Inishmore, Co. Galway
We woke bright and early to get our full Irish breakfast in Doolin before leaving on the ferry for Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands.
We were immediately accosted off the ferry by people trying to rent us bikes or get us to go on carriage rides. When it comes down to it, that's the only way around the island-- it's a VERY small island-- but they really shove it in your face. We rented bikes from someone further inland and set off on what was, characteristic of my dad, the longest bike loop around the island.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Aran Islands, the landscape is a little... rocky. The pictures tell it better.
We woke bright and early to get our full Irish breakfast in Doolin before leaving on the ferry for Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands.
I'm usually fine with boats, but the ride over the Irish sea was more than a little rocky and cold. The view of the cliffs of Moher from below was pretty cool though.
We were immediately accosted off the ferry by people trying to rent us bikes or get us to go on carriage rides. When it comes down to it, that's the only way around the island-- it's a VERY small island-- but they really shove it in your face. We rented bikes from someone further inland and set off on what was, characteristic of my dad, the longest bike loop around the island.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Aran Islands, the landscape is a little... rocky. The pictures tell it better.
Mom on her rented pink bike.
Pretty typical landscape-- giant rocks that sheer off in weird square pieces with some grass between.
We visited several old forts that were build from rocks on the island. Apparently Inishmore was a great place to guard your treasures because no one wanted to go there.
Irish is much more common in the west. This sign probably says something like, "no using the force to attract rocks out of the Fort."
The forts were built on cliff edges to add the obstacle of water on one side. I look like I'm being dangerous, but really...
I'm just looking at THIS crazy spectacle below. Watching the sea hit the rocks was mezmerizing.
We actually saw these in the museum back in Dublin, and learned about the writing style in the book of Kells exhibit, and here it is in real life-- a sign post
The view from the top of a lighthouse. It was a long slog to bike up to this hill, so I hope the view is worth it. You can see how they pull the rocks from the ground (or try to), and use them to fence off paddocks.
Mom and Dad at the top of the lighthouse.
Dad checking out the barren landscape.
There was actually civilization, just precious little. We found a good pub for dinner, a bed and breakfast, and a pub for lunch the next day. But the overall impression is definitely, well, rocks.
You have a pretty new background. I like it :)
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