Ireland 2013

Our vacation in Ireland started at the Shannon 

Airport where we rented a car.  Over the next week

we stayed in Ballyvaughan, Killmare, Ardmore, 

and Dublin.

 

We first drove to the Burren, an area with much

exposed limestone.  The topsoil was eroded away by glaciers, 

farmers, wind and rain a few thousand years ago.

The first of many castles.  This one is in good

shape.  Most were only ruins.  Somehow we 

missed getting any pictures of them.

 A typical coastal village.

Street performers in Galway.

 

 

Obviously Asian, this pair were the only ones I could find playing traditional jigs and reels.  Everything comes from China now.  Even Irish music!

 The Cliffs of Moher.  Quite impressive.

 This lady was probably the best street performer we saw.

She played beautifully and sang in Irish.

 In Lisdoonvarna we enjoyed this band 

over dinner and a pint of Guinness.

Doesn't get much better.

We took a walk in the Burren guided by a local farmer.

He told us of the geology, plants, culture and history.

We learned a lot.

 Typical Irish weather.  

 Craggaunowen, a representation of ancient life in Ireland.

 A particularly lush view.

To truly 

experience 

Ireland 

you need to

rent a car

and drive 

on the left

side of

the road.

 We hiked these woods looking for a castle that

didn't exist.  But it worked out OK 'cause we met

a couple local guys who gave us good advice on

where to go and where to avoid.  

 More Irish driving experience.  This road handles 

two way traffic.  Fortunately we didn't encounter

any tour buses coming the other way.

 Healy Gap.

 Bantry House.

 Typical country side and weather.

 Our intrepid travelers in a timed camera shot.

 After touring the Jameson Distillery we got to sample 

the goods.  I volunteered to be a taste tester.  Our guide

is smiling on the right.

  The tide is out in Youghal.

While we were taking a self-guided walking

tour of the town a gentleman introduced himself

and showed us the sights.  Some of the best 

times we had on our trip were interacting 

with local folks.

 

 Another guided tour.  Jim knew the local farmers and

drove us around places we'd never see otherwise.

Waterford Chrystal being made.

 Street artist in Dublin.

Like butterfly bushes?  They grow everywhere in Ireland.

One of the best things we did in Dublin was 

take a tour bus.  Saw lots more than

we could have on foot. 

 How do street performers power their amplifiers?

Car batteries.

 Our last night we attend a dinner performance

with live musicians and dancers.

Full moon over Dublin.