Day 9

Gray skies, toast and tea for breakfast. Tea is no substitute for coffee.

Drove to the Cliffs of Moher and after parking 1/4 mile away and hiking over with the international tour bus throngs. It was ok but would have been better without such rigamarole. Nice views but really, they're only cliffs. Unfortunately they were lit from the wrong side so the photos won't be too good,. Picnic lunch in the car.

Drove to Doolin and hung out by the harbor for a while; Kristen collected shells and we had an ice cream. Passed by the pubs that are famous for "trad" music. I don't think we'll be going - they are only about 5 miles away but the music doesn't start till 9:30 or so and that's kind of late for Kristen.

Drove around thru Lisdoonvarna, the Matchmaking capital, about to host a festival. Called Mom & Dad and were cut off when the calling card ran out. Visited Lahinch, our nearest medium size town and it's ok but not great. We were undecided on dinner and ended up, early, at a place the house hostess recommended, It was pretty bad - the back room of the pub was like a McDonald's with all the kids. Food not too good. Dave - fish and chips, Jill sent back her pork and got a good vegetable soup instead, Kristen sausages & fries. The fries are very good, and they are ubiquitous. And I'm sick of them, even though I love fries. With drinks, about $45.

Back home, watched the swallows. Girls watched a movie, I read my Ireland book in bed.


Day 10 >>>