Category Archives: Ireland

Ireland

Doolin

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Wednesday 6th September 2017

Feeling refreshed after our journey yesterday, we wrapped up warm and headed off on the 2 km walk to Doolin Pier. Hopefully we would be able to take in some views of the Aran Islands or even a ferry trip.

We passed through Doolin village, which was very popular with tourists and tour coaches and continued past the local pitch and putt, which would have been a certain challenge in the wind conditions until reaching the pier.

Doolin Pier

It wasn’t the most picturesque place and today was definitely not a day to be taking a ferry. Well, not me, I’m not very good on the calmest of days on the water. It was disappointing as the ferry companies also  operate trips to view the Cliffs of Moher.

Doolin Ferry Tranquility

After watching some much hardier sailors depart for the Cliffs of Moher, we walked back to our campsite, watching the boat bobbing up and down in the Atlantic. (My decision not to take to the water had been the right one). Unlike me, who was watching the boat, Ray happened to spot a notice and couldn’t help wondering how Paddy had calculated the fine??

Hey Paddy, what will we make the fine now?

We were considering making the 7 km coastal walk to the Cliffs of Moher and the visitor centre in the afternoon, but the weather had taken a turn for the worse, and it wasn’t looking a very inviting idea.

There is a Hop on, Hop off coastal walk shuttle bus service which operates along the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk, linking the villages of Doolin and Liscannor, which means parking the car is not a problem, and well worth considering during peak times.

Later that afternoon, the weather had still not improved, so we went for a drive on R478 along the coast, hoping to stop at the Cliffs of Moher to view this natural attraction, which is free to view. Unfortunately the only car park at the visitor centre was heaving and we had no option but to continue down to Liscannor and on wards to Lahinch. The links golf club of Lahinch ran right along the road and looked fantastic! It should be – the green fees are € 190!

Ireland

Into County Clare

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Tuesday 5th September 2017

Another towing day today, from our pitch at Woodlands in Tralee to County Clare as we travelled across North Kerry on the N69, through Listowel and on to Tarbet on the mouth of the River Shannon.

A roll-on roll-off ferry between Tarbet and Killimer operates hourly throughout the day, taking only 20 minutes, saving a long drive around the Estuary.

Shannon Crossing, The Tarbet To Killimer Ferry
Loaded On Board The Ferry

Towing Kilometres – Today: 114 – Cumulative: 1,356

Our journey took us through Kilrush and onto Kilkee on N67. We decided not to take in Loop Head, as we were towing the caravan. We paused briefly at Kilkee, a large horseshoe bay, with many seaside buildings, including a water park. Although the bay was stunning, it was very built up, with numerous dwellings and imagine it is very busy during peak times.

Kilkee Bay

From Kilkee we were back on The Wild Atlantic Way heading north . As we approached Doonbeg we spotted signs for ‘The Trump International Links Golf Course’. Having stopped to take a few photos, we realised that our budget definitely wouldn’t stretch for a round here. Plus, I’m not sure Donald would appreciate our caravan in the car park!

The Trump Golf Links

As we journeyed on, we drove through Quilty,  Spanish Point and as we approached Lahinch, we decided to stick to the wider N67 to our destination Doolin and save our exploration of the Wild Atlantic Way to another day.

At last we arrived at our new home, O’Connor’s Riverside Caravan and Camping Park. It’s selling point to us was ‘within walking distance to pubs‘. The camp was small, with some interesting ‘Glamping’ dwellings, including a Mongolian Yurt and a Native Indian Tipi.

We set up, or rather, Ray set up, and then we headed off to one of the nearest hotels/pubs, Fitzgeralds, to quench our thirst and savour some Galway mussels. Just the ticket after a long day in the car.

Mussel Supper In Doolin
Ireland

Slea Head Drive – Dingle

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Monday 4th September 2017

The Slea Head drive is a circular route, forming part of The Wild Atlantic Way, starting and ending in Dingle. (Dingle being a small port town on the southwest of the peninsula). We travelled southwest out of Tralee towards the village of Camp, taking  the Caherconree scenic route,   through the Slieve Mish Mountains.

Slieve Mish Mountain Road

This narrow link road took us from the north side of the  Dingle Peninsula to the south side, allowing us to take in even more spectacular scenery.

On many of of our drives we have noticed  beautiful Fuchsia  and Montbretia plants, gracing many of the country lanes, adding a lovely splash of colour.

Roadside Flowers

On reaching the southern side of the peninsula we headed towards Inch. We parked our car on the beach at Inch, which wasn’t a problem, as the beach stretched for miles!

Inch Beach

After braving the wind for a while, we headed to the beach cafe for coffee and cake. If you love surfing this is the beach for you! Off again to Dingle,  through Ventry and at last we could see Slea Head. Unfortunately the car park was heaving so we drove on to Dunquin pier, in the hope of catching the ferry to Blasket islands.

Blasket Island Information

Just our luck, the ferry wasn’t operating on a Monday. Not to be disheartened we made the trek down the winding steep path to the pier. Once at the bottom, we were greeted by huge cliffs and a view to Blasket islands.

Blasket Islands View

Coming back up the hill was a struggle. It was so incredibly steep! At last we made it back to the safety of the car. We continued on the Slea Head Drive taking in many of the villages on the north of the peninsula, before finally making our way back to Dingle.

Finally Ray’s highlight of the day had arrived – The Conor Pass. It is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, crossing the Brandon mountains. The road is over 4 miles long and rises to 1500 ft as it winds it’s way to the pass.  By the time we reached the car park at the pass though, the fog had moved in and we were unable to take advantage of the stunning views. On a clear day, you can see Loop Head in Clare, Galway’s Aran Islands and the beaches at Castlegregory. The road then carries on down towards Brandon Bay, past cliffs, lakes and a waterfall.

Conor Pass

Back on the road to Tralee and home for the night. The weather had picked up and a BBQ was the order of the day. To top it all a beautiful sunset completed the day. (Just before the rains arrived, again!)

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Onward to Tralee

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Sunday 3rd September 2017

After our wash out yesterday we decided to pack up and make our way onward to Tralee (home of the Rose of Tralee), to complete the Ring of Kerry.

03.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 90 – Cumulative: 1,242

The rain had eased but fog was now making the journey more exciting. Let’s hope we don’t meet any tourist buses today!

We drove through Waterville and Cahersiveen towards Killorglin. The weather had started to improve and we caught glimpses of the views across the bay to the Dingle Peninsula. Our descent into Tralee on the N70 was unexpected but we finally made our next stop, Woodlands Park Caravan and Camping.

Before entering the site we noticed that the garage just up the road sold LPG so we stopped to top off the gas tanks. To get the filler close enough to the pumps involved a fella opening a gate for Ray to reverse the caravan through, not good with spectators, but no damage done 🙂

As we were only a short walk from Tralee, we strolled into town before supper, via The Rose Walk.

I couldn’t resist this up cycled old school desk outside a local school on the way back. 

Up-cycled school desk

Fingers crossed the weather will be on our side tomorrow.

Ireland

Wild Weather At Wave Crest

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Saturday 2nd September 2017

We awoke this morning to some really wild weather on our lofty pitch at Wave Crest. Compared to this scene when we had pitched up, it could have been a different planet!

The weather was howling in from the west after crossing the Atlantic with torrential rain and strong, gusting winds which persisted all day long. Most of our neighbours had retreated to the lower pitches. No-one arrived all day and very few people seemed to venture outside.

Wave Crest Pitch

I did seriously consider moving the van such was the buffeting it was getting. In the end we decided to stay in all day and endure the rough ride. This did get a little scary at times though 🙂 I think in hindsight we should have moved to a more sheltered pitch.

The day was spent playing scrabble, drinking coffee, and, the highlight for me, watching the Gannets diving for fish right in front of the caravan 🙂 A bit of wild weather wasn’t bothering them!

The fierce weather continued all day and the only saving grace was that we weren’t towing the caravan, that would have been very uncomfortable.

“Batten down the hatches, we’re not going anywhere today”.

Wave Crest Wild Weather

What a change! 🙂