In the May half-term, Vibe SEN Team consultant Alex Myers set off on a 5-day adventure around Ireland with our friends at Shamrocker Adventures.
Day 1
After travelling over 12 hours on an ill-advised bus and ferry combination on the Sunday night, a crew of 15 weary travellers met up at the Temple Bar (a well-known establishment for any Aussie/New Zealander worth their salt) in Dublin. Some weary from the travel and others suffering from a post-Dublin self-induced ailment. It didn’t take long for the squad to warm as we headed east towards Galway with Dave our local guide keeping our heavy eyelids open with titbits of local history and the infamous Irish wit.
Our first stop was in Tullamore to sample the world-renowned Tullamore Dew whiskey, at one of Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillers. There’s nothing like a bit of Monday morning whiskey drinking to warm the cockles of your heart!
From Tullamore we continued on to Galway, arriving to meet up with another tour group from Shamrocker to explore Galway’s bustling bar scene on a very boozy but enjoyable first night together, which of course had to include more than a couple of pints of the legendary Guinness Stout (It is better in Ireland for all you punters!).
After chewing down the last pint, we checked out for the night in preparation for what was sure to be a big day.
Day 2
Tuesday saw 30 odd sore heads surface and attempt to choke down a mixture of cereal and toast in preparation for a big day of touring, with varying degrees of success! We all then shuffled onto a bus with all the enthusiasm of a class of tenth graders heading into a calculus exam.
The bus-trip was the least of our worries as we then transferred to a ferry towards the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway, a collection of three small islands located approximately 10km off the east coast. An island off Ireland, who would have thought!?
Fortunately the sea gods blessed us with a smooth passage, although the rocking of the swell managed to turn a few faces green, after docking in port we eagerly scrambled off and hugged the earth below! From there the group rented bikes and were led by our ever-knowledgeable local tour guide Connor around the scarcely populated island. The beautiful rolling hills, greenest of pastures and notorious stone fences epitomized my idea of country Ireland.
The highlight of the day would have to be the Inis Mor Fort that overlooks the cliffs of the island, absolutely breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and a severe lack of any safety barriers!
After an exhausting day of cycling, sight seeing and believe it or not, an Irish sunburn, we headed back to the mainland for some well deserved rest and a few cheeky pints!
Day 3
We ventured further south on Wednesday, cruising along the west coast stopping along the way to be educated on the mythology of Ireland as we visited a Fairy Fort and a Leprechaun’s house, although there was no pot of gold to be seen!
Then we proceeded on to the Cliffs of Moher, which were absolutely remarkable, rugged cliffs backing onto lush farming land, what a contradiction! The wind came howling in and almost knocked us off our feet, it’s easy to see how some have met their watery end after sneaking a little too close to the drop.
We continued on further south, pulling in to Ennis for the night to check out the nightlife yet again and try our hand at and Irish gig to the backing of the local bands.
Day 4
Thursday had us heading further south down towards the lovely coastal township of Dingle, to explore the most westerly point of Europe, the Dunquin Peninsula. We tiptoed the bus down the narrowest road in all of Ireland, scrapping past oncoming traffic in a number of hair raising squeezes, eventually arriving at what has been rated as one of the top beaches in the world. I know, in Ireland!
We were blessed with another uncharacteristic beautiful sunny day, as some braved the still freezing Atlantic up to their ankles, others deciding better for it and were schooled in the art of hurling by our guide Dave.
Following a tour of the peninsula and some fantastic snaps of the landscape we headed onto Killarney for yet another night of Irish jigs and traditional tunes!
Day 5
Day 5 and the final leg lead us on the long road north back towards Dublin through beautiful County Cork. We stopped off in Blarney to visit the renowned Blarney Castle, where a brave group of tourers (myself included!) risked their wellbeing to dangle over the edge of the castle to kiss the Blarney stone. The stone is said to contain special powers that once caressed with the touch of a person’s lips imparts the ‘gift of the gab’… which could spell trouble to the next unfortunate Viber I catch on the phone!!
From there this weary bunch of travellers drudged back onto the coach for the final leg back to Dublin. The thought that it would be the last opportunity to take in the rolling hills, green fields and iconic rock walls was a humbling one, but gave me solace. A country boy at heart, the concrete and hustle of London can be draining but I merely need to close my eyes and escape back to beautiful, emerald Ireland if ever I need an escape!
After what can only be described as an amazing, eye opening and insightful week, we arrived back in the capital, hugged our new found friends from Shamrocker, shed some tears, picked up our bags and bid everyone adieu…..at least until the next time!
Thanks for Shamrocker for an unreal adventure!
Wonderful, took me back to my brief visit to Ireland many years ago.
Lovely tribute Al to your travels and to the gorgeous Stephenie …. She is always in our thoughts xxx
Love Mum xxx