The Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and Durty Nellys

Crossing the River Shannon

Another early morning; driven by the necessity to catch a ferry that adheres to a tight schedule. We had breakfast, boarded our bus (it’s always the same one and driver), and headed for a ferry terminal that was approximately 3 hours away. We arrived at the terminal and waited for the ferry to cross over. We were crossing the River Shannon (Abhainn na Sionainne in Gaelic), the longest river in Ireland at 224 miles. The Shannon River Basin is huge and drains about 20% of the land area of Ireland. The river also divides western Ireland from the east and south and presents a major east-west barrier with fewer than 30 crossing points along its length. Our ferry finally arrived and we boarded on our bus. As the ferry was starting to make its crossing, we got off the bus and ran into Jim and Sue Birke again.

Hiking up to the cliffs

We guess all the tour groups do the same thing at the same time. We chatted with them, took some photos, and boarded our bus as it was coming to the terminus.

The Cliffs of Moher are located on the southwestern edge of County Clare (we don’t know how many times we were reminded that this was our bus driver’s county!), and rise up 400-700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are one of the most popular tourist attractions with over one million visitors a year.

At the cliffs

We viewed the exhibits in the visitor’s center and had a snack in the cafeteria with Frank and Carol Ann, before hiking up- it’s a fairly good hike, to view the cliffs. What a view!

View of the cliffs

The precipitous rise of the cliffs were beautifully inspiring and intimidating.

The cliffs and the Atlantic

We took a number of photos, but it was evident that even our expensive, wide-angle lens was not going to do full justice to what we were seeing. The cliffs are mainly beds of shale and sandstone, and one can see the “holes” and channels cut through the rock by ancient rivers.

At the cliffs with the Birkes

We decided to go up a little higher to O’Brien’s Tower for some different views, and when we were halfway there, we ran into Jim and Sue Birke again.

Obrien's Tower

This was becoming a habit. We took some group photos, and then parted ways wondering when these encounters would end.

Looking out over the Atlantic

The tower provided some more spectacular views, even though we elected not to ascend it.

Obrien's Tower up close

Since we were pretty well “Mohered out,” we headed back to the visitor’s center for a restroom break before boarding our bus for the day’s final stop- Bunratty Castle.

Harp player at the cliffs

Bunratty Castle (Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning "Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty" in Gaelic) is a 15th century tower house in County Clare, Ireland (where our bus driver’s from- for the 20^th time!).

Bunratty Castle- in COUNTY CLARE!

It is located in the center of Bunratty Village between Limerick and Ennis. We checked into the castle hotel where we would be spending the night and got settled in. After a short rest, Jane decided that she wanted to visit some of the local shops.

Bunratty Castle Hotel

Capt. Larry was right there with her to help her out! We had a great time and picked up some nice souvenirs. Capt. Larry found a really nice Irish woven sweater.

Inside our hotel

Each clan has a unique weave, and after examining the book of weaves, we were pretty sure his sweater was from the McHugh clan.

Another hotel shot

But it really doesn’t matter, because he just loves the garment regardless of its background.

At Durty Nelly's

We left the shops and headed to Durty Nelly’s, a legendary and historical watering hole established in 1620 (everything's old in Europe). Capt. Larry ordered drinks, while Jane headed up to the castle to see the sights. Jane returned, and we were joined by Frank and Carol Ann for another drink.

Our piper

We moved the party to a Bunratty Castle bar where we had another round in the lounge.

You take the low road...

In the Great Hall

Great Hall entertainers

Enjoying a glass of mead

Hope your hands are clean!

After dinner entertainers

After drinks and a refreshing cleanup, we reassembled at the castle for a medieval dinner. The Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet tradition of hospitality is fifty years old, a testament its enjoyment and success. When you arrive at Bunratty Medieval Castle Banquet, a kilted piper plays a tune of welcome. You ascend the castle steps crossing over the drawbridge to the 'Bite of Friendship' offered by one of the hostesses.

Upon entering the Great Hall, resplendent with tapestries and furniture of the 16th Century, we savored a goblet of mead while mingling with the ladies of the castle.

We were seated, and a sumptuous four course dinner with fine wines was served, while the dulcet tones of the ladies of the castle and an Irish harp and fiddle entertained us. As would be in medieval times, there was no silverware or china service, so we were eating our dinner with our hands. Interesting! As the last meal course came out, a troupe of entertainers presented the dinner entertainment of medieval Irish traditional songs and instrumental music. We thoroughly enjoyed the banquet, but, due to the long day, we were glad to see it end so we could sleep! And that is what we ended up doing.