Tour of the Burren

For our first full day in Ballyvaughan, Tim (the dean of the Burren College of Art) took us on an amazing tour around the Burren. We got up early so we would have time to enjoy ourselves before the scheduled day began. We took a walk out to the pier across from our house and said good morning to the donkey's that live there.

Our neighbors the donkeys

We also enjoyed the amazing morning views from the end of the pier.

The view across the bay to Muckinish Hill

We also saw this great sign on the way to pier.

And this awesome sign is right outside our cottage!

After our morning excursion we were picked up by Tim and Brian (the driver) and Martha (the Moore professor that came with us) and headed out on our trek. Our first stop was the ruins of an ancient ring fort. We learned all about the landscape, rocks, people... Tim know a lot of stuff!

The viewing deck from ring fort was pretty sweet.

Our next stop was Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, one of the oldest man made structures on earth! 

One theory for its purpose is that it was a ritual burial place from a time when the area was ruled by a Matriarchy. In order to ensure fertile fields, each season the queen would choose a new king... therefor a king only lasted a year and then ended up here.

Our next stop was the city of Kilfenora. What makes it a city you ask? It has a cathedral... apparently that's the only criteria! 

The cathedral was built in 1056. The glass roof was added a few years ago to protect the stone work inside, including the collection of high crosses collected from all over the region.

Cute Hostel next to the pub where we got lunch.

I had a delicious ham and cheese sandwich for lunch at this Kilfenora pub!

Next on our journey was a quick stop at the Holy Well of St. Bridget. It was this little structure built over a stream and it was stuffed with mementos left behind by visitors.

So much stuff, packed into such a little space!

The original tradition was to tear off a piece of your clothing and leave it behind, now lots of people leave ribbons.

After the Holy Well we were on our way to the Cliffs of Moher! It was the most beautiful day to see them, no clouds, no mist, no fog... you could see for miles!

This is what fairy tales are made of.

Natasa, Martha and I stopped for more pics on the way over to the castle.

A cute Asian lady asked me to take her picture in front of the castle.
Then offered to take mine for me.
She was very excited by my wide angle lens!

I loved all the people taking pictures here. This family was adorable.

The Cliffs of Moher had some really great signs.

But I think my most favorite part of the Cliffs of Moher were all of the musicians!!! There were two harpists along the cliff tops and an accordion player along the pathway to the cliffs. It created the most amazing atmosphere to an already unreal place. I have a few videos that I'll have to edit and post.

I loved this guy!

The last stop on our tour was along the coast road on our way back to Ballyvaughan. Tim stopped to show us the great pavement like rock structure. It was pretty cool. And we were all thankful to stop. Those narrow Irish roads in a hot van make for some woozy car trips.

Natasa among the rocks.

I still love all the rocks. I don't think I'll ever get used to them.

It was a crazy long day, but it was an awesome trip!