Day 2 in Ireland – Galway and the Burren. The Burren is in County Clare, and it comes from a word meaning “rocky place”. Definitely, but oh, so beautiful. But, first, we went to Galway on Wednesday.
I’m a sucker for the colors and the street scenes in Ireland, as you can tell.
Photos of the Salmon Weir Bridge in Galway, on the way to Galway Cathedral. I have no good photos of the Cathedral. And, it was just the first of our disappointing Cathedral visits due to funerals. At Galway Cathedral, there was a funeral in progress, that of a well-loved politician. We couldn’t go inside or take photos inside.
Linda at the Spanish Arch in Galway.
And, what you see as you come in or leave Galway, the docks.
Then, on to the Burren. It’s an unbelievable landscape. This is a thatched cottage alongside the road in Kinvara. And, you do see thatched cottages throughout southwestern Ireland.
I had to take this picture. How often do you see a sign that says, “Castle parking”?
And, this is the castle, Dunguaire Castle.
These thatched cottages are behind the parking lot for the castle.
And, the ruin is close by.
Near Ballyvaughan in the Burren.
Near Doolin.
Near Liscannor.
The Burren.
Let me tell you a little about Poulnalbrone Dolmen. It’s a portal tomb, probably dating from between 4200 B.C. and 2900 B.C. It’s in a rocky field south of Ballyvaughan in the Burren. In 1985, there was a crack discovered in one of the stones. When the stone collapsed, they discovered remains of up to thirty-three people buried there. The stone has been replaced, and the remains moved to Ennis to the Clare Museum. Poulnalbrone Dolmen is a quiet, somber place, so impressive. I can’t even find words to describe it.
We ended our day at McGann’s Pub in Doolin. And, yes, there is another picture of Kevin in a pub.
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| Kevin and Linda at McGann’s |
Day 2. I have to say I was most impressed with Poulnalbrone Dolmen on Wednesday.
What a great trip!
Bill, It was the trip of a lifetime.
oh, Lesa. I love these pictures. I want a "Castle Parking" sign. Dunguaire Castle is magnificent! Poulnalbrone Dolmen leaves me kinda breathless – both the awesomeness of the stones themselves, but the story . . .
Kaye, I think Donald should make you a "Castle Parking" sign. Perfect with that witch hat! Dunguaire Castle was magnificent. And, Poulnalbrone Dolmen still leaves me in awe. Just so impressive.
Great photos Lesa. I was a little taken aback to see a Costa Coffee sign in one of them – the last time I was in the West of Ireland coffee was something served (if at all) grudgingly after dinner in hotels. Tea shops meant just that – tea. But the age of the coffee shop (not to mention artisan blends, and endless posing about roasts and water types) has arrived in Scotland, so I shouldn't be so surprised to see it in Ireland.
I was also a little bit puzzled re the comments about Castle Parking – that's a sign you would see in many places over here, would you not see it in the US? And when I was in the Loire valley this summer, there were plenty of Parking du Chateau signs too. Glad you enjoyed it though!
Rosemary, We actually saw more signs for coffee than tea. So, the tourist preference for coffee certainly has taken over in Ireland.
We don't have castles in the US, so you wouldn't see signs for castles. Well, I shouldn't say we don't. There are a few scattered remnants of castles built by eccentric people, but nothing that was a real castle. As close as we come in the U.S. is Disneyland and Disneyworld. So, castle parking signs are unusual. So, you never know what someone from another country will find odd.
I must say that I giggled when Rosemary asked if we didn't have Castle Parking signs in the US as well. A difference of cultures and very interesting to hear about in a fun way.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos. I have a question on one. There was what looked like a smaller castle on a bluff overlooking the ocean. At the foot was the roof of what look like a cathedral, rising up from IN the ocean! Did I see that correctly? Or was there a town below the castle I just couldn't see?
As soon as I saw all the archways the tunnels I thought of the one Ghoul Hunters mystery by Victoria Laurie that took place in caverns in Scotland. Very spooky.
Sandie (Can you hear me now?)
Hi Sandie,
No, you saw that photo correctly. Those are the Cliffs of Moher, with a castle on the top. That's actually rock at the bottom of the cliff, rising out of the ocean. It is interesting to see the difference in cultures, isn't it? I have the feeling the landscapes of Ireland and Scotland have a lot in common, but I've never been to Scotland, so I don't know.
Another beautiful set of photos to look at with my morning coffee. I enjoy the variety of the pictures you take: breathtaking scenery and quirky signs. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Grandma Cootie! I like that combination. I love the scenery, but I certainly appreciate the quirkiness and humor as well. Thank you!