Beyond the Fjords

Yes, I have a crush on Ireland.

It seems like ages ago now that I’m back in the U.S. for the holidays, but last month I traveled to Ireland. One site to see was the Cliffs of Moher.  I first spent a couple of days in Clonakilty, and then traveled back to Cork for a couple days after my half marathon. Six in the morning rolled around and my body was sore from the 13.1 miles I ran the previous day, but when in Cork you got to venture out and see all you can see! I was only in Cork for a couple more days, and Sunday was the only day I could schedule a tour to see the cliffs.

 

Let’s go Paddywagon tours! Take me to the Cliffs!

 

Of course this Sunday was EXCEPTIONALLY cold, foggy, and snowy! You have to be ready for any kind of weather when you travel to Ireland! We toughed the fog, snow, rain, and WIND (might I add it was freezing cold!) and made it to the Cliffs. Of course the view was spectacular, but it would have been even better on a clear day. I guess I’m planning another trip to Cork in the spring or summer! Who is in!? One round of Murphy’s on me!

 

 

Some fun facts about the Cliffs:

1. The Cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural tourist attraction
2. The Cliffs stretch for 5 miles
3. The Cliffs reach 702 miles (at their highest point)
4. On a clear day you can see: Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara as well as the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry! I wish we had a clear view that day!
5. There are an estimated 30,000 birds living on the cliffs, representing more than 20 species. These include Atlantic Puffins! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_puffin
6. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point of the Cliffs and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years (picture below!)

 

 

Our next stop was at the Burren to check out the limestone rock and the mini cliffs! Obviously not as high, but still a really beautiful site!

 

 

Our final stop was at Bunratty Castle in County Clare. Bunratty Castle is a 15th-century tower house that was built in 1425 and restored in 1954. The Castle is a major tourist attraction along with the Bunratty Folk Park. There are a few shops, pubs and cafes within the area.

 

 

 

Here is to 2018 with more trips to Ireland planned!