Limerick, The Cliffs of Moher and Sligo

We had a big day ahead of us when we left Limerick. Travelling a total of 293 kilometres meant an early start. 

Just loved these painted bollards in Limerick

As always the scenery was lovely with green paddocks, rolling hills and cute cottages, or ruins in the middle of nowhere. 

Ally has pointed out several faerie trees over the last few days. Back in the day any babes that died were often buried the faerie tree so that the faeries could take them and look after them. The trees are marked with rocks under them and no person would ever remove the tree. We have seen them the middle of ploughed fields and pastures. 

Apparently when a new motorway was being built there was a faerie tree in the west and the workers would not touch it. So they got in some Turkish workers to take it out. As soon as the Irish workers told the Turkish about the faeries and babes buried they also would not move the tree. Consequently the tree is still there. 

We have also passed some standing stones and if you are an outlander fan you would know why I wouldn’t be leaning against one of these whilst wearing my precious gems. 

We are in the north of Ireland and Northern Ireland is known for the ‘black Irish’. Ally or guide has assured us that it is not a derogatory term and is due to many dark haired and dark eyed Irish that live here. And that it is the result of a Spanish armada who in 1558 blew off course. Consequently many babes were born and so began a Spanish influence in the northern parts. 

As we drove into the village before the Cliffs of Moher Ally told us of Sit Cornelius O’Brien who is revered as a great man who worked hard to develop the area. But the local people don’t actually feel this way about him as he was a mean landlord. They say that if the people couldn’t pay their rent he would take it in other ways. Usually from the woman of the house. And so this monument which was erected on his passing is known locally as ‘O’Brien’s last erection. 

Our next stop was the Cliffs of Moher located in County Clare. Apparently this is the most visited tourist site in Ireland. 

The visitor centre has been created so that it is burrowed into the hillside, keeping the integrity of the surrounding landscape.

We took a buggy up to the viewing area, and the wind was gale force, moving us sideways when standing still. The cliffs were magnificent and have featured in movies like Harry Potter, but honestly, we have seen others just as nice.

The buggy driver was amazed that Lance was wearing shorts. 

Back on the road we continued on to Galway for lunch. By now the clouds had moved in and the rain had settled in. 

We made our way to the Dail Bar and supped on, you guessed it, NZ Sav Blanc and beer while we ate. I hadn’t quite finished my wine when we had to leave so we transferred it to a take away coffee cup and took it with me. It would be a sin to waste it.

Consequently I had a little nod off on the coach as we  moved on to Sligo.

Sligo was much bigger than I thought and a cheery looking town. We arrived late in the afternoon and left early the next morning so had no time to explore.

The Southern Sligo Hotel was a grand old place and dinner was also good. We enjoyed our stay there.