Day Three found us arriving half an hour early in Shannon. After
collecting our checked luggage, clearing customs and immigration, and
hitting the ATM, we found D who had flown in yesterday and stayed at the
Park Inn. We had breakfast in the Limestone Café. Dan Dooley Car
Rentals has moved from the airport proper so took their shuttle to get
our two rental cars. Seemed to take forever to get the paperwork done
which threw us late for the rest of the day. But everyone was nice and
friendly and eventually we hit the road in our little red Nissan Pulsar.
E rode with D in his car, G and M along with James in the lead.



We had planned to attend Mass in Doolin
but were late and didn't want to go tromping in in the middle. (There
is a website for all the Catholic churches in Ireland with Mass times
and maps) So we went to Doolin Cave (drove right past Holy Rosary Church
to get there) and the rest of the group took the 11:00 tour (we had
booked an afternoon tour online but no problem to switch) while G basked
in the sun. She had seen the stalactite on a prior trip and knew that
her aging knees would not appreciate another visit. No mobile phone
signal so the really nice young lady at the checkout loaned their phone
so G could change arrangements. After petting the donkeys on the nature
walk we headed into Doolin.



Parking was impossible near the pubs so we had lunch of pizza and
sandwiches at the Doolin Hostel. Did a bit of shopping and then went
down to the pier to await our boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher. It was
scheduled for 4:00 but got started somewhat later and was a
disappointment as the water was extremely choppy, no stop at the cliffs
and no canned music/story about the cliffs. This was G's 3rd excursion
with Doolin2Aran Ferries and the most disappointing. Of course, who can
control or predict what the Atlantic will do?



On to Shannonbridge to our B&B--Kajon House. G had chosen based mostly on proximity to Clonmacnoise
and it was an inspired choice. We knew we would be exhausted on our
first busy day in country so had booked dinner at the B&B. Delicious
4 courses with choice of lamb cutlets or fresh salmon cooked and served
by the most delightful hostess. Kate is just a wonder! Her husband John
(Kajon--get it?) was in hospital but Kate was bubbly and full of
energy.



Showers and early bedtime. G, M & E in a triple room and D in a single. We paid €150 for our triple room and three dinners.



Weather today was sunny and cool.