Coming back to County Clare

The tiny coastal village of Doolin on the north Clare Coast would be largely unknown if it were not for its proximity (a good hike through cattle pastures) to the Cliffs of Moher. Consequently, it is flooded with visitors and musicians, and seems to have more hostels than homes!


Our place: Aille River Hostel... a comfy little place!


Given the rainy start to the day, Maureen and I headed inland to explore the rocky, ruin and herd-dotted Burren Country...



These guys got the memo: "Family photo today- black and white, yellow accessories"


Work with me, folks!


Much better, thank you. (There's always one who never looks up!)

First stop, Kilfenora, a one-street town that has the distinction of being the center of the diocese - with the Pope as its bishop! (An apparently successful attempt during the Irish Famine to help the town desolate little town survive.)

The ancient cathedral at Kilfenora (the intact part is still a cathedral of the Church of Ireland) renowned for its unusually well-preserved stone-etchings...

... and its seven 12th c. Celtic crosses. Here, the two intricate sides of the best preserved Doorty Cross.

Then out over the Burren country side.

It looks stony, but beauty abounds....

Even on the harsh coast...

... primroses take root.

The Atlantic weather and limestone rock create an unusual climate for plants: Arctic and Mediterranean flowers blossom inches apart depending on their exposure. So where rain will pool...

... a delicate ecosystem hovers.

The sturdier variety also thrives!

Back to Doolin for lunch on the rocks...

Apparently we were approaching the Edge of the World.

Maureen at the Edge of the World.

Haze and waves on the Clare Coast...

Cliffs of Moher in the distance...

Doonegore Castle, near Doolin.

The Cliffs of Moher revisited!

Even a second visit is still stunning!

The Moher Tower ruin is actually only from the 1800's - the first tourist "trap" of the region, built for viewing of the cliffs.

Then on to Ennis, our last stop before the Shannon Airport!

And bye to Maureen and our faithful car Herbie - sporting the hubcap-less replacement tire, testimony to the unforgiving narrow shoulders of Irish roads!