Ireland #5

Ireland #5
We had high winds all night and it was still gale force this morning, along with horizontal rain. Fortunately by the time we got to the Cliffs of Moher the sun was coming out. But the wind!!!! I can honestly say it was a "breathtaking view". The wind gusts were so strong I had to plant my feet and try to stay upright. In the odd "lull" I made my way back to the interpretive center. This place was built inside the hillside so was very unobtrusive. The cliffs are very spectacular and go for about 7or 8 miles. They are vertical and rise 200 meters above the sea.
We had lunch in the small town down in the bay where surfing is popular. We picked a restaurant with a good view of the water.
We were supposed to go south via a ferry (barge) over the mouth of the Shannon River. It probably wasn't running today due to the wind so we detoured. We went under the Shannon at Limerick so by passes that town. Next stop was Adare which was unscheduled for this tour. What a beautiful little town. I was so happy to see how nice it is as we will be there for a week, starting next Sunday.
Earlier today we went through an area where the glaciers had exposed hillsides full of limestone. It is well used for fences plus some very exotic flowers grow in its soil. Because of this a large part has been turned into a park. Also the limestone produces great grass for cattle grazing.
Another town we went through today is famous for its "Match Maker Festival". It's now party time but for many many years it was a way to meet someone. Goes back to the old days when matchmakers were used to bring people together. Imagine the young people stuck on farms or small villages with no means of meeting someone. That was the matchmakers job. Worked just as well as the internet does now.
Went past a statue that a landlord called O'Brien built for himself because he figured noone else would. He was not well liked. The locals call it "O'Brien's last erection".
Forgot to tell you about the peat yesterday. We went through many many miles of peaty land. They dig it up, leave it to dry for a few days then store it in big piles by their houses. It is used to heat their homes. It has a pleasant smell when burning.
They plant evergreen forests here but they look pretty weird. The trees are about 3 to 6 feet apart. Only very occasionaly do we see them limbed. I'll have to remember to ask our tour guide if he knows what the wood will eventually be used for.
We are in Killarney tonite --- down near the south west corner of Ireland. After dinner Don and I were going to find a pub with music but didn't feel like braving more horizontal rain.
This area looks more prosperous. The soil is good so lots of healthy looking pastures. In the past couple of days we've been going through rather rough, rocky or very wet country. Rare to see a crop being grown (when I say crop I mean hay). Western Ireland is poorer than the east side. There is lots of evidence of the building boom gone bust with many empty new houses.