June 18/12 To Galway (Salthill and Fourwinds B and B) via the Burren, Dunguaire Castle.

Breakfast at Twin Peaks was lovely and we had a long conversation with Sinead about the state of things, young people and the economy in Ireland.  She also helped map our route and made suggestions,  one of which was to see the Burren.  More on that later.  

Ann captured this somewhere in Doolin yesterday.  3 cats...must be good luck! 

Donkeys galore!  Ireland is full of them, not something I expected at all.  Of course they are not native but were brought to work in the 1600's and now live a rough life here since it doesn't really suit them.  I dare you to google it!  

Somehow the cows here seem more idyllic than ours.  It must be the rugged terrain they have to endure.  They decorate it really!  

We were searching for the elusive "Burren" and didn't really know what to look for.  So when we made a wrong turn we didn't realize it.  No problem...good old GPS.  We stopped here at a farm (donkeys, cows and rocks) with a sign beckoning tourists. We saw lots of rock fences but found out this was a private enterprise trying to attract us to view the landscape for a cost.  We would rather go to the Heritage sights since we had a free pass so did not linger here.  

Now I know we were on the Burren but didn't quite realize it at the time.  Burren is a word derived from Irish Boireann meaning rocky place.  How appropriate! Here limestone is exposed with very little soil for miles around.  Strangely it is also one of the most fertile places in Ireland due to the temperate climate and strange crevices which make ideal homes for a huge variety of flora and fauna.  Apparently the droppings of migrating birds from the most unlikely places are responsible for flowers and plants growing that normally wouldn't be found here.  You would have to come in May to see the blooms.  Ancient sites are also abundant here, this portal tomb being one of the most famous.  It is a very strange landscape and at first glance you would never guess at all it holds.  More  exploration is needed for me to fully understand this place.  But here is a good website if you want to read more. 

  http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/index.html

Our next stop was Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara.  No we are not sick of castles yet since each one is unique.  Dunguaire was built in 1520 and has a colourful history but today you can tour it during the day but at night could enjoy a Medieval dinner banquet and entertainment.  Between April and October there are two seatings.  We did not know about it but it would have been fun I am sure!  

Strangely the floor and most artifacts in this castle looked wet.  But they are actually shellacked, I suppose to preserve them.  I had not seen this used to such an extent before.  

This woman made the castle her home until 1972 

Comfortable elegance....what fun it would have been to live here and have such views! 

There's Ann taking a picture of yet another unique door. 

  




























From here we travelled on toward Salthill, the location of Fourwinds, our B and B for the night.  Salthill is the seaside area of Galway City.  Once in Galway we decided to have lunch and a city tour before heading to Fourwinds since we had lots of time.  

Galway City

After a walk and another pub lunch we found a trolley tour making it much easier to get a bit of a handle on this city.  Liam, our tour guide was a retired History Professor so we got an education really.  He was very entertaining and passionate about this city.  We made the mistake of asking the trolley driver if the rain was ever going to stop and he told us "yes, at 9:06 tomorrow morning."  Blarney! What he meant was quit complaining and enjoy the ride.  
 

Amazingly the clouds did clear and by the time we got to our B and B in Salthill the skies were blue.  This old home had lovely gardens and a view of Galway Bay.  Our room was tiny and had so many fuzzy cushions on the bed that when it was time to sleep you had to throw them all on the floor but that meant no room to walk!  We did find this house a bit cluttered and dusty here and there but quite comfortable with the usual delicious breakfast.  

I have never seen a flower like this one!! 

 Once settled in the B and B we walked along the Bay toward the main street of Salthill looking for a place to eat supper.  It was a gorgeous walk.  

We found a Microbrewery Pub/restaurant that had a large hall at the back with a huge screen.  Of course this was for watching soccer.  We decided to take in the game while we ate.  What a riot!  I didn't want to offend anyone by taking too many pictures but you can see the fans wearing their team shirts and the excitement was palpable.  Unfortunately Ireland lost....again...but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm.  Dinner was good too!  

The sun was setting as we walked back and we enjoyed the views of course!