We then continued along the coastal road that takes you around the whole peninsula...I don't think at any point the view wasn't breathtaking. We made another stop at one of the point of peninsula which looks down on a white beach with clear blue waters...it was a shame it was freezing! There was one local wandering down the beach with nothing on but shorts...such a brave soul...but then again, the Irish would probably find that weather warm compared to winter! We were wimps :) Took some great photos here before moving on again.
In terms of travelling around South Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is definitely a must for anyone. We were warned in Cork that we would be stuck behind buses all day but we weren't stuck in traffic once. It seems if you set off directly south from Killarney, the buses are all travelling the road in the other direction, and even then there weren't huge numbers of them. It's also definitely worth doing it yourself in a rental car because then you have the freedom to stop when you want for as long as you want.
After driving the Ring of Kerry we made our way up to Ennis via Shannon, crossing by ferry. Ferry took about twenty minutes, it was so windy when we got out to have a look that you literally could not walk forward! We made it to Ennis around three and more or less dumped our bags and headed off for a drive to the coast via The Burren, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren wasn't exacly impressive having been to Stone Henge, but the tomb is over 5000 years old so that in itself is quite impressive. Doolin was a tiny town, but were keen to having a look after again listening to Hamish and Andy's podcast about the place! They were definitely right about Irish stone fences...what's the deal there? :) The view of the Cliffs of Moher were also amazing, it's not everyday an Australian can look up to a mountain and see a a castle tower on the peak of a hill lit up with rays of sun breaking through the black rain clouds! The cliffs themselves were beautiful. The light was hitting them straight on which illuminated them perfectly.
We arrived back to the hostel in time for a quick dinner. Would also recommend this hostel, The Rowan Tree Hostel to anyone. The main thing was that the Rowan Tree Cafe next door had most meals available gluten free for Katrina, but it had a really cosy feeling, with big, clean rooms and bathrooms, but also a living room with a fireplace and also free international calls!
Had an early morning once again so we could spend a day at the Aran Islands before heading to Galway. We caught a 10am ferry from Doolin that took about forty minutes to reach the first and smallest island, which we were informed was the best one to visit. Once we arrived we rented bikes for ten euros and set off around the coolest little paths, all lined with the typical Irish waist high stone fences. Our first stop was definitely the most interesting and exciting - the shipwreck.
After walking around it and taking some photos, Sam found a way into the wreck and up onto the deck. I followed behind him, not wanting to miss exploring the ship from the inside! I'm glad I climped up onto the deck of the wreck. Honestly I don't know whether you were actually allowed or whether it was safe but it was really worth it to see the inside of the wreckage! After the shipwreck we rode further into the island and had a look at some old castle ruins from the 14thC on the highest point of the island. The views from up top of the town surrounded by the Atlantic were really lovely. It was a small town of 300 so it was just little white houses dotting green fields split up by the stone fences running in every direction. We spent the rest of our time on the island at the small pub in town, no matter how small the town, there is always a pub! Had an amazing lunch and some tea before it was time to hop back on the ferry and head back to the mainland. As we were heading back the sun came out so we stood up on the deck and took in some beautiful views of the green cliffs of the mainland as we docked. After this it was time to head to Galway!
We arrived around dinner time, and had a few things to organise re our trip, contacting family etc so I didn't end up seeing much of Galway. Katrina and I had ancestral routes here which I enquired into but the only place we were told we'd find anything was in the library which was already shut and there were records in the church but it burnt down in the 60's so all evidence was unfortunately destroyed. McGowans are bootmakers from Ireland. Bit sad we couldn't find anything, but at least we tried! We had a big bowling session down the road, the first game I lost terribly, and the second game I came second but we were all using our wrong arm. Shows how good at bowling I am! Early start in the morning to get the car back to Dublin by 10:30 and Katrina onto a bus to the airport.
The rental car worked out to be 60 euros each for five days including petrol. It was definitely a fantastic idea and the best way to see Ireland because you have the freedom to do whatever you want on your own time. I am definitely keen to do the same thing in another country, however will have to wait until I'm 25 or find someone who is to join us after Mat goes home! Litton Lane Hostel organised it for us but it is really easy to do over the internet with Budget Rentals etc. Back in Dublin now and we miss our car, Lionel, already!
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