Great Stay in Galway - Day Three

Sunday we concluded our weekend with a visit to the Dunguaire Castle, Burren National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and other interesting places.

Even though the morning was very wet and dreary, when we stopped at the awesome Dunguaire Castle, we all climbed, slid, and muddied our way around the cool structure. The back of the castle is right along a bank with water at the bottom. I had one friend that fell and got soaked and covered in mud. I, however, began to fall and grabbed the closest thing to me - a branch - a very thorny branch that, though it saved my life killed my hand. But it could have been much worse, and I still had fun!

Then we went to yet another Abbey, Corcomroe Abbey to be exact. And although I am totally supportive of Abbeys and Friarys and such this was like the 100th one on the trip so forgive me as I don't remember anything spectacular about it... the flowers in front were pretty though.

Paul. Tour guide Paul.

We then made a really cool stop at this stone fort. We were told that the people who lived there would have been in charge of the entire area because they were on the top of the hill. In Medieval Ireland, geographical position was very important and the "high ground" was strategically and socioeconomically significant.

Because we really love stone forts. A LOT.

Poulnabrone Dolmen is the oldest sacred burial sight discovered in Ireland and is located in the heart of the Burren National Park. The Burren is known for its interesting landscape and plant-life. It is a very rocky terrain which strikes stark contrast to the typical rolling hills expected from the country.

Poulnabrone Dolmen. 

For lunch we stopped in Doolin at this really cute, really efficient pub. Seriously I ordered this chicken and they brought it, and my friends' food out, within two minutes. Which was great because we were starving!

For the third time in my life I got to visit the beautiful and majestic Cliffs of Moher. It was very very muddy and we were slipping and sliding as we walked along the cliffs.

I was very excited that I remembered to bring my Jayhawk so I could get a cool picture. But right after this was taken and I stood up on the edge I SLIPPED AND FELL. My friends leaped on me in hopes that I would not tumble to my death and after we realized that I was safe I thought it was the funniest thing ever. 

I got so muddy. And was only about 5 feet from the unprotected edge of the cliff (702 feet tall).

But it was just so hysterical. And my friends all screamed when it happened.

And I LOST THE DAMN JAYHAWK. But it's appropriate as the Cliffs are a bird sanctuary - so now they have a Jayhawk. 

But I also involuntarily littered which stinks.

And my tumble was the ongoing joke for the rest of my day.

And I suspect my life.

You know what they say: "Third time's a charm!" ...that's a lie.

On the way home we stopped at a gas station/rest stop that is dedicated and named after President Barack Obama. Because it is where his Irish family is from. And I thought this was so awesome. 

I got an Obama coin out of the machine as a souvenir.

And back to UCD we went! It sure was a great weekend and while it was exhausting I don't think I could have had a more thorough look at the Galway area! 

Until next time,

The Opinionated Lassie