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The Dingle





So busy, it's difficult to find time to write.  We're go, go, go. and the wifi is not so good at our place.

We left Galway Tuesday morning and drove a couple hours to an area of western Ireland called The Burren. It was a ridiculously foreign landscape and beautiful.  Steep, sharp limestone mountains covered in scrub brush, grasses and dotted with livestock.  As we drove through the emerald countryside, we saw a sign that said Birds of Prey display and Aillwee Cave.  Rick Steves wrote in his travel guide that it was interesting, but not worth the fee. So, of course we decided to check it out. What the hell does he know :)

Cliffs of Moher
After that we stopped in Doolin and had lunch while overlooking the Atlantic.  A short drive to The Cliffs of Moher.  We lucked out with a sunny day.  The kids attributed that to their Nana.  The cliffs are worth the visit, especially if you go later (after 2pm) as we did.  We drove to the Shannon Ferries in Killimer and were greeted by a local border collie who charmed the soon to be passengers for chips, peanuts and then instinctively herded the cars on to the ship.  A quick 20 minute ride across the river, then to Tralee and Dingle.  The day started at 8:00 am and ended at 10:30 pm.  A tough drive in the countryside for the last few hours.  It's tough enough in day light.

We got up and went into Dingle for breakfast.  Great food....again.  I love black/white pudding (look it up). My dad saw a butcher's shop next door and the two chatted about meat, Irish hurling and Tipperary.  We loaded up the van and drove the Dingle Peninsula.  I have to say that the scenery is spectacular.... Ocean, cliffs, green, stone walls, mountains and my favorite site (Star Wars Geek) the Skellig Island.

Ethan, John, Mike, Pa
We decided to have lunch at the house, a few cocktails and then did some shopping, sight seeing and pub hopping.  We met for a late dinner at Out of the Blue restaurant.  They only serve fresh seafood. If there is no catch that day, they are closed. We finished the night visiting some of the local pubs and listened to music.
Sheep dog demonstration in Dingle
Who likes to hold lambs? Sam!
The furthest east beach in Europe
Entertainment at Adams Pub
A stone marking the location of the filming of Ryan's Daughter (1970)
 
What a view (Dingle Peninsula)
A stone marking the location of the filming of Ryan's Daughter (1970)

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