, the oldest megalithic burial site in Ireland, dating back to 3000 BC. From the long-time dead, we’ll meet up with the lively farmers of Caherconnell who’ll treat you to a sheep dog trial. With a whistle here and a whistle there, watch as they direct the collies to run rings around the sheep. The rest of the day belongs to Dingle, home to a very famous dolphin and where Inch is a strand with miles of beaches. Tóg go bóg é (take it easy) and wander round its craft shops selling Irish flutes and seaweed cheeses. As evening draws in, take a trip ... read more

FRI, 05 AUG 2022 – “Day 6: The Burren National Park and the mighty Cliffs of Moher - Now that you’ve a ‘feel’ for Galway, our guide will take you down its narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops. Try on Claddagh rings and Galway shawls, pass through The Spanish Arch and hear tales of Gaelic bards and visit Galway's ancient fishing village. Then it’s Southwest to The Burren, 125 square miles of limestone rock and The Burren Centre where you’ll see dolmens and megalithic tombs, some older than the Egyptian pyramids. The Cliffs of Moher is next; 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic. Standing at the ledge, you’ll feel like you’re at the very edge of the world. We’ll also swing by ... read more

THU, 04 AUG 2022 – “Day 5: Mystical Aran Islands and Bohemian Galway - Fed and watered, it’s off to nearby Rossaveal Pier to catch the ferry to Inis Mor (literally ‘big island’), the largest of the Aran Islands. Here you can explore the 6 km by 2 km island by bike or by special request, a jaunting cart with your very own driver and pony. It’s off to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort which dominates the edge of a vertical cliff, 300 ft above the choppy waters of the Atlantic. Refresh "le cupán tae"(a cup of tea) and island porter cake and shop for an original Aran Sweater, perfect for shearwater and other seabird watching. Then we’re off to Galway, the City of the Tribes and the home of the Claddagh Ring to chase ... read more

WED, 03 AUG 2022 – “Day 4: An Irish Fjord, Connemara National Park and picturesque Westport - We will ‘arise and go now’ through Yeats’ country before heading for Westport, nestled between the Carrowbeg river and in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. Connemara National Park is calling and The Lost Valley, a deserted famine village where the road literally runs out. As we plough through rugged Connemara, we’ll make for Kylemore Abbey, a working Benedictine abbey built on the grounds of an 18th century castle. It has had more than a few past lives and boasts an imposing position at the foot of Druchruach Mountain, overlooking Kylemore Lake. It’s onto Cilfden, ‘the Capital of Connemara’ for the night and it’s time to relax, as you’re officially on West of Ireland time. Why not shuck some Dooncastle ... read more

Ireland the North 2. Day 4 Westport A much better day today with a drizzly start but capes were soon off as we climbed out of Clifden. We are following the coast again and the views are very pleasant with craggy hills, stony shores and a nice smell of seaweed which always makes me feel that I am really by the sea. Gulls are in abundance,as you would expect, and the odd heron and swan in the still waters. Valerie, Brian and Bernard are getting to grips with the Garmins now which means we are able to form smaller groups on the road without putting stress on anyone and fear the inherent fear of getting lost. We may now have some converts to the 21st century and the digital age. We had a mid morning snack ... read more