Embracing all things Celtic - Part I

Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Adare, County Limerick, Ireland
I have followed a friend's advice and am really embracing the Celtic lifestyle (in my own way). Continuing on, I caught the bus from Cloughjordan to Limerick and thence am journeying through the southwest region of this beautiful green and grey-skyed island.

I have rented a car, a little blue stick shift number, and am now doing everything driving-wise in reverse . Driving on the left, shifting on the left, and all from a driver’s seat on the right. Remarkably I seem to have adjusted well, particularly after some brain-taxing directions for getting out of Limerick (I have to drive on the left AND pay attention to umpteen roundabouts?!?).

I made it a whole ten miles out of Limerick to Adare and then since it was getting dark, decided to call it a day. Adare is adorable – just what you envision when you think of a charming little Irish town. Cute shops, friendly pubs, a lovely church hosting a fancy wedding party, and several BnBs – I found a room (with Wifi!) at the Church View House. After settling in I wandered through the village, took in some shops, and grabbed some dinner.

The next day I headed on to Castlegregory and the coast to the west – and thanks so very much to Sarah and Peter for linking me up with Noel and Lori, who generously took me in. I dumped everything off and then headed out to: the beach (the Strand), Connor Pass, Dingle, and Inch . What a great day! I admit I lingered awhile at the beach taking photos and watching the waves break. Then I headed up the pass to go over the mountains and make it down to a seaside town called Dingle. Before I got there, I had to wait for the sheep to cross the road . . . so entertaining. (I’m serious – they were hanging together, then they got spooked and went every direction, and then the herder and his dog got the whole crew organized again. But I don’t know what the red strip means.)

Shortly thereafter Dingle became another pearl in my string of lovely Celtic experiences – because I found Dannos Bar. I asked for the best seafood dish in Dannos, and "Honestly," said the waitress, “the mussels are really delicious.” So I ordered mussels with potatoes and a Guinness, and was she ever right. The picture I have included shows I had gotten pretty far into the highest mound of mussels I have ever been served. "What's the sauce made of?" I asked. "Garlic and white wine," said the waitress – “It's gorgeous, no?”

I couldn’t agree more.

Diane

Comments

Jill
2011-01-02

Dingle is one of our all time favorite places! Sorry you couldn't connect with Gladys or Maureen and family - hope you had a great new years!

sarah baker
2011-01-03

Inch beach looks amazing..looks like you had a great time. Really pleased for you.

2025-02-13

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