Today we travelled about an hour south of Galway to The Burren (The Barren). It is a National Park in a karst (limestone) area. It is a geological marvel with limestone formations on a grand scale.
Breakfast in Galway, which included the choice of porridge and Bailey's Irish Cream this morning.
We passed through some communities with thatched cottages.
When we arrived at our meeting point in Ballyvaughan it was pouring with rain so we decided to have lunch at a friendly cafe, Monk on the Pier.
Guinness Irish stew, mussels, seafood chowder...perfect respite until the rain stopped.
Maugie led us on a walk on the Burren Path.
We climbed up until we reached a stony path bordered by a limestone wall.
We had views back to Galway.
And to Connemara to the north.
A rather muddy experience.
Then we joined a wider path along a limestone cliff
When we turned around Black Head, the whole area consisted of limestone pavements - right to the water's edge.
Hawthorn bush growing at an angle, showing the trajectory of the strong winds. Fortunately very calm today.
Huge rocks line the path.
Mark and Claudia met us near Lisdoonvarna.
While one car load travelled to Doolin, three of us walked to O'Donohue's to wait for our ride.
Tonight in Doolin, we are staying at the Rainbow Hostel. It is full of backpackers. French, German and American. Very friendly and fit.
Comfortable lounge with warming fire and large kitchen.
Doolin is County Clare's live music centre. There are about 4 pubs in this small town all with nightly Irish music. Buses of tourists were pouring into already crowded bars.
M&M
1 comment:
Love my sleepy face. I miss you guys already!
Post a Comment