Our mini break in Galway was over and it was time to move over the border and into County Clare. It was not far and so we could take our time. The short distances are a great feature of this trip in Ireland. First stop today was Ballyvaughan and just in time for yet another tea and ….... . This is a very idyllic spot in the Burren. On the water and very Irish. Great thatched roof holiday rentals and not all that many tourists about. Time denied us the opportunity to try the highly recommended Monk's seafood restaurant but we enjoyed an adjacent tea room. Great selection of tarts and light lunch and we resisted most of them.
From there we meandered along to rediscover O'Connors pub in downtown Doolin and this time just in time for lunch. We made it to the bar just in advance of a horde of glazed eye bus tourists and so we enjoyed our second lunch at this active spot.
From there we drifted into Ennis, another good town in this region before driving over to Limerick and our next accommodation at Castleconnell. This time we are in what looks like a former stately home. Right on the Shannon River and with commanding views. The small town looks to have been decimated by the GFC. Any number of places for sale, some clearly under refurbishment. There is no longer a restaurant in the town and the 2 pubs are quite average looking. A bit sad I must say.
On Tuesday Yvonne took Randall over to Killaloe for breakfast and a guided tour of the town which is on the Shannon River and opposite Ballina in Tipperary on the other side of the river. Our target on this clear, sunny day is Adare, said to be the most English of all Irish villages. It does live up to its' name and we spend a few hours there enjoying the atmosphere.
From there we drive over to Cahir and Cashel, two towns with great medieval features. In cahir we enjoy a good walk along the river and beside a beautiful golf course. A couple of healthy duck meals at Goosers in Killaloa ends another great day in this green piece of paradise.
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