Friday June14

A quiet day today. We needed a rest after a week of long days of driving. It's hard to believe how long it takes to go from one place to another. We average about half the speed we would in Australia. Even roads that are marked as 100kph will be driven at around 70 or 80 for much of the time and that's only a few of the roads we've been on.
But today we couldn't check into our B&B until 6pm so had plenty of time, so we detoured to Carrigafoyle Castle, not far from where the car ferry would take us across the Shannon River into County Clare. The castle was originally built on an island but the river has silted up so it's now sitting on the river bank. It was built in the late 15th century and destroyed by English artillery in 1580 when English troops attacked the rebel Earl of Desmond. It's five stories high and the spiral staircase leading up to the top is still in good condition so we were able to climb up it.  

Di in front of Carrigafoyle Castle

Inside Carrigafoyle Castle

Inside Carrigafoyle Castle

Di inside Carrigafoyle Castle

Inside Carrigafoyle Castle

We then too the car ferry from Tarbert into County Clare and travelled on to Liscannor, near the Cliffs of Moher. The artist at a gallery we visited in Liscannor told us about St Brigid's Well which reputedly has healing powers. It lies inside a small grotto, lined with photos and memorabilia of people who have died.

Ferry across the Shannon River, Tarbert

Graveyard with typical Celtic crosses on most of the graves

St Brigid's Well

Liscannor from the Moher Cottage which serves the best coffee in Ireland (or so the sign said) and delicious fudge.

View looking down towards the Cliffs of Moher. Note the blue sky!