Day 12
Got up, eggs, smoked salmon & toast and off towards Ennis area at 11. Jill called and made reservations for Dunguaire (pron: Dun-goor-uh) Castle banquet on Saturday, and extended the house a couple of days. Even though it leaves a little to be desired, it beats the alternative.
Picked up a picnic lunch of ham & baguette at Tides supermarket. First stop - Ennis, the largest town in Clare. It looked nice but we didn't really need to shop. Plus we didn't feel the need to find parking, etc.
The only stop we made was at the very impressive public toilet where you pay .25 and have the automated toilet to yourself for 20 minutes or till you want to leave. Then it cleans itself for the next passenger. I think this is the same model they will be installing in New York. Kristen and I both gave it the thumbs up. Jill claims we already used them in Paris.
Next was Dysert O'Dea, an restored castle tower. We were amazed to have use of out first picnic table of the trip. Amazing, but this is another area where the infrastructure is lacking. I think they never picnic because it's always raining. Enjoyed a quick sandwich, then went inside. Dave & Jill let Kristen climb to the top of the tower; we stayed on the first floor and talked to the guide person.
Picked up a picnic lunch of ham & baguette at Tides supermarket. First stop - Ennis, the largest town in Clare. It looked nice but we didn't really need to shop. Plus we didn't feel the need to find parking, etc.
The only stop we made was at the very impressive public toilet where you pay .25 and have the automated toilet to yourself for 20 minutes or till you want to leave. Then it cleans itself for the next passenger. I think this is the same model they will be installing in New York. Kristen and I both gave it the thumbs up. Jill claims we already used them in Paris.
Next was Dysert O'Dea, an restored castle tower. We were amazed to have use of out first picnic table of the trip. Amazing, but this is another area where the infrastructure is lacking. I think they never picnic because it's always raining. Enjoyed a quick sandwich, then went inside. Dave & Jill let Kristen climb to the top of the tower; we stayed on the first floor and talked to the guide person.
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We didn't really have much of a plan for the rest of the day. Drove past Ennis Priory twice but parking was tough so we didn't stop. Thought about looking for some other ruined ecclesiastical structures (we had bought a book at Dysert O'Dea) but decided that since we were relatively close to Bunrtatty Castle and Folk Park we would go there instead.
More driving and crappy roads, but we finally made it onto one of Ireland's 4 lane highways! What a pleasure! It lasted for about 15 minutes, then we were back on crap roads near Bunratty. It was a nice folk park, similar to Ballenberg in Switzerland but not as picturesque. Well done though. Plenty of fires and animals. A bobby harassed Kristen. Kristen climbed up in Bunratty Castle, the stairs are getting kind of old for Mom & Dad. The castle is furnished with period antiques and doodads on the tables etc. |
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After Bunratty we found Knoppogue castle (closed by 10 minutes) and Quin Abbey (ruined). On previous trips we got "castled-out"... this time we're "ruined-out". So many ruins around the country... and they are all very similar.
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ried to take a shortcut around Ennis to avoid rush hour but got stymied by a cattle truck on tiny roads, then got lost due to poor signage and took even longer to get home. I'm totally burned out on driving. The roads suck, the signage sucks, there are too many distractions, I have no help... it is not fun at all. Jill feels bad but she couldn't deal with it even if we had an automatic transmission.
Stopped for a pint in Egan's Pub in Liscannor, nice old looking place. Then drove down near Doolin for dinner at the Stone Cutter's Kitchen. Kristen - garlic bread and French Bread pizza, Dave Seafood Chowder (very good) and Guinness Beef Stew (also very good). Jill - carrot & parsnip soup (very good) and a warm salad with bacon & smoked chicken (excellent). Jill wants to go back but I think we'll try somewhere else.
Drove up on the street above the house and talked with some young bulls/steers. When they saw us coming down the road, they came running. I don't know what the hell they were expecting. We talked to them and made fun of them for awhile before going home.
Time is getting short. Tomorrow night is dinner and the cailee at Vaughan's and Saturday night is dinner at Dunguaire castle. Plus we'd still like to try Barrtra and one other place.
Day 13 >>>
Stopped for a pint in Egan's Pub in Liscannor, nice old looking place. Then drove down near Doolin for dinner at the Stone Cutter's Kitchen. Kristen - garlic bread and French Bread pizza, Dave Seafood Chowder (very good) and Guinness Beef Stew (also very good). Jill - carrot & parsnip soup (very good) and a warm salad with bacon & smoked chicken (excellent). Jill wants to go back but I think we'll try somewhere else.
Drove up on the street above the house and talked with some young bulls/steers. When they saw us coming down the road, they came running. I don't know what the hell they were expecting. We talked to them and made fun of them for awhile before going home.
Time is getting short. Tomorrow night is dinner and the cailee at Vaughan's and Saturday night is dinner at Dunguaire castle. Plus we'd still like to try Barrtra and one other place.
Day 13 >>>
