Day 1
We drove from Dublin to Athlone where we visited the oldest pub of the world (900 AD): Seans Bar, also known as Luain's Inn. The thick cream on the pine of Guiness was remarkable. Everyone was exhausted since we didn't sleep through the night to catch the early flight from Frankfurt to Dublin. After a nap in the afternoon we checked out the area around our accommodation, a farmers house 20 minutes south of Ahtlone: the Laurel Lodge. The host was super friendly and welcoming. Only 10 minutes away we visited the ruins of a monastery - unfortunately beyond the opening hours which resulted in me climbing over a wall to get at least a glimpse of the area. The landscape is hilly and green, the view is wide and the air clean. Foremost it is green. This color is predominant.
Matze drives hands-free
The cream on top was remarkable
Oldest pub in the world (900 AD)
Our host in Laurels Lodge
Day 2
It was raining in the morning as it often does here in Ireland - often but short we have learned. Well rested we had an Irish breakfast with a fried egg, sausage, blood sausage, backed tomato and bacon. If they like one thing over here it is plenty of meat and sausages. Strengthened we moved over to the west side of the island: Galway. It lies at the seaside with a small harbour, plenty of restaurants and a nice promenade along the Atlantic coast. 20 minutes north is a small castle ruin almost entirely covered with green leaves and moss: Menlo Castle. The day was sunny but the sea was ice cold. Our feet would hurt once we wadded through the water.
Day 3
Dad did some research and found a nice breakfast place on our route north towards a national park: Connemara National Park. The coffee was hot and we “tuned” it with some creamy Irish milk - you notice the difference, Irish cows are the best. Andi left his comfort zone and tried pancakes with a bacon topping: “It was an interesting experience and not bad at all but I’ll go next time for regular pancakes.” Matze seemed to enjoy the salty-sweet experience.
Not only 10 minutes away was the 14th Century Franciscan friary of Rolls Eerily Friary, the most extensive and best preserved of all Franciscan friaries in Ireland. A truly unique place with ravens rising high above the ruins circulating it and the mild rain refreshing our faces (not to forget the cowpats allover the lawn ;).
Kylemore Abbey was about an our away. It lies in the national park. The scene is a bit surreal with the abbey and church placed into this beautiful environment with wild flowering rhododendron. The garden nearby was also quite impressive with frech vegetables growing.
A 10 minutes ride away was the Diamond Hill (448 m high) which we decided to climb with a formidable view into all directions once we made it to the summit. It was quite windy up there and the ascent (in total about 7-8 km) was demanding making our muscles burn and breathing heavy. It was absolutely worth it! A day with lots of impressions. I couldn’t tell what i liked best. Probably making it up to the top of Diamond. You will agree with us that we now deserve a proper dinner :)
Day 4
After a two-days' stay in Galway it was time to move on. Business as usual: Breakfast to get our spirits going. Well, almost... We met John who was a wildlife photographer. Today he is paraplegic and needs to sit in a wheel chair due to an accident he had 8 years ago when he fell off a ladder. He loved to chat with us about his passion Formula 1, he is a big fan of, fishing and his timekiller to feed robins with cheese. I loved his joke about fishermen which I'll share with you next time we see each other. He is a very patient gentlemen who has build up trust to the robins which land on his hand to pick the cheese.
Today we had the longest distance to drive with approx. 300 km taking the route to the south accommodated by lovely sunshine (the warmest day until now). We had planned to visit two main points: The Burren and The Cliffs of Moher. The Burren was a vast stoney landscape at the sea-side with cracks and cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher were totally packed with tourists and lots of China-wear with Ireland branding on it in the shops. The view was still breathtaking and standing right at the cliff increased the frequency of my heart beat. Luckily it wasn’t too windy. We planned to reach the Killarney National Park in the evening.
You can guess the name of the breakfast place... Poppy Seed.
John with his cup of coffee.
John attracting robins with his cheese.
Matze just couldn't get a crisp shot.
Saw the climber?
Day 5
We took it easy. Slept in - kind of - and had breakfast. Decided to walk around the Mucross lake in the Killarney National Park. A 13 km (17.760 steps) hiking tour. It was cloudy and raining from time to time but still warm and humid. The mountain peak was covered in clouds looking misty. The view was impressive. But have a look yourself... Tonight we just go out for proper super.
Day 6
Ice cream at Murphy's. A beach visit and a drive along the Atlantic coast. Sounds alright doesn't it?! But then... this was a bit unexpected: The Dunmore Head. Pure Awesomeness!!! ;) But see yourself.
(Matze, Andi and Paps almost did not go because of too much wind and the typical dizziness after lunch. You had to get beyond the hill to see what's behind. They apparently didn't expect anything special. I still went to not miss an opportunity. Once I saw what's behind the highest point of the hill I had to call to let them know. They left and joined me.)
Day 7
Today we had planned to go east all the way back to Dublin. Tomorrow is our last day before our departure back home. We will spend it in Dublin. Before I forget, loved my pancakes this morning.
We went to Cobh a small town at the sea. It’s known as the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. We didn't stay long. Besides the Titanic heritage the town has not much to offer.
We moved farther to the east to the Rock of Cashel also known as Cashel of Kings. It is an impressive historic site. Matze, Andi and myself took a guided tour. It was very windy up there on the hill. No wonder people abandoned the area decades ago. In winter it must have been miserable and cold.
After a quick picknick we continued our journey towards Dublin and stopped on more time in the Rock of Dunemase. Warning signs everywhere to not leave any valuable items in the car. Standing at a high point with a wide view is quite striking. Watch the last video to see waves playing in the green fields.
That's where the Titanic landed. The remains of it...
Day 8
Last day in Ireland. We spent the day in Dublin. Flying back tomorrow morning. We had a great time. Still everyone is looking forward to getting back home.
