THE+SHANNON


 * BUNRATTY CASTLE**
 * Bidding farewell to Killarney and the beautiful Cork and Kerry counties we head north for Bunratty in County Clare. On the way we stopped over at Adare – billed as “Ireland’s prettiest village” with its row of original thatched cottages in the main street. Most of them house shops and restaurants nowadays (first three photos)

Bunratty Castle was our next stop. Built in the 15thC it was restored in the 1950’s and onwards after being derelict for well over a hundred years. Surrounding the castle is a Folk Village with many buildings reflecting rural and village life from the 19thC. Both the castle and the village were well worth the visit. || || DOOLIN – Cliffs of Moher There were a couple of ways to get from Bunratty to Doolin – we chose the “scenic route”. That would have been fine if not for unexpected road closures! The first one was sort of OK as we were stopped at a roadblock at the start of the route and informed by a very obliging chappie to take an alternate route. Fine, we were in no hurry so off we set and all went well until …. another unexpected barrier. This time we were informed that we’d have to backtrack about 20kms and take a goat track. Eventually, about 2 hours late, we finally arrived at Doolin having witnessed some great scenery along the way. Our accommodation in Doolin was wonderful! The B&B was right across the bridge from O’Connor’s pub that is, (to be sure, to be sure) world famous as a venue for traditional Irish music (about 50m walk – all uphill though afterwards!) We headed first for the Cliffs of Moher and struck our first “crowd” of tourists. There probably weren’t that many but it seemed a lot to us after so many sites being completely empty. What a great site! Rising 200m from the sea and extending 8kms they are a spectacular cliff formation. Back to Doolin and O’Connor’s as we had heard that they had a music session late in the afternoon as well as later at night. We joined a couple of Aussies from Newcastle, drank a few beers (only trying the help the economy here) and tapped along with the music. Around 8pm we made a dash back to the B&B for a quick shower and change and then back to the pub for some grub and more music (and a Guinness). A bit overkill maybe but we probably won’t be back here! Before we leave Doolin a quick word about our accommodation – fantastic! If you ever come this way you must stay at the Sea View House – quiet, comfy, 50m from O’Connor’s and really lovely people.
 * [[image:IMG_1199.jpg caption="cute eh?"]] || [[image:IMG_1204.jpg caption="original 19thC bridge where local women did their washing"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1237.jpg caption="the imposing outside walls of Bunratty Castle"]] || [[image:IMG_1233.jpg caption="Tudor room in castle"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1258.jpg caption="part of the Folk Village"]] || [[image:IMG_1249.jpg align="center" caption="Early sofa bed I guess - just fold it back into the cupboard in the morning"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1266.jpg caption="Kilkee"]] || [[image:IMG_1268.jpg caption="Kilkee - very much an "old fashioned" tourist town"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1280.jpg caption="cliffs at Kilkee"]] || [[image:IMG_1293.jpg caption="of course - although my favourite is "Guinness is good for you!""]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1303.jpg caption="Castle tower on way into Doolin"]] || [[image:IMG_1307.jpg caption="Doolin - viewed from our B&B. O'Connors Pub is the black building"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1320_2.jpg caption="The Cliffs of Moher"]] || [[image:IMG_1328.jpg]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1335.jpg align="center"]] || [[image:IMG_1336.jpg align="center" caption="Listdoonvarna where a Matchmaking Festival runs all of September - we opted not to participate."]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1342.jpg caption="gettin' down in the pub"]] || [[image:IMG_1352.jpg caption="the Cliffs from Doolin"]] ||


 * The BURREN

Between Limerick and Galway is a most unusual geological formation called The Burren – in Gaelic “rocky land” – a vast limestone plateau of 500 sq.kms where most of the soil has been stripped off exposing rock as far as you can see. The rocky landscape itself is just awesome and something we’ve never seen anywhere else but, add to that the enormous collection of prehistoric burial monuments, early Christian ringforts and some of the best examples of high crosses and The Burren was well worth the experience - and that includes the very difficult navigation feats that need to be mastered to find your way around this vast area. It was certainly well worth the “fun” of deciphering the Irish maps, laneways and signage (or lack thereof). || ||
 * [[image:IMG_1373.jpg]] || [[image:IMG_1385.jpg caption="our first glimpse of The Burren landscape"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1393.jpg caption="rocks anyone?"]] || [[image:IMG_1395.jpg caption="great drive!"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1407.jpg caption="Penitential Stations left by 17thC pilgrims"]] || [[image:IMG_1412.jpg caption="dry tone walls of ancient round fort"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1434.jpg caption="Poulnabrone Dolmen - a portal tomb dating from 2500BC"]] || [[image:IMG_1444.jpg]] ||