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To Ballina, County Tipperary via the River Shannon crossing and the cliffs of Moher. We'll stay at the Lakeside Hotel, new to us.
We lit out in a big hurry at 0857 after another fine breakfast. Mike really pushed the van to get to the ferryboat river crossing of the Shannon on time. I told him if the van were an animal I'd report him to the SPCA.
Nice ride across the river except there were three big buses in the ferry with us, so there were a lot of people.
We stopped for lunch in Lahinch, a beach town. D & I weren't especially hungry so we just had coke & wine in O'Looney's Bar (really) while we watched the groups. There was a group of surfer school students, a bunch of independent swimmers (brrr) and a small group of four-year-olds splashing in a puddle in bathing suits. Daft, all of them. See photos.
Onward then to the Cliffs of Moher, a large-scale tourist site but unavoidable if you're in the area. It hasn't moved since our last look five years ago. We did the shops after some picture-taking and bought a few small things. The tote bag of gifts is nearly full.
Our next stop was O'Dea's Castle, a tower castle with attached building (banquet hall?). Large square multi-story pile of rocks. Very small irregular staircase so D opted out and I stayed with her. We wound up talking with Mike about this and that.
Then it was time to run to the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Center in Ballina. Mike cranked up the van and away we went. Mike told us of the activities tomorrow and pulled up to the hotel. D & I wound up in the farthest room from the lobby but one. Last night we were furthest. Karma, I guess. Must have kicked a cat in a prior life.
We had drinks and dinner with Gwen and John+Joanne. Many laughs and good conversation. Learned a few things, such as what a "physalis" is.
The food was very good. Getting the bill organized (two people out of five) took a bit of work with the cashier/bartender. Once that was settled we came up to the far distant room to settle and rest and communicate.
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The last day of the tour. Up, breakfast with the gang and out to the parking lot. Mike led us on a hike to the waterside where we boarded "The Spirit of Killaloe", a 50' tour boat. We got underway northbound (upstream) into Lough Derg. The owner/captain John gave us an overview of what we would see, and a short history of the area. Good talk and he answered all the questions we put to him.
Everybody stayed on the (top) observation deck while northbound and running with the wind. After turning around to go back we ran into the wind and all tourists ran below. We bought Irish Coffee that was really good. Most of the others did as well. We took pictures inside and out that should be good. Then back to the landing and the hike back to the hotel. We checked out, Mike brought up the bus and then drove uphill to an observation point where we could get good pictures of Lough Derg.
Onward then to Kinnitty Castle, a huge complex of castle, external banquet hall and a number of outbuildings including the stable (with horse).
We were given 30-minute tour of the place, which also includes an ancient stone circle (mini Stonehenge). A nice stream runs through the very well maintained property.
We came back into the castle through a series of basement rooms including the Dungeon Bar, then up to the reception area and beyond to the Library Bar. No idea how many rooms. We were taken into a smaller dining room for lunch.
The lunch was quite good and well presented. During it, Annette circulated a thank-you card for Mike and we all contributed to a gratuity. Mike brought up the bus and away again.
A few tourist oriented things have moved but the machinery (and water wheel) are still in place. We had to wait for a while for our tour to start. But once it began, the lady conducting it did a good job of describing how this place worked when the wheel drove the whole works.
Then she showed us the small pot stills now used so it can be said that the distillery is still making whiskey. They make about two barrels a day using double distillation.
We were taken to the tasting area. The various whiskeys bearing the Kilbegen name were discussed, then everyone was given a small tasting glass with the current product in it. We tasted (I'll stick with the traditional one, thank you) and were told to keep the glass. Now we have four.
A tasting contest was held using three whiskeys, which Annette won. Much cheering.
Back to the bus and the last leg of the tour. We'll miss our tour group - they were great, every one of them. And Mike deserves high marks as well.
