The momentum is building as we continue to explore this beautiful country. Again on the advice of Cathy (our Killarney host) we left for Tarbert to catch the ferry across the Shannon River on our way to Galway.
Note to self…if an Irishman describes a road as “dodgy” you can expect that it will be beyond harrowing. The road off the ferry to Galway was described to us as “dodgy” – which must be the Irish word for “one lane with no pull-offs and cattle crossings and ditches.” We were on this road for probably four or five miles. I was waiting for a repeat of the Howth to Killarney awkward silence. Didn’t happen. Mike has become such an accomplished Irish driver that the he now loves the challenge. Me…not so much. I still cringe and retreat every time we come close to the side or slightly off the road.
We took a slight detour to explore the Cliffs of Moher. (the first time since Thursday that we’ve actually paid to see an “attraction.”) It was well worth the 6 euros each. As you might guess, we didn’t take the time to learn the history, but the walks along the cliffs were exhilarating and challenging. Another day of unexpected cardio, but a nice way to balance the fish and chips.
Our next host Aingeal (pronounced Angle) suggested we take the route through Kinvara on the way to Galway. It was another lovely, traditional Irish village.
Aingeal was out for the evening when we arrived in Connamara, but left us a note teling us a good place in the village for drinks and a light supper. Little did she know that all we were interested in was the score of the Eagles vs. Washington (total waste of time) and our Fantasy scores. So we sat at an Irish restaurant with a MacBook Air, iPad and iPhone 6 plus on the table, while the locals watched rugby and screamed at the top of their lungs. A soccer match commenced soon after, and shortly the local Irish football team (The Moycullen somethings) arrived at the bar to celebrate their victory (cup and all.) How many different kinds of “football” can you jam into one small room??!!
Anyway, we sat with a lovely couple and were eventually joined by their friends (whose daughter was the Rose of Tralee – apparently a big thing in these parts.) Aingeal had taught all their kids, so it was like one big happy family. Michael (the father of the Rose) gave us our agenda for tomorrow. The suggestions of the “locals” has worked out so far, so we made some notes and bid him goodnight.
When we got back to the cottage, we sat and had a lovely chat with Aingeal. Mike was anxious to check his scores (Fantasy Baseball is ending this week and he’s in the money.) Bad news. No wifi. Apparently there are issues in this area, and a 250 year old cottage isn’t a worthy candidate. Cellular data, hotspots…NOTHING WAS WORKING.
As I’m tying this, Mike is watching a movie on his iPad, and I’m going to read, edit pictures, or find a game that doesn’t require the internet to work.
Tomorrow on to Sligo (with more suggested stops along the way.)
WeilStyle 