Along the Coast of Ireland

We loved Ireland. It is lush (probably because it rains so much...), scenic, makes a darn good seafood chowder and has a lazy way about it that makes you want to curl up with a good book, drink some afternoon tea and gaze out at the breathtaking scenery. 

After reluctantly leaving the Campbell's, we headed southwest to Galway, a sleepy fishing village with bohemian charm. We strolled the cobblestone, pedestrian only streets, walked along Galway Bay and settled into a cozy pub for fresh lobster and chowder. Our night cap was open mic night at a local pub, which served to be quite entertaining. "Jonah/Isaac/Isaiah" from Virginia did a mean one man a-capella performance, proving it difficult to be both the bass line and melody. Needing a good night sleep, we hoofed it back to our spacious room, I will let this picture tell the story:

Charming town of Galway

Galway harbor

A stroll by the sea

After consuming yet another Irish breakfast, we set out for a drive along the western coast. We had all day to drive the 80 or so miles to Doolin, so we promised each other we would stop everywhere and anywhere along the way. Here are a few of the highlights:

Dunguaire Castle 

Ryan and I outside of Dunguaire Castle

Ryan, Richard and Julie outside of a little chocolate shop we spotted. Bellies full of PB&J truffles, they were inspired to recreate "Jonah/Isaac/Isaiah's" performance from the previous night.

Sitting outside of Corcomroe Abbey, an early 13th century Cistercian monestary

Richard and I taunting the cows

The Cliffs of Moher

Ryan at the Cliffs of Moher, stunningly beautiful (both of them...)

Pouring one out for my dad, he would have loved to ride his bike through Ireland

We had hoped to catch a boat tour along the Cliffs of Moher before departing Doolin, however because of fierce winds and choppy seas they cancelled the trip. Wah wah. Instead, we hit the road and headed to the Dingle Peninsula by way of more country road and a brief ferry. It rained the majority of our two night stay, however we sported ponchos and umbrellas and entertained ourselves with more chowder and traditional Irish music. We were a little bummed we weren't able to see the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula and Conor Pass due to weather, but now we have an excuse to go back!

Ferry on the way to Dingle

Blown away by the scenery...yep...I did that...

On our last day in Ireland we attempted one last time to take in the Conor Pass vistas. It was still pretty socked in, but Google images gave us an idea of what we were missing. 

Conor Pass is behind me, I am sure it is beautiful. TripAdvisor gives it 5 stars

Thanks, Google

We had a 3+ hour drive to Cork and decided we should cram in as many tourist activities as possible before we turned in our rental car and checked in for our flight to Amsterdam. We paid too many euro to sprint to the Blarney Stone and grab a 99 (ice-cream cone), but it was well worth the laughs and race against the clock.

Enjoying a 99 outside the Blarney Stone cafe

Blarney in all his glory

Farewell, Ireland. Until next time. Slan.

Fun Fact: This has become the theme song of our trip.