A Week In Ireland, Part 3

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

 We left Galway and headed to our next destination in Garryvoe. As we rolled along the countryside we saw many tower and castle ruins.

 They were everywhere

 We stopped at the top of a pass for a photo 

 This is a combo of old and new.  I don't find it all that attractive...

 The Cliffs of Moher.  I actually like the chalk Cliffs in England better

 O'Briens's Tower was built in 1835 by the landlord, Cornelius O'Brien. It was built as an observation platform for visitors.  It was 4 towers, but only 2 remain today.

 We climbed to the top for the view

 I'm getting use to tiny spiral stairways

 From there we drove south to the town of Blarney, and the fabled Blarney stone. The stone is built into the wall at the top of the Keep. Oh joy, more dark narrow stairs.

 The castle was once a large grouping of buildings

 The view was great

 We had to wait in line

 Yes, you had to lay on your back

 and arch out and under the stone.  Wayne was brave, I passed...

 The grounds are quite lovely, 60 acres in all are developed in to gardens and walkways

 This waterfall was in the Fern Garden

Blarney House is a Scottish Baronial mansion built in 1874.  By then the castle was already in ruins and the land owner wanted to live on the property.  

 Then it was off to our Hotel in Garryvoe, on the coast.  This is the view from our balcony. 

 Full moon at sunset

 Lighthouse off our beach

 A walk on the beach to finish our day.