From Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

Dunguaire Castle

The next morning after breakfast we planned our route toward Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. We wanted to travel a route that would let us see the most sights so we headed inland instead of the preferred coastal route.

We first visited Dunguaire Castle just outside Kinvara, in Galway Bay. It was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan.

Poulnadrone dolman

Next we drove through The Burren, one of the largest limestone areas in Europe, spreading over 250 square kilometers. 
The Poulnabrone dolman is located in The Burren and that's where we headed. It is said the dolman dates back to between 4200 BC and 2900 BC. No one has an explanation as to how the large (>1000 lb.) flat rock was placed on top. The entire landscape is interesting to explore.

We spoke with one of the park officials who told us many stories of people defacing the area and stealing rocks.

Caherconnell Stone Ringfort

He also told us about an area a little further down the road called the Caherconnell Stone Fort that was an exceptionally well-preserved Celtic stone ringfort, — most of which were inhabited between 400–1400A.D. —  it has been suggested by historians that this one may have been inhabited up to the medieval period.

This is now used as an archaeological field school where students can learn archaeological techniques from leading archaeologists.

The Doorty

West cross

Back on the road to see the Kilfenora Crosses. There were originally 7 crosses in Kilfenora but the nicest one was removed to Killaloe in 1821. The original monastery was built in the 6th century and the cathedral which is there now was built in 1189 and 1200A.D. The two most famous crosses are the Doorty and the West.

The West cross is located outside of the cathedral in an open field with a little barrier around it. We wouldn't have know about it if the park official hadn't told us about it and to be sure to see it since it was the best one. 

We then headed off for the Cliffs of Moher. The light drizzle had stopped and the sun was out. The day had turned gorgeous. No wind and the temperature was probably in the upper 60's. Perfect for hiking the Cliffs of Moher.

We arrived, paid the fee and parked our car. It's about a 1k walk up to the actual Cliffs trail and then you are within a flat-rock barrier for part of the trail then you can make your way off of that trail and onto the trail that goes all the way around and into Doolin. The

views from the trail are spectacular, especially since the weather was perfect and the sky was brilliant blue. Birds nest along the cliffs and flowers grow out of the cracks and seem to pop up everywhere along the trail. On the other side you could see what might be Doolin, and the sea.

We walked out for a little less than 2 miles and then turned back. It was beginning to get late and we thought we should get checked into our B&B. 

We hopped back into the car and headed for Doolin. Glad we had Siri and google maps, we got to the Roadford House B&B with nary a wrong turn. 

 We were met at the door by Frank who checked us in and took us and our luggage to our room. He showed us were everything was and we asked about the best pub in town to go to for music and food. He told us McGann's and boy was he ever right. It was within easy walking distance so we didn't have to worry about having too much fun and trying to drive back.

Fish & Chips at McGann's

We got there about 20:30 and the place was pretty full. We were taken to a table for 6 that already had a couple sitting at one end. Our host asked if they would mind sharing their table and they said of course not. We ordered our Guinness and food at which time I noticed that a table in the corner had opened up. I suggested to Chris that we move over to it. As soon as we sat down I realized that we were going to have to move again when the musicians showed up as the soundboard was right next to me. 

I saw our waitress looking around for us and waved her over to where we were and she told us what we already knew, that we would have to move when the musicians arrived. 

Our food came shortly, I had ordered fish and chips and it turned out to be the best fish and chips I've ever had.

After eating I went over to a young couple sitting at a table for 6 along the same wall as the musicians table and asked if we could join them, they said sure. They turned out to be a very nice young couple from Amsterdam who were traveling around Ireland. We chatted with them for awhile until the musicians arrived.

 The music was fantastic! We enjoyed it so much that we stayed until they quit playing and the bar was closing. Then we walked back to our B&B and went to bed. 

I wish we'd had more than one night in Doolin.