Day 10: From Across the Atlantic - LITERALLY

Observations of the day: 1) Irish kids are super duper cute and 2) Irish countryside roads are just as narrow as you see in movies & on TV. In regards to the first – all kids are cute of course, but Irish kids seem to kick it up a notch with their milky alabaster skin, rosy red cheeks, crystal blue sparkling eyes and auburn locks. Not to mention, they seem to be a really happy generation. Although one Irish dad told me today, “We peak at 3 and it all goes down hill from there!”

In regards to the second with a special shout-out to Gail & Scott Silver – you truly do need to sometimes pick between nudging a hedge versus hitting a car as the country roads are that narrow. The flip side is they are very picturesque!

Irish kids are soooooo cute!

I would've taken more pics but I didn't want to be considered a creeper!

Our rental car constantly reminds us to stay on the left.

Today, Monday, we set out from our Salthill flat by 8am enroute to the Western tip of Ireland – the Cliffs of Moher. Once again, JM decided he’d rather navigate than drive, so I was in the hot seat. And once again, we’re starting to think we could be on The Amazing Race as we did so well as a team!

We reached the Cliffs by 10am and were glad we had made the early start as we beat the tour buses there. It is likely you have seen the Cliffs before whether in movies (The Princess Bride) or in tourism photos & we can tell you they are as spectacular as they seem. Interestingly, they are managed by the Irish National Park service to a point, after this point, there are no guardrails or paved walkways. We had already warned the girls on Sunday night that we would have no shenanigans on the Cliffs & that no picture was worth your life. Luckily, for the most part, they heeded the warning. What’s amazing is how many others don’t. It really seems like a silly way to put your life in peril.

 

The beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Photo creds: HM

JM and his girls: Cliffs of Moher edition.

 

The cliffs are about 700 feet (7 stories) high.

Despite the many warnings, you see many people standing on the precipice, not the McCartys.

Hanging out at the Cliffs were two horses. HM
paid a sweet price for this pic, stepping knee deep into wet mud.

There are sheep EVERYWHERE in the Irish countryside, even at the Cliffs!These cute guys seemed to be enjoying their day. Photo creds: HM.

After hiking a bit, we had our fill and decided to head out to our next destination, Bunratty Castle. We arrived by 1:00pm and our stomachs were talking so we decided to fortify ourselves at Durty Nelly’s

(according to their literature, the ORIGINAL Durty Nelly’s) before going in the park. We were glad we made the choice as the food was delicious and reenergized everyone for our afternoon walk.

"Hangry no more" after lunching at Durty Nelly's.

Bunratty Castle.

Near Shannon, Ireland, Bunratty Castle is a combination theme parkish, historical museum attraction. It is a medieval castle from 1425 which served as a wealthy family's fortified home. Surrounding the castle, the folk park features a recreated 19th century village and how the "normal people" lived. For instance, we visited a farmhouse where the cows actually came in for evening with their owners as they were their most prized possession. Apparently, it is where the term “cash cow” comes from. Me, I just like the idea of the cows hanging out with the family at night, just like our doggies and kitties.

This sweet Irishman told us about living
with the cows.

We had a fun time exploring the grounds and loved all the animals they had. We also loved watching all the cute Irish kids having a good time. As today was an Easter holiday for Ireland & the park was offering a promotion for local folks, it was a bit crowded, but never felt obnoxious. The kids (and their parents) just seemed to be enjoying themselves and being outdoors. A big difference from what we typically experience in Orlando. 

A GIANT rooster presiding over his flock.

This little guy wanted to see if we had anything to offer.

The pigs were feisty, jostling for food.

Love, love, love all the sheep.

JM figured these babes were days old.

The ponies were searching for a bite to eat.

 

 

One of our favorite parts of the village -- The Fairy Village where you
could leave your wish for the fairies.

Our home away from home in Kenmare.

At around 4:30pm we set out for our last stop of the day, our Bed & Breakfast in Kenmore (http://www.lissyclearigthatchedcottage.com). Navigating the countryside once again, we made it to our thatched roof inn by 6:45pm. After getting settled, we headed to town for a nice dinner at a local Italian trattoria & then called it a night.

Tuesday holds a tour of the famed Ring of Kerry and some more local exploring.

Girls will have to provide their thoughts later, but EM wanted to report we walked about 6 miles today, although her FitBit was charging, she used my phone as her source!