Ireland's West

Day 10: Bang! Boom! Crash! And we were awake. A glimpse out the window showed us the next morning that solitude had turned into a heavily used parking lot. After a relaxed breakfast, we decided to investigate. A view over the dunes revealed that the idyllic sandy beach had turned into a paradise for fishing in the rain. Countless fishing rods jutted out into the water from all sides. As for us, we were glad to get back in the car with the weather like that.

Since the weather was supposed to stay dreary on this day, we decided to explore the Dingle Peninsula from the car. The coastal road with its steep grassy slopes and proximity to the sea was really great and would have been worth thorough exploration with better weather.

With this weather, we longed for a warm shower and therefore decided to cover some distance and look for a campsite. Our path took us to Bunratty. Since we had discovered Irish specialties in the travel guide that day, despite their meatiness, we wanted to try them directly in a local pub. So we had 'Irish Stew' and 'Bacon and Cabbage'. A lamb stew with vegetables and baked pork ham with white cabbage. After just three spoonfuls, we regretted our choice and decided to abstain from meat for the time being. However, we cannot say whether this was due to the dish or the location :(

Day 11: With the sun at our back, we now wanted to explore County Clare. First, we headed towards Kilkee, where we visited the Cliffs of Kilkee, the little sister of the Cliffs of Moher, and were already quite impressed. The advantage here was that they are not particularly touristy.

Next, we continued to the Cliffs of Moher. Since we wanted to make a stop at a holy well on the way there to arm ourselves with luck, we left the car caravan and took a side road. Although we didn't find the well, we were still lucky because there was a signposted parking lot on this road that promised a coastal path to the cliffs. Since the Cliffs of Moher are heavily marketed for tourism, we were glad to get there via a less well-known route.

The approximately 3.5 km long path led directly along the cliffs and offered a wonderful view of the Cliffs of Moher. Here it became clear that the Cliffs of Moher are the big sister. We were very impressed!

Next on the program were the Burren - a unique barren limestone landscape. One could imagine the surface of the moon like this (if it weren't for the lakes and the sea in the background). We wanted to take a closer look at them the next day. So we initially drove on the coastal road, lined with sea and steep stone slopes, until we reached the village of Ballyvaughan. Here we found a quiet parking space right by the harbor.

Day 12: The more detailed exploration of the stone landscape took us to the Burren National Park. From a parking lot, various hiking trails led into the heart of the national park. So put on your hiking shoes and off we went over (stick and) stone. This landscape is in stark contrast to the sheep-filled, lush, green meadows, but no less beautiful.

Next, we set out in search of Ed Sheeran and his Galway Girl (nanana nana na na) exactly there. Although the city is touristy, it still exudes a sweet atmosphere with its many talented street musicians and step dancers. In addition, pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops, and wool shops line the shopping street.

# Fun fact on the side: The term "lynch justice" originates from Galway. The son of the then chief justice was convicted of murder. Since it was unusual at the time to hang the offspring of a high-ranking man, the father took care of it himself. The father's name was James Lynch Fitzpatrick.

Now we are parked near the city and you can guess three times who else is parked here ;) We will visit a seafood restaurant in Galway and then, with Sonja and Christian, visit one of the pubs recommended to them. Cheers!