Our Ireland Adventure Day 11

Aran Island Day Tour 

 

Yesterday was a bit rough. Paul could not get comfortable in his bed and breakfast bed. Breakfast was not served until 8:30 a.m. and we had to walk about a half a mile to our pick-up point for our Aran Island day tour, so we just picked up a quick pastry and left.

The weather in Ireland finally presented cold and rainy. That plastic poncho AAA supplied us sure did come in handy. The tour company had us wait across the street from the aquarium, in from of the dog poop disposal!!!  We got there about fifteen minutes early and of course they were about fifteen minutes late; so it was a long wet wait out in the Ireland elements.

The bus picked us up for the half hour bus ride to the ferry to Aran Island. The boat was sitting there waiting for us and the forty-five minute journey to the Island went quickly although the seas were lumpy. However, Aran Island was cold, and super windy.

We walked up the hill to the front of the Fisherman B&B to wait for our bus tour. Our driver was very knowledgeable and fun. He was born and raised on Aran and it showed. We stopped at an old cemetery but it was flooded from the recent storm.

The bus wove through the narrow path through the island and the driver narrated expertly. However, it was just too cold for us to really explore. Paul and I found a nice warm café and enjoyed a long lunch. We also enjoyed the warmth of the little shops.

We had to wait for the return ferry back in the rain. Then when the doors finally opened, the horde of youngsters pushed their way forward and tried to run though us. They did not realize that we are not pushovers. We found a good seat and relished as a group of high school kids squealed every time a big wave rocked them violently.

Of course the bus was forty minutes late picking us up for our return ride to Lower Salt Hill. Of course it hailed during our wait.

Aran Island was fun but the trip left us cold, hungry and tired. I really do not do well when I have to wait. It certainly did not help that I was suffering from a headache. Not the best day but still a great day in Ireland.

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Our Ireland Adventure Day 10

St. Judes B&B and the National Aquarium of Ireland

 

It was a good day for a travel day due to the wind and cold. However, before leaving Dromoland Castle for our jaunt up to Galway, Paul met Patrick at the front of the castle for a stint of Clay Pigeon shooting. Patrick drove us to a secluded area of the castle grounds and gave instruction. Paul had thirty shots and hit quite a few targets. What fun, but it did leave his shoulder a bit sore.

The drive to Galway was an hour and twenty minutes. It is a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast and sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic. 

Our bed and breakfast, St. Judes offered a small room with an en-suite bathroom. Most importantly the internet worked well enough for me to get a bit of blogging and work in. It is also located just a half a mile from the beach.

You can see from the photos below that it was cold. But you cannot feel the wind that almost blew us over as we walked the city. 

Considering the weather, we picked an indoor activity, the National Aquarium of Ireland. It was eight euros per senior to enter the Galway Atlantaquaria.

Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland seeks to present a comprehensive view of the world of water through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions.

It was fun and I enjoyed taking photos.

We ate an early dinner/late lunch at Da Roberta's Ristorante & Pizzeria. Yummy food, good atmosphere, friendly service but no alcohol due to the Good Friday ban. . . . . . . I did enjoy some tasty grape juice . . . . 

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Our Ireland Adventure Day 9

Dromoland Castle Hotel in Newmarket - On - Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland 

 

Just a half an hour away from the Old Ground Hotel was our next stay at Dromoland Castle Hotel. Well it was actually only twenty minutes away but I goofed and we took the wrong exit on the Rotary (Traffic Circle); so we utilized the “scenic route.”

The magnificent, five star Dromoland Castle http://www.dromoland.ie prove to be beyond our expectations. We savored this majestic castle and its enchanting lake, as we passed through the castle gates. It was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland who were the Kings of Thomond and whose lineage goes back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, the only High King of Ireland. The castle is situated on four hundred and ten (410) acres of exquisiteness in the peaceful Clare countryside.

Located well outside of any cities, the hotel offers a plethora of activities: golf, dining, a pub, spa; health club with indoor swimming pool, falconry, archery, boating, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, walking and mountain biking just to name a few. 

Our room (219) is housed in the oldest part of the castle but was fully modernized. It featured a cottage-style décor which is based on 18th-century botanical drawings, complementing the sumptuous upholstery designed by the French fabric house Pierre Frey. It truly did look like the photos in the advertisements. It was huge, comfy, and beautiful. 

After thoroughly exploring our surroundings, we enjoyed a late lunch. Mrs. White’s Tea is served between the hours of two and five in the afternoon and consists of a selection of piping hot teas with a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries and breads. It was presented with a traditional flair under sparkling Waterford Crystal Chandeliers that added to the enjoyment of the feasting event. 

There was only one item remaining on my list of “Irish Must-dos;” that was to drink Guinness in a pub will listening to live Irish music. A tired Paul and I check that off this evening. Tommy entertained us in the small pub by strumming his acoustical guitar and singing Irish melodies. The perfect end to another perfect night. 

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Our Ireland Adventure Day 8

The Cliffs Of Moher and the Old Ground Hotel

 

Today we bid adieu to the Cillcearn House. Our stay here made us feel very welcome and relaxed. We will miss our host Tom and his witty advice.

We had just one event on our agenda – a one hour cruise to The Cliffs Of Moher. Although we feared that we might arrive a tad late, when we got there we discovered our boat was delayed about fifteen minutes so we arrived in plenty of time.

We met the owner of one of the cruise business and he bought us a cup of tea and a scone as he discussed his last visited to the San Diego County area. He definitely knew his way around our town. His "lady" was born and raised in "Hell A" therefore he had visited Southern California frequently.

The cruise itself presented rough waters but the view was well worth it. Paul reminded me and a fellow passenger to keep our backs off the seat to avoid illness. I listened and am glad I did. Sadly, the other lady didn’t and suffered from sea sickness.

The Cliffs Of Moher rise to a height of over 700 feet. Our cruise set out from Doolin Pier and followed the cliffs as they climb to their magnificent height. I was awed by the epic cliffs as I learned that they have Ireland’s largest mainland nesting bird colony. The Great Sea Stack (Branaunmore) also plays host to thousands of seabirds as well.

The hour went by too quickly and we were off to our next stop at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.

Built in the early part of the 18th Century as a private dwelling and a hotel since 1895 the Old Ground Hotel has a long tradition and connection to the people of County Clare. Indeed the Old Ground has played its part in the Republics tumultuous beginnings and the now Town Hall once incorporated a jail.

I cannot say enough positive things about this establishment. The food was excellent and served quickly and always with a smile. The room was luxurious. The tile floor in the bathroom was heated!!!!! I loved it.

The hotel offered plenty of parking and is located in the middle of town right next to the Ennis Cathedral. The soft bells of the church rang sweetly on the hour.

Today is also the first day of our trip that we experienced any rain and it was a light rain at that. Paul and I have been very lucky travelers . . . . . knock on wood.

We spent the night walking down the narrow streets of Ennis. Unfortunately, it was after six and most of the shops had closed.

 

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