We headed out early for the Cliffs Of Moher as this international treasure site gets crowded quickly in the parking lot and on the trails. We had alternatives and Kala & I with Jim & Gwen and Karla & Kevin headed on the longer & more challenging hike. It was raining on & off but the trail was well rebuilt to keep folks off the wetter and more precarious dirt trail next to the cliffs.
We had some time after returning to the visitor center, before the bus loaded and I got the chance to run down the crests and descriptions of the Marietta women's Irish blood. There's a lot of it including Ryan, Murphy, and Holleran, all who emigrated to the US during the potato famine.
On the way back we stopped at the Caherconnell Fort for a private tour of an archeological site occupied since 3000 BC. It was studied and rebuilt ~2006. We did not do the matchmaking session. The peek I provide outside the fort wall is indicative of what many Irish humans initially encountered before they excavated the surface into walls. We're in an area of County Clare called The Burren and the rocks are emblematic of the area. Caherconnell is also the site of an annual blacksmith convention in Ireland where participants use ancient ovens and techniques to fabricate metal designs - many made the different parts of the bench we saw. The straw colored "flower" is a prime ingredient of mead. We dined at their restaurant on decent quiche and I was able to find a cool wool hat for Kala - useful this day. Those flags over Caherconnell are Co Carey colors, Ireland and the EU.
On the way back to Lahinch we also passed another couple "oldies" including an abandoned house where sketchy things occurred and the Portal Tomb, which is the most photographed structure in Ireland (really?). While there we parked next to a Swiss RV ~ wow, that appears able to go anywhere.
Back in Lahinch the team had a quick beer before dinner with our home-hosted family. We were with a very nice middle-class family, in a nice home. We had great discussions but none heated. No pics from me but Janet who was with us too, snapped one of mom (teacher) & daughter (historian) with a special gift she'd given them. We gave them something too. The food was some of the best we've enjoyed in Ireland. The dad and mom are just retired and spend parts of the year in Spain, in the sun.
Once back in the hotel that evening we were again provided a private event ~ Irish musicians. They were awesome on harp, accordion, fiddle and concertina. They explained the cadence and meter and tenor of most Irish tunes and played examples. We'd already heard a lot of music but the harps were different and very cool. The ladies have been doing OAT shows since youngsters.
It's been a great trip ~ we rise very early to catch our planes home tomorrow. It'll be nice to get back though Ireland was excellent.
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