From County Kerry to County Clare, Thursday

Awoke to a lovely day in Killarney and sad to have to pack up once again.  But on to take a ferry across the River Shannon and on to the Cliffs of Mohr on the Atlantic in western County Clare.  On the way, took in scenery once again full of agriculture and lots of clouds.  Along the way, we saw wind farms (including a private house with one in the back yard).  Ireland has not nuclear power plants, obtains about 6% of its power from burning peat, and also from oil. We took a ferry across the River Shannon and drove along the coastline - at one point seeing surfers in wet suits in the cold Atlantic.

When we arrived at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher it w as raining, windy and cold.  We opted to enter the Experience Center to see the exhibits and the virtual film showing birds flying around the cliffs and the sea life below.  By the time we had wandered around for 1/2 hour, we left to climb up to the viewing points of the cliffs and to see the tower.  It was still windy and cool, but the sun was out and it was quite nice.  The views were exquisite and worth the climb up the hill.  We knew we were leaving at 2 pm so we grabbed some prepackaged sandwiches and drinks at the coffee shop to eat on the bus.  We had time to enjoy the sun and start our lunch and then we boarded for our drive to Bunratty.

Another informative drive:  Martin is a wonderful driver and a great storyteller and singer.  We arrived in Bunratty at 3:15 and found our keys waiting and our rooms at the Bunratty Castle Hotel ready.  A very nice older hotel with comfortable rooms and, as always, friendly and helpful personnel.  Our bags arrived quickly and after a short walk to the shopping area, we dressed for the Medieval Banquet at the castle.  Aaron thought it might be cheesy....but we all had lots of fun.  The entertainment was very good, a harpist, singers and fun stories.  The food was very good - a surprise to all of us since we assumed at this type of tourist attraction, it wouldn't be.  No silverware (except for a knife). We drank our soup out of the bowls, ate spare ribs with our hands, and then ate chicken and veggies with our fingers (after cutting into pieces with the one knife that we were each given.  A short walk back to the hotel and we were ready to relax and think about the fact that tomorrow we head back to Dublin and the end of our tour.  The time has sped by....:(