Ireland - Day 7

Today we were travelling from Gort to Clifden with a long list of sights to see along the way.  We began just outside the city of Gort at the ruins of Kilmacdaugh.  It was raining a little and Ken was the only one willing to get out and explore so this was a quick visit.

 A monastic settlement founded in the 7th century.

 The roofless church and the round tower are probably from the 11th to 12th centuries.

In the surrounding fields there were the ruins of other churches.

 

 This beautiful area is Thor Ballylee, a summer of home of William Butler Yeats, the famous Irish poet.  The 14th century tower adjoins a cozy cottage with a thatched roof and a beautiful stream running nearby.  I could live in a summer home here.  Very beautiful and peaceful.



Notice the rose bush, it is as high as the roof of the house.

Clonmacnoise is the largest monastic settlement in Ireland.  It was located at the crossroads of a medieval route, linking all parts of Ireland.  Near the Shannon River, it was founded by St. Ciaran in the year 545.  It was often attacked by Vikings and Normans and fell to the English in 1552. 
 

 St. Ciaran's church

 This 9th century cross is decorated with biblical scenes.

 I am standing in the Whispering door.  The acoustics of the doorway are such that a whisper can be carried inside the building.  Above the arch are carvings of Saints.

 

Another thatched roof building I liked.  Love the red door and red flowers.

We decided to take a break and explore a little of the city of Galway.  Ken thinks its hilarious that Hannah and I are the only people on the street with an umbrella.  It really was raining, I guess they are just used to the rain.

 Street performers, not sure how they got onto those small pedestals, let alone stood on them while they played their guitars. 

Our afternoon coffee and bakery break.
 

 I can't remember who we are cuddled up to.  I think one of them may have been James Joyce, the author.  Not sure who the other one was.

 

 

 Johnny is visiting with the owner/artist at Connemara Marble.   We bought some marble jewelry here and enjoyed meeting him.

 

 

 The Quiet Man Bridge from the movie of the same name starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne.  I haven't seen the movie, but I'm going to try to find it and watch it soon.

 

 

We arrived in Clifden and checked into the Dun Ri Guesthouse.  This was our home for the next four days.  I think we were all excited to stay put for a few days and looking forward to not packing our suitcase each morning.  Clifden was a fun town and the owners of the guesthouse were fantastic.  The Warrens have stayed here many times and have become good friends with Michael and Aileen.

 

 We went to Guy's Pub and Snug for some "pub grub".  We all decided to try the Guinness beef stew and it was delicious.  We went back there to eat several times while in Clifden.

 

 These two men were sitting in the corner of the pub playing and singing while we ate.

 

 

 We ended the night at E.J. Kings Pub listening to these two brothers.  They were excellent and we went back there several times to hear them sing and play.