Day four: From Ballyhaninch to Ennis

So we left the Ballynahinch Castle today en route for the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.  It was kind of cool to leave knowing that we would be almost starting over our vacation by going to a new hotel!  On the way, of course we had to take the long way and see some amazing things.  For starters we went to

Dunguaire Castle.  We were able to go all the way up to the roof and take pictures up there!  Some spots got kinda tight, but we got to see a panaramic view of Western Ireland that was beautiful!!!

Next along the way, we stopped and got something to eat so we could get there safely...i don't know if you know Matt when he is hungry!!!  We made our way along the coastline through the Burren (a rocky plain in Ireland) in search of the Cliffs of Moher.  Eventually, we came upon a spot that there were cars/people stopping and we thought this may be it.  After arriving and checking it out, we were a little disappointed if this was it.  Assuming that it wasn't, we snapped pictures and assumed there would be a lot more tourists and probably a charge to get into such a tourist attraction, so we kept on driving South along the coast. 

We drove through a cool town called Doolin and followed the signs to the cliffs.  After driving up what seemed like a very steep one way road (made for two cars), we found the spot.  Of course we were welcomed by a parking lot full of tour busses, people and a little boy who followed us thinking we were his family.  When he was done talking to his imaginary friend and refused to take my hand, we saw his parents frantically looking for him in the parking lot.  The look of relief that came over their faces was enough of a thank you and off we went!

The cliffs were breathtaking.  After the hike up endless stairs, we were literally on top of Ireland!  It was extremely windy and cold which you didn't barely notice because of the hike up and it was nice to catch your breath! 

To finish our journey, we hopped back in the car after getting some patches and a shotglass and after a 30 minute drive, arrived in Ennis.  This hotel so far seems very nice, a lot different from the first because well, it's not a castle for one!!! NO, really it is in a village surrounded with tons of shops, pubs and restaurants.  Tomorrow we will probably spend the day checking out our surroundings and seeing what else we can venture off to.  Two days left, the last day doesn't count because that is the dreaded plane ride home!!!

And...thank you to our parents who continue to take care of Seren.  If anyone knows her, it is extremely difficult to be away from her at all, let alone a week!  At least we know she is in good hands!!!

Castle in the background

Castle on top of the Cliffs

This is out of order, but you would not believe the size of the cows here...it is insane!!!!!!