Galway

Up early for breakfast to be ready for our guided tour of the city. Pretty good food choices here at the Imperial Hotel.

The guide explained history of the city but way too many words and so much we already knew. He wasn’t very good. But one interesting piece of history…when building a shopping mall, the town discovered the remains of the wall that once surrounded the city. They incorporated it into the mall.

The weather had moments of downpour and sunshine. We walked along the river, Corrib and found swans! 

Just as the downpour happened, we headed to Mary’s for lunch.

This was one of the best lunches we have had! Teriyaki salmon with mango, avocado, edamame, and rice.

Mary’s is classic old style pub/restaurant. Check the toilets.

Time to do some shopping….

Well maybe not on this street. We walked through the Spanish gates to see less busy roadways.

And said hello to the Galway Gal and the King’s Head Pub.

Yellow Bunny was exited to get up close with Oscar Wilde.

Tonight we have a chance to see local musicians at the Tig Coili pub. 

Yes I had a Guinness. You can’t go to a pub in Ireland and not have a pint. (Yes 0.0)

You can see how crowded the bar got. But we had “ringside” seats next to the musicians!

Evelyn chatted with a woman (Belinda) who said she was from Venezuela, Cape Breton and Ireland. Interesting for sure!

Plus we met the drummer’s wife and they are from Normandy. 

What fun! 

Time for home and a snack before bed. Hotel seafood chowder. 

Tomorrow- Belfast 

The Cliffs of Moher

We left Killarney this morning heading to County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher. But first our last breakfast at the Abbey Lodge.

Our leader, John, always has things to show us. First stop,

to see thatched roofs….

One important part of the Irish culture are fairy wells. There are over 3,000 in Ireland and they are known for healing powers and mystical connections. People come here for blessings and leave items hoping for healing of loved ones. Often torn rags tied in trees, that once disintegrated, so will be the suffering of loved ones.

So many items are left behind for healing.

On to the Cliffs of Moher. We had our own guide who was able to tell us about the cliffs, the O’Brien tower and the WIND! 

The wind is intense. You can see the grasses blown over and so were we. But is a beautiful place, breathtaking views and windy. You can see our orange coated guide explaining how windy it will be. So we bundled up. I bought a toque to survive the cold and wind. But the sun shone and NO rain.

Our plan is to walk up the hill to O’Brien tower. Turns out the tower is closed due to strong winds.

Some people lost their hats and in some places we had to hang on the fences and cling to the walls.

The O’Brien tower was built by a British landlord. Unusual for the British to actually to be liked by the Irish but he was kind and treated the Irish well.

Some people actually walk along the coast but today was just too windy for us. And some have been know to surf down there! 

Back to the bus to warm up. And on to Galway for our next hotel. Check the bathtub! 

We went for a short walk about and headed for dinner at the Kings Head, a 800 year old pub with live music and lots of whisky. 

We were 14 for dinner which we sort of managed.

I had Beef stew and Guinness. Yummy. 

Tomorrow we will explore Galway. 

Ring of Kerry

Last night’s Celtic Celebration was excellent. Amazing Irish dancers, fiddle, accordion, Irish drum (bodhran), guitar and piano. Unfortunately, no photos allowed….but my new best friend Jean took non flash photos. Maybe she’ll pass them on later. 

Time for a snack and Evelyn needs a coffee. Found one in the touristy part of town where there is an Irish store on every corner. And she says it is good coffee too. 

Dinner a take out of bagels with cream cheese,

Smoked salmon and avocado! Delicious. 

Packed our bags for tomorrow’s adventure, Ring of Kerry. 

Breakfast first. New spot, different food items…maybe not up to last place….

Lots to see on the road. First stop we got to watch sheep dog training. It was excellent! Such smart and talented dogs!

On to a place to take photos. This was a police station now an Escape Room…. 

More stops along the Ring of Kerry.

Looking down from really windy hill tops but beautiful sites.

And some signs and art pieces.

Time for lunch in Sneem! 

Can never have too much ice cream! And on to more sites..

Last stop to a more temperate forest and a waterfall.

And Rhododendrons growing everywhere. On the bus for home with one stop at Muckross House. 

But… if we want to walk the last bit back to Killarney, it is only 5k.

Ok…..

There were 8 of us walking. I walked with Laurie and she moved! We left the other 6 behind.  But it was 7k and took us 1 hour and 17 minutes. I was hot and tired but felt great.

Tomorrow- Galway