Western Ireland

Our entrance into the republic was underwhelming and extremely easy, as there is a very small sign (drove past it before registering what had just happened.) We were in Europe now, which meant it was all metric (yay – back to kilometres), everything in Euros (which made it feel more expensive, which it is as the AUD tanks) and still wonderfully green and sunny.

First stop was the Grianan Aileash ring fort. We drove a steady climb and reached this amazing structure at the summit – it’s not called a hill fort for nothing. We had it to ourselves and had fun exploring it. After that it was a bumble through Donegal, with a stop at WB Yeats’ grave in Drumcliff, before a stop in Sligo. We had a lovely time exploring the county town, with its lovely stone bridges, ruined abbey and pedestrianised centre. We then headed to McDermott Castle on Lough Key. Yes, there is a picturesque ruined castle (among the extremely many) ‘floating’ on a swan-studded, sky-blue lake. The forest park surrounding the lake was ablaze with bluebells too.

Our overnighter in Westport was a delight. The town had a lovely holiday vibe, and we walked the grounds of the stately home, along the harbour/river edge and enjoyed the later evening sunset.

Our next destination was another Alistair bucketlister. After a stroll around the old streets of Galway (and some serious souveniring), we headed to The Cliffs of Moher. Alistair had scheduled our arrival for the afternoon (Wanda found a tourist hack for off-peak timing too, at half the normal rate), so the sun was shining on the cliff faces. It sort of worked. However, the main southern track was closed so we couldn’t get the sun shining on the cliffs as hoped. Even then, it was fantastic to see them, with the birds nesting and wheeling about. As were all the newly-hatched multitude of insects – it paid to walk with your mouth closed! The northern Clare County landscape is not what we expected; its geological uniqueness surprised us … barren limestone hills, minimal foliage and dry looking. We still experienced the narrow, beautiful country lanes, stone walls and rolling hills.