County Clare

Ominous black clouds threatened, but didn't deliver. However, strong winds ensured we rocked our way from Dingle, via Limerick, to Ennis. From Ennis we took the coastal route through Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay, Enniston, arriving Lisdoonvarna, County Clare at 1830 hours.

Our overnight accommodation in Dingle was satisfactory, but with the temperature falling to around five degrees, it was ever so cold. No heating! 'Ooh! T's summer aft' all, right like!'

With our departure from Dingle came a change in landform.  The mountains of County Kerry became the Shannon floodplain before returning to undulating hills & dales in County Clare. Land use was mainly sheep & cattle grazing.

Limerick, on the Shannon River, is the third largest city in Ireland. It has a reputation of high unemployment & crime. General neglect was evident.

Ten kilometres from Limerick we found Bunratty Castle.  Built in the 15th century, it has been beautifully restored & is adequately furnished in keeping with the era. The remainder of the site has been developed to depict life during the 19th century. This included a village,  complete with a school as well as a farm,  a homestead and adjoining gardens.

The Earl of Bunratty

Ennis, on the River Fergus, is a major regional centre for County Clare. Ennis, along with many of the towns we visited today, had been Dulux brushed with rich, earthy colours. A colour scheme that sits well in the west of Ireland.

The windswept coastal plains, while green, without vegetation they appeared desolate. We noticed the stock piling of silage suggesting low pasture yields during the extended winter chill.

It was worth enduring the chilling North Atlantic gale & the Cliffs of Moher climb, just to capture the view. The rock face, with its layers of black shale & sandstone, sheer 214 metres into the Atlantic Ocean. It was spectacular!




This evening I met Cousin Patrick, his wife Bridie & their son Daniel. We have arranged to meet tomorrow afternoon to share family history & visit the cottage where our Great Great Grandfather & other ancestors were born & raised. This I look forward to.