Thursday 7th September 2017

Our only disappointment visiting County Clare, was not to admire the Cliffs of Moher and take in The Burren in the north of the County. (Something to add to our future wish list). Nevertheless, it’s onwards and upwards north into County Galway.

07.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 160 – Cumulative: 1,516

Towing the caravan does mean you have to consider the routes and roads to take, which sometimes means missing out on some sights and scenery, but them’s the breaks I guess. We set off on N67 towards Ballyvaughan, a small harbour village on the southern shore of Galway Bay. Some of the road on our approach towards Ballyvaughan was very exciting.

Twisting hairpin bends made the drive much more fun and brought back some fond memories for Ray on his many motorbike trips. From here we hugged the coastline to Kinvara and into County Galway. What a picture postcard place this was! There was a delightful hotel, The Merriman Inn and many other thatched properties.

As we left the village we past Dunguaire Castle, as 16th century Tower House.

Sometime later we made our approach to the city of Galway. (Ring roads around the major cities is always such fun). We seemed to be doing so well on N6, circumnavigating the busy parts of the city, when for some obscure reason the sat nav had other ideas. We were on an R road and heading towards Galway Cathedral on the banks of the River Corrib!

As it turned out we enjoyed the detour. We certainly wouldn’t have seen the Cathedral otherwise. After then passing some of the National University of Galway campus sites and the many students on foot, we made it back on the N road out of the city and South Galway.

Our inland route followed Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, towards The Twelve Bens mountain range and our next stop, Connemara. The landscape had changed. It was very flat, with numerous loughs and very few villages.

Finally we arrived in Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara and the next stop on our tour. Our camp site was just north out of Clifden, although we nearly missed the tiny sign indicating where it was! Clifden Campsite and Caravan Park. (Formerly Shanaheever).

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

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.

Thursday 31st August 2017

Today we are continuing our journey along part of The Ring of Kerry, a circular tourist route in County Kerry.

31.08.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 136 – Cumulative: 1,152

We left Blarney and travelled towards Mallow, then Rathmore and onto Killarney. After passing through the larger town of Killarney, we found ourselves in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney National Park.

We wound our way along the narrow road alongside the vast Lough Leane and the green canopy of the trees all around us. I can’t say that I enjoyed the swaying motion of the car and caravan but Ray definitely enjoyed the challenge of the drive. We stopped briefly to enjoy the views and a quick cuppa.

Killarney National Park

We then drove towards Kenmare, before turning southwesterly along the Iveragh Peninsula towards our destination, Caherdaniel. After our 160 km drive we at last arrived at Wave Crest Caravan & Camping site  and we were not disappointed. The site is perched over several levels, with fantastic sea views.

Ray knew exactly where to position the caravan for our stay.

Wave Crest Pitch

Our garden for the next few days!

The sun had decided to make an appearance so we decided to investigate the local area. After a short drive, we arrived at Derrynane Beach.

Derrynane Beach

A vast expanse of beautiful white sands and crystal clear waters. The beach is a Blue Flag beach and during the summer months  life guards are on duty. A walk along the beach was a must. If only we had bought our swimming gear.

Blue Flag Beach

After all that walking, it was time to satisfy our hunger. As luck would have it, we had spotted a little pub on the way to the beach. The Blind Piper.

Having enjoyed our ‘bait’ and obligatory Guinness, we headed back to camp to enjoy the evening sun.