The Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

Ireland's Burren is an other-worldly type landscape which we planned to hike and explore on Monday, September 6, 2021. The Burren is one of the finest examples of glacio-karst landscape in the world. According to Wiki, the area is formed from a thick succession of sedimentary rocks, largely limestones but also including sandstones, mudstones and siltstones. The ground is difficult the traverse due to the grikes and clints (crevices in the limestone) that run along the limestone pavement. It is amazing how the wildflowers thrive in such an environment. We chose to hike to the top of one of the interesting swirly rock hills of the Burren, a challenging and hot feat that took about one and a half hours. On the equally challenging descent, we began to notice that many of the rocks were covered with all kinds of fossils.

After our hike, we picked up a few snacks at the Burren Smokehouse and made our way to Quin Friary. In 1278, a fortress was built in Quin, which was destroyed in 1320. The remains were incorperated into a  Franciscan Friary in 1402.  The ruins and cemetery of this site were remarkably beautiful.

The famous Cliffs of Moher were next on our agenda. We were fortunate to enjoy perfect weather during our time in Ireland, which made the walk along the cliffs trail quite pleasant. The height of the cliffs created a dramatic scene - one that would probably be equally impressive by boat, had time allowed.

We checked into our quaint Bed and Breakfast home, "Pipers Rest", in Doolin and went to the local pub, McDermott's (established 1887), to enjoy some dinner and listen to some live entertainment. It was a happy day for the Irish, because the government had just absolved the requirements to wear a mask and show a vaccination card in public. Doolin is known for hosting some of the best Irish pipers in the country. Irish musicians and entertainers are so much fun - they have a charming dry sense of humor that enhances their folksy Celtic tunes. The blend of bagpipes, fiddles, mandolin, and wind instruments create an exciting mix of music.

The following day, we did a little more exploration in the area, first stopping to take a photo at Doonagare Castle, sitting beautifully on a hill overlooking the shore near Doolin.

We returned to another section of The Burren to see a 5000-year old passage tomb. The  Poulnabrone Domen sits on the clints and grikes of the Burren's limestone landscape. Archiologists have found the remains of over 30 people at this ancient site. It displays itself like a precious piece of nature's art to be admired from every angle.

And even the landscape around us was a unique creation of beauty.

As we left the dolmen site, an artisan caught my attention. He explained that he was creating jewelry by stamping the names of individuals onto a metal plate by using the earliest know alphabet discovered in Ireland.  He had a copy of the book which explains the discovery of the Oghams, and the symbols he was using. I found it fascinating and asked him to make one for me.

I always love finding something small and personalized to take home with me!