Day 2: Killarney - Cliffs, a Ferry Ride, Killarney, and Kate Kea

Bunratty Castle
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We got up early to put our luggage out for collection and to go to breakfast.

The Bunratty Castle Hotel served a traditional Irish breakfast but buffet style. My dad actually ate the black and white pudding! After brakfast we went outside to take some pictures of Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's before leaving for the Cliffs of Moher.

The meal and show at Kate Kearney's Cottage was just wonderful.

The drive to the Cliffs of Moher took us on another route than what I went on before. When we got to the Cliffs I was very suprised to see that you could only go to the left hand side of the Cliffs. The right side was closed off due to construction. It was exactly the opposite when I was there in September of '05. It should be really nice once all the construction is done. You should be able to walk all the way around, they are also building a new visitor's center.

Pretty scenery on the way to the Cliffs of Moher
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My parents really liked the Cliffs of Moher. We saw lots of seagulls and other birds flying around. We took alot of pictures. Unfortunately it started to rain so we went to the gift shop for a bit before it was time to go.

As we were leaving Tony pointed out a Bridget's Well to us that was situated on someone's property right behind the Cliffs of Moher.

After leaving the Cliffs we headed for the Shannon River to take a ferry ride across. The ride was neat, the whole bus and alot of other cars went on the ferry. You could get out of your car and go to the top deck to take pictures and look at the scenery. My dad swears he saw a dolphin swimming at the side of the ferry......but I don't know!

Mom and Dad at the Cliffs of Moher
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We got across the river and went to a little town called Listowel, there we stopped at the Maid of Erin bar for lunch. I got a really good chicken cordon bleau sandwich and my parents got vegetable soup. We washed lunch down with some pints before taking a few pictures around town before we deaprted for Killarney.

The drive from Listowel to Killarney took awhile but went through some very pretty scenery. Tony dropped us off in the center of Killarney where we walked around, took pictures, went shopping and we went into a little cafe to get some Irish coffe and some of the best looking pastries I have ever seen. After giving us a little time Tony picked us up and took us to our bnb.

Cliffs of Moher
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Our bnb was Glendale House, just outside of Killarney. The house was really beautiful. Our host Anne Healy was a nice woman, she showed us to our room which was gorgeous.

We got into our room and showered because Tony was coming back to take us to Kate Kearney's Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe for dinner. On the way he showed us the Lakes of Killarney.

When we got to Kate Kearney's Cottage a photographer took a picture of our entire group in front of the cottage. We then went inside and were seated.

Other side of the Cliffs.....can you see the woman's face in the cliff?
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We went to the bar and placed our drink orders. There were some very cute waiters here! For starters we had Fried Brie in a Salad with Vinagarette, which was excellent! Next we had a wonderful Tomato and Basil Soup, next was Chicken, Potatoes, Broccoli and Carrots and for dessert Pfetterols and Chocolate Sauce. The food was excellent.

The band came on after the meal was finished. They played lots of traditional Irish music. They explained what each instrument they used was and how it was used in Irish Trad music. They also explained the history behind some of the songs they played.

Liscannor Stone walls at the Cliffs
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Two young girls performed Traditional Irish Jigs, Reels, and Hornpipe dances as the band played. They wore several types of Irish dance costumes. Both the dancer were really good.

The show lasted quite a while and there was even an intermission in the middle. You could go out to smoke, get more to drink or browse in the gift shop. We found some nice postcards for the family there.

The meal and show at Kate Kearney's Cottage was just wonderful. After the show Tony droves us back to our bnbs for the night.

Bridget's Well near the Cliffs of Moher
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It was late so we watched tv before going to sleep.