6 April: Ferry from Troon, Scotland to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Drove to Kilrush in south County Clare. Too much driving on narrow roads! Stayed in Kilrush for two nights and visited with our friends Roni, Bill and their adorable 2 year old, Lucy.8 April: Stayed in Doolin on the coast of Clare - just a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher. Toured the Burren, Kilfenora, and the cliffs.
9-11 April: Drove south to Dingle town bypassing Limerick by taking the Killimer ferry. The Dingle Peninsula has the largest concentration of megalithic sites in Ireland. We toured the 26 mile Slea Head loop, walked parts of the Dingle Way, stopped at the beehive huts, the ruins of the Reask Monastery, Dunbeg Fort. As it was Eastery weekend there was no music on Friday night, but we found some traditional music at O'Flaherty's on Saturday night. We also made a point to stop at the South Pole Inn in Anascaul which was owned by the famous explorer Tom Crean.
Photo above: Inch Strand on Dingle Peninsula
Bottom photo: Slea Head Loop
12-13 April: Drove to Glendalough (south of Dublin) stopping in Cashel on the way. Glendalough is in the Wicklow Mountains and the site of the 5th century monastery founded by St. Kevin. There is a wide choice of walks in the area, from paved to dirt scrambles. The atmosphere feels calming and peaceful even when crowded.
Accommodation Ratings: 1-10 (10 as best)
- Kilrush Lodge, Kilrush: 5 - plain, basic & boring but breakfasts were good
- Doonagore B & B, Doolin: 6 nice room but noisy, rough sheets, good breakfasts
- Murphys B & B, Dingle: 7 - town centre, convenient, basic room, good breakfasts
- Derrymore B & B, Glendalough: 10 - great atmosphere and location, full of character, antique furniture, good breakfasts, lovely & accommodating hostess
