Ireland and the Connemara Coast

Tom is taking the helm and writing the blog today ...

This morning began at 8am when my alarm went off. Angela had sneaked from her room down the hall onto our day bed at 11pm so she and Terri were still in dreamland as I showered shaved and then went downstairs for breakfast. As you can see the breakfasts (3rd pic above) here in Ireland are quite hearty and I even failed to display the basket of toast, blueberry scones and brown bread along with the bowls of fruit. The USA today (where I read about tiny Butler University making the Final Four) plus my cup of hot coffee made my meal superb! Afterwards, I roused the girls with breakfast in bed compliments of ever to please host Frank and later after getting directions from him we began our journey north. Now, in Minnesota, the only objects to avoid on the road are fresh roadkill and the occasional displaced truck tire tread but here in Ireland I experienced veering around grazing sheep, dueling billy goats and humping catttle near or on the highway. As we drove up the mountains (peaked with snow from a recent storm) we eventually ended up in beautiful Clifton where we dined at Griffin's Pub (highly recommended by the Esso gas station manager). There we sat near a peat and coal fire while enjoying carrot and parsnip soup (yeah I tried it finally..was great), BLT's and salad washed down with tasty Coke from bottles (yes it does taste better). Introduced myself to two old local boys (one named Paddy) enjoying hot brandy and Guiness at the ba r(note it was only 11:30 AM) but for the life of me I couldn't understand their heavy Irish brogue! Angela came over and tried to translate for me. Afterwards we shopped for postcards, souvenirs as well as one of those weird electric plugs for a hairdryer (as you have guessed not for me).

Then onto Sky Road which led to the top of the mountains where we experienced breathtaking views of Ireland and the sea. (picture above of Angela sitting on the wall was about 5 minutes from the peak) Stopped at an old abbey before arriving to Galway at 8pm. Angela wanted to skype with Michael on the computer so Terri and I went out to dinner ourselves.

While Holy Thursday conjures up visions of church services and Lenten sacrifice (we missed church while driving back from the coast - you lose track of time easily here) my bride and I instead spent the night at a pub sipping Harp beers singing "Que Sera Seray " with the crowd at the packed Irish pub down the street. Yes we are going to hell for this one but I think we will have plenty of company judging by the crowd in the bar. Tomorrow it's on to the Aran Islands off the west coast by ferry to see some old ruins,etc. Till then we wish you a good night!
Tommy McPoterucha