What can I say? It was another absolutely beautiful day here on the west coast of Ireland.

We caught the 10 a .m. boat to Inisheer Island, the first island in the chain of Aran Islands, about a 30 minute ride through calm seas. The island is about 1700 acres with about 400 full time inhabitants. Most, as near a I can tell, live off of the tourists of which there were not many on this Monday.

There are quite a few historical sites on this little rock pile. With only three modes of tourist transportation -- pony carts, bikes or walking -- we chose to ditch what few visitors there were and hiked/walked the island. There were a couple of archeological sites, one really old castle, one not so old English tower, and a shipwreck. And, of course, some pubs! This is a really laid back place which made for a beautiful, relaxing day . . . few people and virtually no cars! The natives speak little English as their first language is Irish. We listened as a mother talked to her preschooler in Irish and he answered in English. Awesome! There are no English business or street signs, but the signage at the sites are in both English and Irish . These people cling to their roots! The island truly is a rock pile. I read that every speck of dirt and dust is/was brought in by the wind or some other Mother Nature source. No dirt is native! Some one said that the English didn't want the islands because there wasn't enough wood to hang an Irishman and not enough dirt to bury him! So, what's the fun of being there?!

On our return boat trip, the route took us down the coast a few kilometers to the base of the Cliffs of Moher, which were stunning in the afternoon sun and were much nicer to see from the water than from the tops of the cliffs.

After out boat beached, we drove the west coast down to a little town called Kilkee, County Clare. We are staying in the Strand Hotel with a beautiful view out our window of the little fishing bay and the setting sun.

Tomorrow we head down to the tip of the peninsula to Loop Head Lighthouse. The cliffs are similar to the Cliffs of Moher, but sans touristas! Then we will cross the Shannon River by ferry to a B&B in Milltown, County Kerry, just at the start of the Dingle peninsula.  

PS: Dayna is starting to drive like a professional (grandma).