Bettystown - Sun, Storm & Beach

25.06.22

The last day in Ireland finally brings some sunshine. However, there's also a strong wind. After breakfast, I walk along the beach towards Laytown and I'm glad to have a headband, scarf, wool sweater, and vest.

What looked like paradise from behind the window is unfortunately a bit challenging as I get completely sandblasted and could only walk with closed eyes without (sun)glasses.

In Laytown, I briefly sit on a bench in the sun and have a cappuccino, but I have to hold onto the cup so it doesn't get blown off the table.

I start my return journey around 1 pm, and although the wind is coming from behind, it's so strong that I can feel sand collecting in my hair and ears... In Bettystown, I walk into the dunes, look at the beach walkers from a warm wall, who are trying to protect themselves from the sand, and search for a newspaper. Along the way, I find two beautiful thatched-roof houses that are rarely found in such a beautiful and well-maintained form.

The insurance costs for these roofs are absurd in Germany, so many owners in Ireland have opted for tin roofs, which naturally takes away the charm of these houses.

The suitcase is quickly packed and weighs only 16.3kg, well below the 20kg that I have. We meet at 4 pm, seek shelter from the impending rain in a neighborhood café, have an early sandwich dinner there, and are back at the hotel before 6 pm. I take my place in my chair and enjoy the wind-protected view of the wide beach. A nightcap in the form of Smithwicks (Red Ale) will conclude the last proper day in Ireland.

A storm with hurricane gusts, thunderstorms, and heavy rain is forecasted for the night. We want to be at the airport before 12 pm tomorrow, and we still need to return the car before that. I will have nearly 6 hours of downtime until my flight, but we have to return the car by 2 pm anyway, and if one person flies at 3:00 pm and the other at 6:00 pm, then so be it. After all, I don't have to work on Monday 😉