The Emerald Isle

This month I've had the chance to visit the Republic of Ireland, around country Clare to be exact. It was only a two- day flying visit but what I saw of the place impressed me so much that I will definitely re-visit in the future for a longer stay. 



CURRAGHCHASE FOREST PARK

First off was a quick walk around Curraghchase Forest Park, a 1000 acre spread of woodlands and lakes around an 18th century house from which the park got its name.

The whole place exudes a sense of tranquillity and serenity;  ideally perfect for meditative or relaxing walks. There are also walking as well as cycling trails and a children's play area. I suppose this place must be popular with families with young children, walkers, cyclists or just about anyone who loves traipsing around woodlands. There are other attractions within the park that we were unable to explore due to time constraints. 

trees reflected on the waters of the lakes

the lakes

Curraghchase House

entrance to the park

the woodlands

BUNRATTY CASTLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

The following day, we set off to the Cliffs of Moher but stopped at Bunratty Castle and Lahinch beach along the way  for some photo opportunities. The skies were overcast which seemed to suit the atmosphere around the castle that day. 

The skies were overcast which seemed to suit the atmosphere
around the castle that day.

a pub next to the castle

road signs

LAHINCH


And then the beach! There were a few surfers that day, otherwise the place was relatively quiet. 

beachline of Lahinch

lifeguard station

riding the waves! a surfer in action

beachline and horizon

CLIFFS OF MOHER

Around mid-day we finally arrived at the cliffs.The cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited spots in southern Ireland so there were bus loads of tourists and sightseers but there is still enough space for everyone to explore and enjoy!


There are concrete steps carved along the side of one of the cliffs that lead to the highest point where O'Brien's tower stands. 

Entrance to the cliffs. It's one of the most visited spots in Southern Ireland
so there were busloads of tourists and sightseers but there's enough space
for everyone. 

steps leading to the highest part

O' Brien's Tower stands on the highest part 

cliffside

the cliffs

POULNABRONE DOLMEN,  the BURREN

By mid-afternoon we headed towards the Burren, a stretch of land that is composed entirely of limestones. 

Its main attraction is the Poulnabrone dolmen which means "hole of the quern stones". The dolmen is a structure in the middle of the Burren made of a  twelve-foot(approximately), thin, slab-like stone with irregular edges supported by two slender columns of stones called portal stones.

The Burren seemed desolate and bleak but it's actually accessible by private transportation and inspite of the rocky soil; wildlife thrive abundantly in the area especially in the summer season. 

The Burren

a footpath amongst the limestones

Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren

a boulder and some trees sprouting
here and there

rocks and boulders!

inspite of the rocky terrain
there is a thriving wildlife in the area

During the summer months a profusion of wildflowers thrive
in the rocky soil. Note: it was nearing autumn when this image was taken

The Portal Tomb-
a visitor attraction

rock formation

rocks and wild plants in the Burren

So, those my dear readers were the places I've been to in the Emerald Isle. Watch this space for more interesting places. It's a beautiful world we have!