Just to let you all know I'm safely home.. thank you Jesus!!
Had one little drama on the way home.. I lost my watch in Dubai.
Our Dublin flight was an hour late leaving, so the connection was always going to be rushed. As I went through security, they asked me to take off my watch and put it in the tray. Then sadly I gathered up everything else but managed to leave my watch behind. I only realised when I got to the gate of my next plane that was already boarding. I asked the guy at the gate, and he rang lost and found, but it wasn't there. Anyway he gave me an email address to send my details to, and if it was handed in (which I'm not holding my breath about) they will send it back to me. I'm about to do that email when I finish this.
Apart from that, the plane trip was fine. But I have to admit I felt it very long... And getting through security and customs is always a pain. Even at Perth airport the queues were very lengthy. I was very glad to get back into my own house again.
So, that's it folks. I had an amazing time and loved every minute of Ireland. Special thanks to Marie and family for looking after me so well. And the crew down at The Atlantic, and Val's Coffee Shop (thanks Siobhan!)
And thank you to you, my trusty companions, who came along on the journey with me, and sent those regular comments and emails. They were a source of life and love for me as they kept me close to home as well.
So ..
Go rachadh do dhia leat
Which means.. may your God go with you ( Hope that's right, Marie!)
I don't usually see the beach this early, but I was up at the crack of dawn as I knew I had to be on the road, and also Marie was calling in with the kids on the way to work and school to pick up my electric blanket. I have given it to her either for her own use or for someone who might need it. Best €50 I spent this holiday!!
We said our fond farewells, then I walked down the Prom to the beach for the last time 😢😢 It was just beautiful this morning. It was a different light again as the sun was barely hitting the water. I grabbed a coffee from The Coffee Hatch and took it with me on my walk. I stopped a lot and just looked and tried to imprint it all on my brain.
Finally I had to return home and finish off the packing. I stopped at the Church on the way through. Said thanks to St Anthony again.
My two candles!
Lahinch Church
So I went inside and finished everything off and was just loading my big suitcase into the boot when it thumped don on my hand and there was a bit of blood around! And of course I didn't have any band aids. So I had to walk down the street and I got some at the Daybreak shop. I asked the lady if she would mind putting it on for me cos I'm useless with my left hand. She said she wasn't supposed to, but she did do it for me. Bless her!
After that little drama I was ready for the road. Went down the main street and then through Ennistymon and Ennis, then took the Galway road, because when I came in I took the Limerick road. As my friend Carm says, "You can't be boring Moira and do the same thing twice!!"
Now there's one thing you need to know if you're travelling on the main roads in Ireland... there are no toilets actually on the road. You have to go into the towns. After my very big coffee from Coffee Hatch, I was feeling the need after about an hour or so, and I saw the turn off to Athenry... which was actually on my list of places to visit!. Don't know if you've heard the song "The fields of Athenry", but its one of the best known songs in Ireland.
After using the loo I thought I should buy something in the shop, and I asked the lady if there were any actual fields of Athenry, and she more or less said No. But she pointed me in the direction of the Abbey ruins. So I took a pic of that!
Abbey ruins at Athenry
About another hour later, there was an actual service centre on the road, so I thought I would make use of their facilities there. But when I got inside, they had a big sign up that the loos were not open because of a water outage!
So I got in the car and the next services were not until another 69 kms.... 😟
I was beginning to not trust anything on the road, so I found another village called Kinnegad and they had a big complex like a food hall and of course, lovely loos!!!! I had a chicken sandwich that was freshly made for me, and it was lovely. I'm sure the little villages are often better than these big commercial buildings situated on the highway!
Anyway, after that I came straight through to Malahide to the Grand Hotel. It was a bit tricky at times following where the GPS was leading me, but eventually I got here safely. Thank you Jesus.
I booked in and took my stuff up to my room. I'm actually next door to where I was last time, but this time the room is much bigger. I think it's designed for people with a disability and maybe a wheelchair.
When I went into the bathroom, the first thing I looked at was the shower... Having gone through the process of learning about the shower last time, I was confident I could tackle this one...
But....
It's different again... have a look!!
Shower controls
Shower in my room
It seems that the front button is the temperature control, and so I was looking for the way to make the water come out!!! I think I've found it !!! Behind that front button is a round thing that moves and I managed to make water come out!!! Woo hoo! Victory!!! The trick will be to make sure it all happens at the right temperature and pressure!!!
I had a cup of coffee in my room, then had to gird my loins for the last time in the car - as I had to return it to the car rental place at Perth airport. It's not that far away, but I also had to fill the car with petrol. There's always a worry in these things!
I actually ended up taking the wrong turn near the airport, and was heading up the road to Belfast. But, strangely, I know that road a bit, as the road to Balbriggan exits from that road., and I stayed in Balbriggan last time before I left. Balbriggan is the home of my maternal Grandfather, so I always feel a special connection with that place. So I didn't mind the big detour, as I also knew where the petrol stations were and that was one less thing I had to worry about.
So eventually I made it back to the Rental Car place and caught their courtesy bus back to the airport, intending to just grab a taxi to bring me back to Malahide. But the young man who was driving that bus, told me you could catch a Number 1 or Number 2 bus to Malahide from the airport for €2.60. He explained to me about how to get a ticket in the coffee shop and pointed out where the bus left from. So I thought I would give it a try. I bought my ticket and then went to the stop and waited, and waited and waited,,, The I decided to Google it and it seems that the bus take nearly an hour to get there once you actually get on it.
Stuff that!!! I walked straight back to the taxi rank and got a taxi back, and it was so much easier!!!
Then I had one more thing to do..
That bloody toll on the N4.... I had to make sure I had paid it by 8.00 pm tomorrow night, but at least I knew how to do it now. So I had to walk back down the street to the shops and find one with a Payzone. I did it without too much trouble, but it's such a pain!!!
After all that, I think I deserved this....
My last Smithwicks!
So it was a bit of a tiring day, with lots of bits and pieces happening. But at least I'm safe and sound in Dublin, and the car is safely returned. And tomorrow I fly out at 2.20 pm
It's been such a lovely holiday, but I know it's time to come home now. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have this time in Ireland and feel those family connections again.
Had a bit of a sleep in this morning, but I had to get cracking as I had a few jobs to do.
Apart from my usual morning ritual, I had to go over to Ennistymon to collect my washing. It was so easy to just pop it in there and then pick it up the next day. I'll be back to my washing machine soon enough!
Then I had to start the packing process... bit of a pain but has to be done. At least all my clean washing was already folded!
Marie was picking me up at 1.30 pm to take me up to the farm to see her Mum and brother Sean. I had hardly seen them this time, so was glad to catch up.
Marie had a few jobbies herself to finish off so she left me with them both and I had a lovely chat with Nora and showed her the pics that Madeleine had sent through about the Lynch family.
Then Sean offered to take me out on the farm and check out his cows with him, as he was going to vaccinate some of them. You have to admire the skill of a farmer, as I watched him go about his normal business. I took a few small videos of what he was doing - I know my brother Jim will be interested!!!
Getting them out of the shed.
First one done!
He did warn me to watch where I was walking, because as he said, "You can't have cows, and not have cow shit!" It was only when I came home I discovered the truth of that statement!!!
Second one was a bit more reluctant
All done and off to the paddock
While he was putting that last lot in the paddock he noticed one of the other cows was calving, so he was all systems go to assist her. It was time for me to go back into the house and keep out of his way. Farmers are amazing, and he knew exactly what to do.
So, by now Marie returned and we all had a lovely cuppa together. She had to go and pick up Patrick from school, so she dropped me home, and I got stuck into the blog! Videos take a little more time!
I'm off to the Atlantic for dinner tonight, and to say my fond farewells! It is really such a warm and welcoming pub, and they all know me by name in there now. Declan, in particular, has always looked after me and made sure I was taken care of. Thanks to all the gang at the Atlantic.... I have really appreciated your kindness and care.
We have to start today with a recall of last night. Once again the Shannon family shared their warmth and welcome with me, as we got stuck into pizzas and a nice bottle of Chateau Neuf de Pape. That wine always reminds me of my brother Terry (RIP) who introduced me to that wine in Canberra a very long time ago. So we drank a toast to Terry amongst other things.
Shannon Family
Moira and Ellen
Patrick and his medal for winning the soccer Premiership
Patrick and Moira and our lovely wine!
The pizzas were great then we had the entertainment. Ellen and Patrick were once again demonstrating their talent! I'll add a few videos below.
It was a lovely evening and the kids were just delightful. I've been very blessed to be included in their family circle.
Today started off in the usual way. Fr Willie said Mass this morning - Fr Des has gone on holidays, as his health is not very good atm. Then I went for my usual walk and coffee at Val's.
Sun is out again!
I was wondering what to do with my day. I have only two days left in Lahinch and I know tomorrow will be mainly taken up with packing etc... The sun was out, so I thought it was too beautiful a day to waste, and I might as well expose myself to the beauty of County Clare for one last time.
I knew I had to go via Ennistymon to put my washing in to Kath's Clean. I was tossing up whether I should leave it till I got home, but I have just about run out of things and I always like to have a few choices! And for €12, it's a bargain!
So, wherever I was going had to be through Ennistymon. One place I had been to last time that was really amazing was Poulnabrone...
Poulnabrone
Situated on the high Burren limestone plateau, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments and is the second most visited location in the Burren after the Cliffs of Moher. It is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland.
So I thought I might re-visit that, as the drive through the Burren was delightful.
I stopped at Kilfenora again, mainly because I wanted to go to the loo (TMI!) But it must have been meant to be. because I spoke to the lady in the tourist centre and she suggested this Caherconnell Stone Fort, which was only 1 km this side of Poulnabrone.
Google couldn't provide a map how to get there! Lucky I had the lady at Kilfenora!
And it was fantastic. I love hearing all the history behind these places, and I just jagged the right time to go on the guided tour. Our guide was fabulous and put everything in context, with lots of little jokes mixed in. The tour went for about 40 minutes and was just perfect.
I can't remember all the things he said, so I took pictures of the boards which give an overview of what each part of the fort was about.
It covered quite an extensive age.
I've just realised that those QR codes lead to an audio description... wish I had know that when I was there and would have taken more careful pictures!!! I've been able to salvage a few...
The guide spoke about the average age of death in those days was early thirties. Apparently this lady buried here was very important as she had her own grave and two babies were buried with her.
I realise most of you won't have time to listen to all that audio, but if you do it captures the essence of what I found out today.
So, after all that history I was thinking I might have lunch at the lovely little cafe that was there on site. However, I did not have much luck with food today! Just as I came back into the cafe, a bus had just arrived and the queue was out of the door!!!
Never mind, thinks I... I'll go to Poulnabrone for a quick visit then head for lunch at Ballyvaughan.
Poulnabrone was lovely, especially now that the sun was out. I found the terrain a little rough though and I struggled to keep my feet a few times...
Poulnabrone is classified as a portal tomb. Portal tombs have two large portal stones standing on either side of an entrance capped with a massive sloping capstone. A second stone which lies on the ground at the rear of the monument was likely a second capstone which would have fitted in under the main capstone and covered the back of the structure. This part collapsed at some unknown time in the past. The tomb was built on limestone pavement and surrounded by a low mound of rocks. This mound of rocks would have added support to the upright stones which are otherwise only supported by the weight of the capstone. The uprights are not wedged into the deep fissures which are common in the limestone. The limestone flagstones which were used to build the monument would have been extracted from the surrounding limestone pavement.
I also had a lovely chat to a couple from the UK at Poulnabrone. I had bumped into them at both Kilfenora and Caherconnell, so this time we stopped for a chat. Always interested to hear other people's travel stories!!
Now it was really time for lunch and Ballyvaughan was just 15 minutes away.
Ballyvaughan Harbour
My first attempt was to go to the Tea Rooms, where I have eaten a few times before and really enjoyed it. Sadly it was closed until Wednesday (Today is Monday) . So there was a pub just a bit further down called Monks, so I went in there, but they only had big sit down lunches, which was not what I was looking for. Next attempt was Hylands Burren Pub which had a sign out the front " Meals served all day"... so in I went! But no, they didn't do Monday's either and only were serving residents!
One last hope was to see if they had a corner shop, and sure enough they did!!! They had a shop called Centra, which had a little Deli down the back where I could order a toasted ham and cheese sandwich!!! Perfect! Exactly what I was after! Phew! Otherwise, my next stop would have been Doolin.
Grabbed this pic from the Internet - that's not today!
It's amazing how many people don't do Monday when you're on the road. Obviously, the weekend is the big cash earner, when people come out of their houses and splash the cash, But bad luck if you need food on Monday!
So after my sustenance, I drove home along the coast road between Ballyvaughan and Doolin. I love that road, and today, for the most part, I didn't have any buses bothering me until the other side of Doolin, so I could just take my time.
I'm trying to imprint lots of memories of County Clare into my heart and mind, as the journey draws to a close. This blog has sometimes been a bit of a pain to complete each day, but I know when I go home, I will regularly re-read my adventures and re-live them again.
Tonight I'm bringing pizzas up to Marie and Pat and Ellen and Patrick, to say thanks to them, for all the care and love they have given me while I have been here. They have been the essence of family to me and makes the search for my extended relatives all worth while. I'm very proud to be a Clare Curtin!
This is probably going to be short and sweet today, because I did very little...
As suggested in yesterday's post, I went to Mass last night, so I indulged in a lovely sleep in today and didn't wake up until 9 am. My bed was the warmest place in my little house, because it's been freezing today. There are weather warnings right throughout Ireland, so I wasn't going to chance it and go anywhere today.
Don't think it got to 12°
After my late start, I wandered down for my coffee. I was grateful for the warm shop, as much as the cup of coffee!
The beach was surprisingly demure considered the wind.
Tide is out this morning
Lahinch Beach this morning
I didn't stay long beside the beach, the wind was biting! So after my coffee I decided to have a peruse through the shops, which I haven't really done so far. I'm not bringing home any souvenirs, but I was happy just to have a look. And once again, the shops were lovely and warm!
When I eventually came home I had a few jobbies to attend to. My credit card bill had come in over night!!! So I had to get into my banking and do some organising! We're so lucky now that it can all be done on line.
I've also used a prepaid credit card, which saves me getting a bank bill every time I use it. I upload my Aussie dollars and it converts them to Euros, which is a sad site in itself! But then I can tap and go without those dreaded bank charges. Just have to keep your eye on the total to make sure you have enough money in that account to cover the expenses. Amazing how quickly it goes down!!!! 😟
After all that brain work, it was time for lunch, so I headed for the Corner Stone for another lovely bowl of soup and soda bread. While I was there a big bus load of tourists came in for their lunch... lucky I made it in just before them!
The Corner Stone
On the way back, I braved the elements for a short while, and took a few more pics... The tide was just about in by now.
Lahinch Beach after lunch
I took a pic from further up, so you can get a sense of the Promenade...
Lahinch Promenade
Looking South from the top of the Promenade
Then I just headed for home and I've been here ever since. Played some games on my computer, went back into Ancestry for a while, chatted to a few people on line, and that's all I've done.
I'm meeting Marie for dinner at the Atlantic, which will be a lovely way to finish off a nice relaxed day.
It looks like the rain has stopped, so I might be brave enough to have another wander down the beach. But I don't think it will be a long one!
The day started early for me - 5.20 am to be precise - when alarm went off to alert me to the start of the big match. I watched it for three quarters, then turned it off and went back to sleep. I was glad for Chris Fagan that they won, but I didn't really have a vested interest!
I was going to have my breakfast at half time, but it was then I realised I had run out of bread! So I had my Weet-a-bix and that was all... And the reason I tell you this, is because when I eventually got up, I decided to go down to the Atlantic and try out their Irish breakfast!
Mini version of an Irish Breakfast
Hidden under the toast was more soda bread! And this was the mini version of an Irish breakfast!!
At least I can say I tried it!! (BTW I took my own Vegemite!!)
I also did my usual walk along the beach... I always love this view of the ocean..
Lahinch Beach this morning
So my plan today was to do not much!!! After my early start, I was just going to go gently.
I also wanted to finish off adding all yesterday's information into my Ancestry site, while it was all still fresh in my brain.
Lynch strand of Curtin family tree
Madeleine was a fantastic source of information yesterday and enabled me to add extra information and images of the Lynch branch of the Curtin family tree. This strand comes from the family of Michael Curtin who was my great grandfather's brother.
That took quite a while, but it's a good job done.
When I had my breakfast I rescued the soda bread and brought it home, and had that for lunch with a tin of soup. My eating has been all about face today. In fact I'm staying home tonight too and having some pasta -after all it is Saturday night, and those who know me, know that I always have pasta on Saturday night!!!
When I eventually went to the shop to buy some bread, they had some take away meals, and the one I bought is chicken and bacon with pasta, so that should do me tonight.
Hopefully I will go to Mass tonight, so I can sleep in tomorrow. No more alarms until Wednesday, when I have to pack up and drive to Dublin :(
I also rang my cousin Brian in Melbourne today, as he had attended that funeral for Val Butler and I wanted to touch base with him and see how it went. We chatted about many things, but one thing we zeroed in on was the West Clare Railway. Brian is a well known railway fanatic and has maps of railways all over the world. And he was very interested in hearing about that railway.
I think I might have mentioned it in my blog last year, but if anyone is interested you can find some information about it here.....
There's plenty more out there if you're interested. That is just a taster!
There's a lovely bookshop down the street so I went down there after that phone call to see if they had any books on the West Clare Railway, which they did. So I bought it and will take it home for Brian...
WCR Book
WCR Book info
After all that it was time for my coffee.... as I said all my meals and drinks were out of kilter today! That's what happens when you get up at 5.30 am!!!
I was too late for Val's, so I went to Joe's!
And of course I walked home along the beach. I will miss that beach so much when I return to Perth.
Lahinch Beach this afternoon
Lahinch Beach this afternoon - beautiful light
There's something about the beach at full tide that is fulfilling! I always feel a bit deprived when I see the tide is out.... I love it when the waves are crashing in.... although that hasn't really happened too much during this visit.
So that's my Grand Final day - nothing big, but lots of little things happening. That's just what I needed today !
As I was so close, I thought I might as well go and take another look at the Bunratty complex. I had been at least twice before, but it's a shame to be so close and not go in.
The Castle is very imposing, but I didn't like the stairs you have to climb to even get into the first levels...I was hanging on to the railing for grim death!!!
Dining Hall
Great Hall
Great Hall
That was a high as I was going.... I'm not big on stairs these days!
Glad to get back down and go outside.
The village was quite interesting and displayed lot of different houses that were typical of what they would have been like, back in the day.
So here's a little sample...
The Mountain Farmhouse
The Mountain Farmhouse Explanation
The bedroom inside the Mountain Farmhouse
Dining Room inside the Mountain Farmhouse
Most of the poorer cottages only had 3 rooms. When I was reading the material from the Corofin Genealogy Centre, they mentioned the cottage on our Curtin land had 4 rooms.
The Blacksmiths Forge
Explanation of the Blacksmiths Forge
I didn't go in there, as there was quite a crowd. (You can see them in the pic above!!)
The next one is Loop Head cottage. In previous trips I've been to Loop Head, it's just past Kilbaha, where I met Teresa and Betty's niece Eileen last week .... (or was it the week before??) Loop Head has a famous lighthouse and is very coastal. You can see the nets hanging on this cottage..
Loop Head Farm House
Explanation of Loop Head Farmhouse
One more... this is called Golden Vale and is the cottage of a well off farmer.... sorry the explanation is not very clear...
Golden Vale
Golden Vale Farmhouse
Bedroom in Golden Vale - notice all the religious memorabilia!
Actually all the buildings had heaps of religious statues and pictures. During the English occupation, four-fifths of the country was Catholic, and I think to shove it up the English, they were very blatant and obvious in their exposure of religious items.
Travellers' Caravan
Beautiful Irish Trees
So, that's only a snapshot, but I could've spent a whole afternoon in the area. But my main focus today, was to meet Madeleine and chat about our common family history. This was just the added extra!!!
It really is well done and worth a visit if you "ever go across the seas to Ireland"!!!
