What We Nixxed

Nixxed the ferry to the Aran Islands, because we figured it was more rocks, more ruins, more sheep and cattle and more (lovely) stone walls and we're satisfied with the ones we've seen.  Told our favorite cabbie, Vinnie, and he agreed.  Said the only reason he could see to go to the Aran Islands was to say afterwards that you'd been there.  (What is cool about them, though, is that the people there speak the old Gaelic Irish...)

Nixxed the coach tour to (don't gasp) the Cliffs of Mohr.  Ok, so before anyone jumps all over me on that one, I need to say that the coaches are horribly uncomfortable and our backs and bad knees (damn, old people-speak) take priority over some sights.  And though we loved the Connemara tour, we suffered for it.  Just couldn't see going through all that pain again and yes, we realize the Cliffs would be spectacular in person.  Oh well.  (Still, I may take the challenge and do a side trip there after Chari leaves.  We'll see.)

We are feeling after 11 days now in Ireland, we do have a good idea of the country and the people, even though we've not even been to Belfast, Killarney, Limerick, Cork, or Waterford.  We are feeling we've chosen a good variety of things to see and do so far that we don't have to do every single side trip offered.

We are feeling we know (and love) the Irish humor, their quiet and well-behaved children, their kindness, politeness, and willingness to go so far out of their way to be accommodating and helpful.

We are feeling tired.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

Hotel right on Eyre Square (Kennedy Park, so named after JFK's visit to his ancestral home here.)

Neat looking hostel on the corner of the square.

Garvey's Pub.

We decided to take a break and have an appetizer here.

Our table with the first really comfy chairs we've sat in.  Many of the pubs just have stools...you know, the round stools with no backs.  Ugh.  These even came with your own blanket to throw around your shoulders or put over your lap should you be chilly!

And ta-da!  My first glass of alcohol the entire trip.  I've nothing against it, just don't usually have any.  See how much is in the glass?  I swear to you, I was loopy and unbalanced after it and in a mighty good mood.  

Our Dinner Entertainment