Holiday.

Coming from Alaska, I'm used to long drives to get, well, just about anywhere. When looking at Ireland on a map it seems quite large; but once you start looking at distances, it's really rather small. I read somewhere that Ireland is about the size of Indiana -so definitely smaller than Alaska- which made our drive over to the west coast short by my estimation. Three hours saw us to the city (and County) of Galway where we got out to stretch our legs, eat lunch and wander some street shops before loading back into the van to meander our way south to our holiday home.

Fanore, Co. Clare

The western countryside is definitely different from here in Meath. Though all of Ireland is picturesque, I loved Western Ireland with its hills, stone walls, rock beds, green fields and of course, the coast. We stayed in a little village called Fanore in County Clare, right on the coast. We could see the Atlantic just outside our front door. However, that also meant we got the coastal weather, including and some incredible wind! I still loved it though. I love salt sea air and will breathe it any chance I get.

Our little holiday home with the red door.  

Coastline.

Many of the roads around Drewstown are narrow and closed to larger vehicles (though not tractors) because of lack of passing room between hedges and rock walls. I had not thought "two lane" roads could get much smaller until we drove in Western Ireland. Most people in Ireland have small little cars or there is the rare tiny truck. We were often the larger on the road in our Volkswagon van (called a mini-bus here), so the narrow coastal roads became rather nerve-wracking. I was amazed when we came upon tour busses, most of which required us -or anyone- to either try and pull over or receive a new paint job up the side of your vehicle. I was glad it was the "off season" for vacationers and we didn't have to play chicken too many times.

Following the family.

Friday we went to the Cliffs of Moher, quite the sight and a favorite from my trip thus far. They are very imposing and I can understand why the walking trail has been moved and fenced off farther from the edge in some places. However, we did not get blown off, though the wind was definitely a force to be reckoned with. 

That afternoon we took advantage of a break in the rain to head down to the beach in Fanore for some shell hunting. I stood at the edge of the water gazing as far out into the Atlantic as I could; strange to think that beyond that horizon was America... well, I suppose technically the direction I was looking was Canada, but still. Standing at the edge of the ocean makes you feel small. And then the rainbow showed up. What an incredible Creator we have, and He definitely spoiled me on that day. 

The Cliffs of Moher and O'Brien's Tower

The two other main events of our little holiday were a trip to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and a stop over at the Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre. Though maybe geared more for the younger tourists, we all enjoyed the history of Bunratty and the fact that we could see the castle without a tour guide -meaning the kids were free to explore. Halloween is quite popular over here, so the folk park had the beginnings of some bizarre decorations, but that was completely overshadowed by the animals we met. If you know the Scherrer kids, you know they love animals, especially dogs. Bunratty happened to have two Irish Wolfhounds in residence among other farm critters. If they weren't so big, I might have just taken one home as my Irish souvenir. They were very friendly and very mellow, however, they were also very large, definitely not your average lap dog. Here's a look at some of the new friends we met. 

Loving the attention.

This is Gráinne the Wolfhound.

Mini horses.

Friendly billy. 

 I did not take very many pictures on our tour of Aillwee Cave, those that I attempted did not turn out well, it being a cave and all. At the Birds of Prey Centre we got to wander and see the birds and then we stayed for demonstrations of a bateleur eagle, barn owl and falcon. Clint got to "hold" the bateleur eagle (aptly named Batty) and Tessa the owl.

Tessa holding Jess.

This is Ted. Ted was loud.

 So we had a good holiday. We got in some sights, some relaxing and spent four whole days internet free. It was marvelous. The Scherrer kids kept talking about finding a "99 on a cone," which I assumed had something to do with ice cream but was unsure as to what exactly we were looking for. We did end up finding it and when I had it in hand I was told that my Irish experience was complete. I have a few more things I'd like to see before I'd consider my time here complete, but the treat was a good end to our holiday. Now we're back to work at Drewstown with paintbrushes in hand -for a little while at least. We're already plotting our next adventure. So stay tuned...

99 on a cone.