Cliffs

Still in Northern Ireland

After the Giant's Causeway (and a long walk to and from the parking lot to said side), we visit the last place on our visit, the Bridge of Death! No, really it's the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. A somewhat terrifying 20 meter suspension walking bridge from one rocky cliff to another rocky outcropping on the Atlantic Ocean at the top or Ireland. Add some crosswinds and you have a mini adventure. I am afraid of heights but always looking for ways to overcome that fear. Walking 30 meters above rocks and water will do it.

But it was fun actually. And the surrounding scenery is stunning! Cliffs at the edge of the water and greenery like you would expect in Ireland. But these are small cliffs in comparison with what we see the next day on another driving adventure.

Yes, it's a pure tourist attraction now. Previously it was used and built by fisherman to catch salmon. In the 1960s, 300 salmon per day were caught, but overfishing has left the area without any salmon. The tiny island across the bridge is named Carrickarede (Gaelic Carraig a' Ráid, meaning "rock of the casting"). On a clear day, you really can see Scotland from here, but today was a bit hazy. Actually the weather today was pretty great, sunny and cool 65 degrees.

This marks the end of our tour of Northern Ireland. Again with tours, it always seems rushed at every stop, but sometimes it's the best way to get around and learn some history from the tour guide. I only wish we could have added the Bushmill's distillery tour. We drove through the town, but did not have time for the stop. Next time.

Back to Dublin and Bray and a stop at our favorite Box Burger for seafood linguine (with prawns, mussels, baby squid) and a Guinness.

A day on my own now as I head west to see the Cliffs of Moher. This is the main reason I wanted to rent a car, so I could drive on my schedule and stop where I want to stop. Lisa decided to stay in Bray and ventured to Dundrum for shopping. She even had time to relax on the beach in Bray.

Meanwhile, at Dunguaire Castle in County Galway, near Kinvara...

Well I actually expected more I guess. It was a little small and disappointing. I arrived during low tide and the surrounding area was a bog. Maybe that was good to keep out marauding hooligans. But for me just a stop along the way. But I did find some cool craft jewelry. The artisan was making some as I shopped. 

My plan was to also stop at the Burren, a strange barren landscape in the middle of all this greenery. But I only gazed out the window at it. I probably deserves more time and a proper tour or guided walk. But today I was just interested in the cliffs.

There are a few ways to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher. Drive to the Visitors Center and walk a few hundred feet to the edge. Start a 7 kilometer hike in the town of Doolin for a variety of elevations and views. I decided to see them from below, on the water on a boat. Cruises leave the small Doolin pier every hour. Now, for anyone who gets motion sickness or sea sickness, I have a tip. I use these wristband that have a bead in them that push against pressure points in your wrists. They are called Sea Band and I recommend them as an alternative to dramamine or anything that might make you drowsy. I wish I had that on that trip to Catalina Island. 

The weather in Ireland was mostly 62 degrees and mostly sunny with occasional rain, but nothing terrible. I wore t-shirts mostly and sometimes a sweater. On the cruise I needed the windbreaker.

A little rain and why Ireland is so green. 

The Cliffs of Moher are sheer limestone cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. Some reach as high as 650 feet. Chunks are still falling off every year due to erosion and wind. Geologist believe there used to be a river that created the cliffs and made a gorge, but the outer half at some point crumbled into the sea. 

This piece may have been part of a rock arch over the water and a section of the cliffs that mostly feel into the ocean. The sea birds love it though.

Some people brave the cold water and rocks and waves to surf. These guys look like they were just paddling though.

After the cruise, my plan was to go to the top and look down and into the sea. But a sudden and strong downpour drenched those plans. But I got some great views that not everyone thinks about either. So I was pretty happy with my day. Time to head back to Dublin.

I wouldn't be right if I didn't show more food, so here is the grilled Hake dinner I had at the Paddy Burkes Bar and Restaurant in Clarinbride. Yum. See I didn't eat too much bad-for-me food.

So that wraps up this quick trip to Ireland. There is too much to do in one week, but doing the sites and food and whiskey and beer and U2 made it a great trip. On the way to the airport we saw a rainbow as we started with one in Austin. A nice bookend. One last Guinness before boarding the plane and we're off. 

I'll see you next time. Keep Traveling!

For more photos, please visit my site on Google +: Ireland 2017

Sláinte!