Great night at a great B&B, Avarest Bunratty B&B. We were well rested and ready for our day’s adventure.
We start with a drive up to the Cliffs of Moher. They are spectacular. We didn’t get to see any Pufins. We did climb O’ Brien’s tower at the top of the cliffs. Kudos to Gillian for taking the two open backed spiral staircases to the top. After, we hiked a little ways across the path at the tops of the cliffs.
Stop number two was at the roadside tavern next to The Burren Smokehouse. I have to say, the smoked salmon was excellent. We have not really had to look for great food on this trip. (Knock on wood.)
After an easy drive up the road, we toured The Aillwee Cave. There was a tv show taped in back of the cave. Now I need to do some research and find the episode. Melissa will insist that I mention the cave contained rocks 350 million years old, and bones from the bears that used to exist in Ireland. The cave facility also has a birds of prey exhibit. We were able to see a peregrine falcon, an owl, and a white tail sea eagle fly.
The next stop was the perfumer of Burren. We only had 30 minutes to make it 17km. That would normally be pretty easy. This was a hard 17km, over half of it was on a road no wider than my driveway. That would be fine if it was one way, no luck. Fortunately for me we only met one car coming the other way and that was on the return trip. My Irish driving skills are much improved. We made it in plenty of time for Elizabeth to have a lovely conversation with the staff about scents and how they are affected by body chemistry. Coincidently both she and Audrey selected the same scent. It was a great experience.
We backtracked to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen and to stroll on the Burren. The landscape is really unique.
The day was full of new and interesting things to see and smell. Dinner was in a restaurant in one of the small towns along our way. There are many remains of castles, abbeys, and churches along every drive. Then back at the B&B for a good night’s sleep so we would be ready for the next day.
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