Monday 14th August 2017 - Cratloe to Galway

Another early start this morning. After breakfast we set off to the Cliffs of Moher, arriving about 10am. The first thing you notice even before the cliffs is the interpretive centre which has been built into the hillside – very unobtrusive. The cliffs were pretty amazing as everyone says and draws a comparison with The Great Ocean Road and Bruny Island in Tasmania. 

Cliffs of Moher

After spending some time here we drove into Doolin where we had decided to do a cruise of the cliffs. We had read somewhere that this was a good way to see the bird life of the cliffs, and hopeful Puffins, although we were aware this was unlikely as they head out to sea by the end of July. It was all a bit disappointing really. There had been no sightings of Puffins for 18 days and we didn't go close enough to the cliffs to see other birds either. There was a story about the possibility of pieces of the cliff falling off. Despite this, I'm sure I had read that the cruise was the way to see the wildlife of the cliffs. We did see some dolphins on the way back to port.

From Doolin,  we headed inland to explore the Burren. This area is pretty amazing with a limestone cap over much of the countryside. The oldest rocks visible on the Burren’s surface were formed during the Carboniferous period (between 359 and 299 Ma). These limestone rocks formed in shallow, warm, tropical seas 10 degrees S of the equator. Our first stop was at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora. This gave us an overview of the area both geographically and human occupation. We also grabbed some vegetable soup for lunch. Very nice.

We then drove on to Caherconnell Fort, a Ring fort situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren.  The fort is an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts which are to be found throughout the Burren. The fort is in its original state. Its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding areas suggests a defensive settlement. 

Caherconnell Fort

A little further on we visited the Neolithic Poulnabrone Dolmen, a burial site. The dolmen consists of a 3 metre, thin, slab-like, tabular capstone (horizontal) supported by two sets of slender upright (vertical) parallel portal stones, which support the capstone 1.8 m  from the ground, creating a chamber in a 9 m low cairn. The entrance faces north and is crossed by a low sill stone. Excavations in 1986-88 found that 33 people, both adults and children, were buried under the monument. Personal items buried with the dead included a polished stone axe, a bone pendant, quartz crystals, weapons and pottery.  The limestone cap (already mentioned) on the rocks in this area is just amazing. Jill also purchased a silver pendant from a silversmith who had set up shop at the gate.

Neolithic Poulnabrone Dolmen

Time to find our bed for the night. This is a bit of a problem in Ireland as there are no street numbers outside of towns and as we were staying out of town we again had a lot of difficulty finding the spot.  Just as well it's beautiful countryside.

It was worth it. Excellent bed and excellent shower. What more could you ask for? For dinner, we headed a bit in towards Galway and had dinner at a Thai restaurant. It was OK but not great.