Day 3 - on the road to the West Coast

We woke up early to return to the Dublin Airport to pick up our rental cars. After some confusion about where to go, and how to drive on the opposite side of the road, we set off in the direction of Galway. After only a few kilometres, Cheryl and Andrew quickly got the hang of it.

Halfway across the country, the pilgrims detoured south to visit the 1500-year old monastic site founded by Ciaran at Clonmacnoise. Hilly and green, the site features the ruins of the monastery, and the shell of the ancient church. Dozens of Celtic crosses dot the fields, and archeologists believe a full city is buried beneath, awaiting excavation.

The crosses at Clonmacnoise

Sean, Des, Andre, Mary and Cheryl with our mascot Cormack Naoi at Clonmacnoise

From Clonmacnoise, we continued due west to Galway, a lively, crowded port city, whose streets were filled with people of all ages, celebrating Galway's Pride parade (earlier today) and preparing for tomorrow's all-Ireland hurling final, to be played between Galway and Limerick. The colours of both teams were in evidence in Dublin; Galway was much more partisan!

Posing for a group pic at the Spanish Arch in Galway

We left Galway in the late afternoon, as dark was falling and clouds were rolling in from the Atlantic. This is perhaps not the best time for the hair-raising drive through the twists and turns of the hilly Burren roads! Especially when one is also on the lookout for a grocery store! Nevertheless, we had fun singing to the music and looking out for "zitch-cows" on the road to our hostel.

Tomorrow, the plan is to head to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. However, the ferry crossing depends on the weather clearing up a bit.  Stay tuned.

P.S. We're still experiencing difficulties uploading photos. Imagine us having a wonderful and insightful time.