Monday, June 23rd – The Burren, Cliffs of Moher from the Sea;
The Burren – view a Dolman (- a portal tomb – See picture below) and rocky town. Lordy it is beautiful, stark, and full of the spirits of Ireland, physical and not.
TIP:
Daily start times tend to be early on most tours, trying to pack in as much as can be packed in. Our torus are a little different as we aim for quality of quantity, and allow the senses to steep in. Depending on the itinerary each day, we generally start between 8 and 9 am, finish near dinner time, and then do an optional group dinner, often with live music during and after, there or nearby. Those that want to do other things, pub hop, etc., do. Pressure is off, memory building is on.
You may have heard of The Cliffs of Moher (Aillte an Mhothair – ruined fort). I have visited the tourist welcome center, the little tower on the point is called O’Brien’s Tower – I have been inside it. All six of us on this tour would NOT fit in the tower at the same time.
I remember my first visit to the cliffs around 1980ish, when you could walk right to the edge, have a seat, and do your best to capture the breathtaking beauty of the cliffs and the ocean 700 feet below, without today’s tech, without falling off.
I aimed for something different than the welcome center; and booked a boat with The Doolin Ferry. We viewed the mighty cliffs from the sea. Tips: Book ahead and get to Doolin, and in line early, for great views while on the ferry…
In an ultimate understatement, the cliffs are impressive. They are so much more too. The Doolin Ferry sails beneath the cliffs, with several passes each way for passengers on the boat to get a great view, photos, videos, memories, different from what is seen at the top. It was foggy, but oh so beautiful, and mesmerizing. The fog added a bit of mystery and timeless imagination to the spirits.
Westport
is authentic Irish town, with great variety in food and music offerings. That food requirement thing crept upon us, so we traded the salty sea for dinner with cousin Michael Garrick – at Il Volcano Italian restaurant in Westport. Mick is well- known and respected in construction at a national level, now retired, but a consultant. For example, Mick had a hand in building the bridge at Kylemore Abby.
Mick and my oldest sister, Noreen, may she rest in peace, had bonded many years ago, sharing family genealogy finds and photos. Mick reached out to me when Noreen passed (four years ago, on June 13, 2021), with kind words and connections. It was good to see him in person and listen to his Irish experience as he shared stories with our group.
For less important reasons, it was sad when the evening ended, for my fav food of any, Lasagna, had ended too. Yes, I am kidding, kind of. The food, company and conversation will remain as great memories for our group for a long time. In Mayo in general, but in Westport, Newport and Achill Island in particular, if told we’re from Cleveland, local folks will likely ask you if you know their … brother, sister, niece etc. that live in Cleveland … I’ve taken to asking if they know anyone from Cleveland and their eyes light each time.
We experienced that after enjoying the sessiún at Matt Molloy’s. Matt Molloy’s is world famous, for a couple of very legit reasons – it is owned by world famous flautist Matt Molly of The Chieftains, has live sessiúns seven days a week with renowned musicians stopping in without notice, and is always packed because of the level of talent jamming right in front of you.
Just around the corner, we found An File (two when we started, a few more as other musicians came in over time). There we met a troubadour duo, one of whom grew up three streets over from me; went to same grade and high schools (1966), about 20 years apart as I; and a friend of Emily, the niece of Michelle Coleman, who lives a few blocks away as well.
It’s a small world after all … The rain wouldn’t stop, but at some point, we had to, so bed bound, we dodged raindrops (sheeting raindrops) and prepped for what was ahead.
