The gift of eloquence

Rock of Cashel

We have just had a great weekend with Emma and Rebecca in the south west of Ireland. This was an early 21st birthday present for Emma. We set off on Friday towards Killarney via Cashel and Blarney. Cashel is a beautiful little village where the Rock of Cashel (actually a medieval cathedral and castle built on a rock) is an imposing structure overlooking the town. Of course it rained and rained and rained but we are getting used to that. We had lunch in the town before exploring the rock. This was the first medieval structure that we saw and was amazing to see how well it was constructed.  Even after more than 400 years there is still some of the original plaster on the walls open to the elements and exposed to 100s of tourists.  From here we drove on south around Cork to Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle

Fortunately Ireland is operating on summer hours so tourist attractions stay open until around 7 pm. The walk to the castle past a little stream and along very green lush paths was just beautiful. The castle with its turrets, and winding staircases was intriguing and of course a trip to the castle was not complete unless of course you kissed the "blarney stone". Now according to legend we should all be very eloquent! Another hours drive to Killarney meant eating at a very European time - 9.30 pm.  We stayed in Killarney overnight where the plan was to travel the Ring of Kerry on Saturday but when we arrived, we discovered that the town was host to a charity cycle ride where 9000 cyclists had descended upon the town to ride the Ring of Kerry, also on Saturday.

Muckross Friary near Killarney

We had therefore to come up with Plan B since the roads were closed for most of the day. Instead we went to Killarney National Park, which we were so pleased we did not miss. The park is tranquil with an old friary to explore and Muckross House at the end of the road. There were lakes to view in the distance and we were passed by people exploring the area by horse-drawn cart or bicycle. Back into town slowly driving amongst the finishing cyclists then out to the local ruined Ross Castle where we had a quick look around the grounds before setting off towards our overnight accommodation in Ballyvaughan, a 2 hour drive north almost all the way to Galway. 

The Burren

Ballyvaughan, a small village on the coast on the edge of the vast Irish stoney landscape of County Clare called the Burren, has streets  lined with brightly coloured buildings all with hanging baskets filled with flowers outside the doors and at least 5 pubs. The most difficult decision was which pub to visit first. We had a lovely dinner and then went to a pub to listen to traditional music, one that seemed to be favoured by the locals. Sunday was our visit to the Cliffs of Moher. This trip took us along winding coastal roads where the fields were lined with stone fences and were typical of the Burren, quite stark and rocky by comparison to the lush countryside of our previous two days. The sheer drop of the cliffs and the squawking of the gulls flying around the cliff faces and caves was amazing. 

Cliffs of Moher

So was the presence of the other 1000 people that were there!  After a late lunch at a little seaside village just down the coast, we ended the day with a quick look around Galway, enjoying the festive atmosphere of the last day of the Volvo Ocean Race regatta, before heading off back towards Dublin. We will have to visit Galway on another trip to immerse ourselves in the music and pub life that the area is known for! Today the girls have headed off to the Guiness factory and Trinity College whilst I try to get washing dry in preparation with us heading off to England tomorrow.  See you next time from London! Anne

Ballyvaughan Pub