Ah.....Ireland: Friday....leaving Cliffs of Mohre

Woke up and had breakfast in the sunroom of Ballinalocken Castle. Then we started out driving to Adare and Limerick. First we stopped at the Burren where there are Megalithic tombs. Acres and acres of rocks. Ireland is either all rocks or all colors of green. Everywhere in the country are walls of rock, piled upon each other. I can't tell you how narrow the roads are. If a bus is moving the opposite way you really have to pull over to get out of the way. The countryside is unbelievably beautiful. Just checked in to hotel, which is lovely but after being in the B & B in Ballinalochen, this hotel is not real homey, very impersonal. Driving to the city of Adare and then to Bunratty Castle for a medieval dinner. Are you there, Brian? Adare is a beautiful town with thatched roof cottages and lot's of hand made irish sweaters, clothing, etc. We haven't run across anything made in Japan, all Irish. Then on to Bunratty Castle. It is a castle built in 1425 with 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art. It is large and cold with narrow steps that twist and curve throughout the castle. How women ever traveled through this castle with long dresses and a candle is beyond me. As well, how did men in armor move. One thing I want to tell you is Rick and Mike are carrying on them Kennedy half dollars. When someone touches us, they hand them out as a remembrance. You should see people's faces when we hand them out. Always, always a smile. They love Kennedy over here. Rick always tells people why we are giving them the half dollars. Last night, an Irish woman I sat next to, who was a lovely woman, was given a coin which made her cry and made me cry. Rick gave his friend sitting next to him, a coin. He is Irish, lived in Sarosota, Florida for years and now has come home. We keep on hearing from many Irish people that they love our accent...What accent? I have hugged perfect strangers after a long conversation, mostly Irish but also a lovely German man who tried so hard to speak English and communicate. One German woman grabbed me, hugged me, and kissed me on both cheeks. Could have been the Guinness, but I think not. We are totally immersed in the culture and we are very, very happy. Tomorrow....to Dingle.

The Burren