Ireland

Burren National Park The Burren is an amazing area of limestone formations making a rugged terrain. The geology of the area is explained in the link above. Not all the Burren is National Park; It is generally describes a large area in NW County Clare. Sheep grazing everywhere there is grass Those stone fences continue to amaze me Limestone deposits There are trails through the Burren for hikers and cyclists The Burren Centre is the official tourist information center for the area. As always we were greeted by a friendly woman who loves her country and proudly talks of the beautiful features of the area. She was full of recommendations for us. Kilfenora Cathedral Adjacent to the Burren Center, these ruins are from 1058 and still occasionally used because of the beautiful acoustics. The cemetery is still in use as well. A roof was erected to protect the beautiful carving Near Doolin, taking a road hardly traveled but beautiful (we were probably not on the route we intended!)  we saw...

  We chose the small towns and the road less traveled! Kinvara was a great pick! Kinvara and Shabby Chic Barn We love the Shabby Chic Barn which is located on the same property as the owner's home. It is an updated two bedroom/one bath cottage which is finished with wood paneling and very trendy decor. It is comfortable and has all the conveniences yet it is on the outskirts of Kinvara, so it feels rural. We were greeted every morning about 5am when the rooster in the yard behind us began his crowing. Not once, twice or even three times but continually for what seemed like hours!  All outlets are switched to save electricity Stone fences all along the property and the road Many homes in this area still have thatched roofs Dunguaire Castle A 16th century defensive castle, t he name derives from the  Dun  of  King Guaire , the legendary king of  Connacht . It is restored and open for touring.  Dunguaire Castle Formidable facade Bay by the castle Banquet ...

 Beara Peninsula The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula are famous destinations in the west of Ireland, renowned for their rugged cliffs and ocean views. Since we were wanting to avoid the tour busses and crowds, we opted for the Beara Peninsula which is along the same coastline but smaller and far less traveled. The locals assured us we would not be disappointed and we weren't! Beara Peninsula, West Cork Co., Ireland Some of these fences are stone underneath overgrown with vegetation Incredibly rugged land, you wonder how people eek out a living here Very typical of the ruins you see all over Ireland. Old house, church, barn? Zoom in on the top of the one of the stone fences Driving these coastal roads is beautiful but tiring. Narrow lanes, lots of twists, extra vigilance required! Typical pasture with sheep and cows grazing Toormore, Co. Cork Toormore hardly counts as a village, more like a cross in the roads. But here lies one of the many wedge tombs left by Neolithic people...