The Cliffs of Moher

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received_10200651232383358 — Prior to leaving Killarney for the Cliffs of Moher, we stopped at the Gap on Dunloe for a hike.

For days 5 and 6, we spent most of our time in County Clare where the most iconic cliffs of Ireland are found, the Cliffs of Moher. According to a guide during a boat tour that we were forced to join, the cliffs are about 700 feet high at their highest point, and have been used for scenes from the movies – Harry Potter (I did not catch which one) and the Princess Bride. Can anyone guess the name for the cliffs used in the Princess Bride?

received_10200651232623364 — An Irish Highway. I believe this road had a posted speed limit of 80 km/hr (approx 50 mph), and it was two-way traffic.

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received_10200651233263380 — I am really not getting better at the clicking heels photo, but I was the closest to the edge…

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The weather has been amazing for our entire trip so far. It sprinkled a little bit in Dublin and one of the nights that we camped but it has been bright sunny skies for the rest of it. Also, the days are really long up here; sun up is around 5am and dusk is around 10pm. Because of the extra daylight, our dinner times have been extremely late, often right before the kitchens close.

received_10200651233503386 — Traditional Irish music at one of the Doolin Pubs. I think every Pub has had it starting at “half-9” every night

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Another interesting thing (which fits the stereotype of Ireland) is that there is a pub on just about every intersection of every town. Every food recommendation from a local has sent us to a nearby pub, and the food has been really good.

received_10200651234263405 — The rock fences of Inis Oirr. Renting bikes for the day on the island was €10.00 each.

received_10200651234143402 — The friendly dolphin of Doolin harbor

received_10200651234023399 — Shipwreck on Inis

received_10200651234503411 — The west side of the Island was much more desolate looking and rocks covered everything.

received_10200651235503436 — Holy well of Tobar Einne

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received_10200651235743442 — This was taken from a boat tour of the cliffs that normally would have been €10 each extra, but we got on because one of the boat hands just liked talking to us.

We glamped (see photos) in Doolin for a night. The day before we visited the cliffs from the land, and on the next day we took a boat (€20.00 per person) to one of the nearby Islands, Inis Oirr (has an accent mark over the “i” that I cannot duplicate on my phone). On the Island, there were 1000’s of feet of stone fences. Apparently when the island was first settled, there was no soil there, they had to crush the limestone rock and mix in some seaweed with it to create soil for grass to grow. To make room for these little fields the rocks were stacked all around them. They also served as barriers between property lines. Definitely, bring sunscreen to the island if you make it there because there is no tree on the island to find shade under.

0530181202-1 — A tent with 3 beds and a couch. A steal at €100.00 per night

0530181321a_HDR-1 — Action shot of me blogging. The computer may have took it on the chin though from the higher voltage.

After Doolin we headed to Galway…

-Jason

Life as a Local in Syros, Greece

3 months with Boundless Life