The Cliffs of Moher are arguably Ireland’s top tourist attraction and they are impressive. We were there eight years ago in February and were keen to see them again. We also wanted to spend more time exploring the Burrens as we had not had the time on our previous visit.
Per usual, we did not get our day started until near 11:00. And, the weather forecast was dreary although predicted to clear (not raining anyway) by 3:00 or so.
We went Galway to Kinvara to Ballyvaughn to Cliffs of Moher the on the yellow roads back towards Ballyvaughn to see the Burrens.
We wanted to follow the coast as much as possible so plugged Kinvara into Googlemaps. Just as we neared Kinvara, we came upon Dunguaire Castle and had to stop for pictures, although I’m not sure why since I have already painted this castle once.
Painting From 2011 Photo 
Dunguaire Castle Today
After Kinvara, we stopped at Ballyvaughn where we found the neatest tea house for lunch. You’ll find it in the road to Ballyvaughn Pier. It was quaint and the food was tremendous!
Lunch Stop in Ballyvaughn 
The Conservatory 
Curry Chicken Salad and Tea
The Cliffs of Moher
Windy Foggy Day at Cliffs of Moher
Onto the Cliffs of Moher we went. The weather forecast was not quite accurate. While it didn’t rain, it was cloudy and, worse, foggy. We went anyway. One of the things we wanted to do was hike the other side (above the cliffs themselves, opposite from where you would photograph them). We hadn’t done that last time due to time constraints.
First we hiked up the ‘normal’ side where everyone takes the iconic pictures of the Cliffs of Moher. Try as we might, the fog just didn’t make for great shots.
Cliffs of Moher February 2011 
Cliffs of Moher Today
Despite the weather we decided to do the hike on the other side. It is quite a hike. They recently built a wall which we stayed behind until we got to the end of it. Many people did not and hiked the trail that still exists between the wall and the cliff’s edge – not for us! One couple had brought five dogs with them. On a clear day, the views and photos would have been phenomenal!
View From The Other Side 
Looking Back
Trying to Get Some Color in a Shot 
More Color
The Burrens
From the Cliffs of Moher, we headed into the Burrens, or so we thought. We didn’t quite get there although we could see them. The Burrens are a rocky expanse of land. What we drove through was actually pretty lush. We stopped to take a photo and the next thing we know a farmer is taking his cows up and across the road to a new field! I guess we’ll just have to come back to Ireland someday to really experience the Burrens.
The Sun Finally Came Out! 
The Burrens in the Distance 
Time to Pause
From here we will head to Northern Ireland. http://europeyourway.net/northern-ireland
