Awakening to the sound of both birds chirping and cattle in the nearby pasture, was a first-experience for us! The rising of the sun and dawn appeared at 4:00am, but we were able to sleep until 8:30am, as the jet lag began to wear off. The fresh smells of warm brown soda bread was weighing in the air throughout the cottage. Tony had prepared a delicious first breakfast consisting of oatmeal with whisky soaked raisins…as always good to have whisky to start the day off! We needed the extra carbohydrates in our stomachs for our chauffeured tour to County Clare, to see the Cliffs of Moher!
Our journey to the Cliffs of Moher were filled with stories of Irish customs, nervousness of cars approaching on the “other” side of the road..although it was great that Tony did all of the driving! Phew! We arrived first to the Liscannor Rock Shop. Liscannor being the name of the town, Liscannor stone being the stone which looks like worms crawled into a basin of cement and was hardened. We shopped til we dropped, finding neat minerals and rock formations for paper weights, jewelry made of the unique Ireland marble – Connemara -, and had a cafe au lait. We were headed a few miles up the road to our second holy well, St. Brigid’s, to discover an amazing cavern filled with personal affects in honor of those who have departed. We were in awe of the stories written on cards and the delicate items left as mementos. Across the street from the holy well was O’briens monument. Tony explained the historic significance, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the tiny calves sitting around it, as the land around the column was used as a pasture.
We journeyed onward to the Cliffs of Moher. Words to describe the “Cliffs” are hard to materialize. When you are able to visit you will truly understand their beauty and splendor. Then it was off to a Kodak moment at Doonagore Castle. A wonderful castle tower which is still a summer home for some Irish natives. We continued on our drive to the town of Doolin. A petite little village with wonderful shopping venues. A couple of woolen and t-shirt shops, two traditional music stores (one of which is beautifully situated with a romantic garden and cafe), a chocolate shop, and of course, a PUB. We enjoyed our Irish beef burgers, fish and chips, and mussels. After lunch we headed out toDoolin to visit the many rock formations on the coast and see the living creatures inside the tidepools. So magnificent the colors and the serene peaceful sound of the water hitting off the rocks. We took a walk on Fanore beach nearby. The last visit on our tour for the day was Poulnabrone Dolmen. This ancient druid burial site is on all of the postcards, and is a must see! To imagine how it was constructed, the significance of the site to which it is built, and the archaeological history, is simply amazing! Did you know that it is older than the Pyramids?
On our way back to Glenculloo Cottage we made our way through the winding countryside of County Limerick. We arrived to the cottage and settled down for the evening. We took out a card game and a board game, started a fire, and were served the most wonderful cocktail, Poteen. I would love to tell you more about the Poteen cocktail, but what happens in Ireland, stays in Ireland!
