The tour started off by taking a train from Dublin to Limerick at 7 am. The train was the perfect way to start the tour because it gave me the chance to get to know the other 6 people better that were on the tour and our tour guide Kevin. After a brief introduction into what our day looked like, we all just relaxed and tried to get some sleep before the day truly got interesting.
The train!!
When we arrived in Limerick we got on the small coach bus, that would be our transportation for the day, and took a small bus tour around Limerick before heading off to Bunratty. We were able to see some of the gorgeous Georgian houses and the pub that was featured in Angela's Ashes. On our way out of the city, we got our first glimpse of the Shannon and our first castle for the day.
Georgian Houses
The bar that was featured in Angela's Ashes
The river Shannon
King John's Castle
Our first stop of the day was Buratty. There we spent a couple hours walking around the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Since it was early in the morning and in the off season, it was not busy and very peaceful and relaxing. I was able to walk around at my own pace and there was no congestion when walking up the narrow spiral staircases in the castle. From the top of castle you could look out over the rivers nearby and the folk village.
Bunratty Castle
View from the top of the castle overlooking the river Shannon
The folk village itself had houses and other buildings from the over 100 years ago that were reconstructed there to recreate what it might have looked like. The houses were all from different parts and classes throughout Ireland. They also had brought in a church that they had to rebuild stone by stone on the site.
Inside one of the farmhouses where a woman is making an apple tart
The Ardcroney Church
After Bunratty, we headed north to the town of Doolin for lunch at a local pub and a chance to relax and chat with the other people on the tour. It was here that I got my first view of the Atlantic Ocean and the west coast of the island.
Inside the pub in Doolin. (Yes, that is fireplace keeping us warm on the right!)
Our next stop, which was the main reason for this trip, was the Cliffs of Moher. The weather unfortunately decided to turn nasty the moment we arrived and started to hail and rain. This lead to something not as beautiful but I still was able to get some really nice pictures. I then went on a small walk on the trail around the cliffs but ran into quite a bit of mud and dirt puddles. Thank goodness i was wearing my boots to keep my feet clean and dry.
I made it!!
Panorama of the cliffs with the storm clouds above
My muddy boots :(
That's a long drop down to the water!
On our way to the last destination of the trip, Galway, we drove through a beautiful area called the Burren. It is limestone that has been cut vertically down by the elements and ice. It was really interesting to look at because some had indentations into them that looked similar to animal prints but not quite exact to what is normally seen.
The Burren
Another view and able to see some of the indentations
We then ended this long and picturesque day in Galway with a beautiful view of Galway Bay and a quick look around the city before leaving on the train back to Dublin.
Galway Bay
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