Day 7 - Lisdoonvarna and Corcomroe Abbey

 Day 7 - Lisdoonvarna and Corcomroe Abbey

Lisdoonvarna

Corcomroe Abbey

I ventured a little further afield today with a trip to Corcomroe Abbey, via Lisdoonvarna. Why did I choose these destinations today...??

Because I went to Mass this morning and Fr Des was in full flight and he mentioned the early Irish monks who went to these far flung places, and he mentioned as an example Corcomroe.

So I thought ... "That's a sign!!"  So off I went.

Had a few little jobbies first. I'm still waking up early, but at least I'm getting a good nights sleep. Put the electric blanket on about 4am this morning - thanks Marie!!!! It was lovely!!!

Then the perennial task that follows every traveller - Wattle's washing. During the  last few visits, Marie has been really kind and allowed me to do my washing at her place. But I know she's working for the next few days, so I've found a laundry place in Ennistymon called Kaths wash (Probably named after my friend Kath in Melbourne, who is also called Dame Washalot!!)  Anyway for €12 they will do the lot and just give it back to you. The only trouble is, it's not until tomorrow. I've only brought one pair of winter PJs with me, so I've kept the bottoms and my bed socks. Probably TMI (Too much information) but these are important things when you're on the road.

Then on to Mass and coffee today at Joe's cafe. Very nice!

Coffee at Joe's Cafe

Then back to the big decision as to where to go today. Corcomroe is on the list, so it was an easy choice in the end.

Actually went via Lisdoonvarna but Google Maps wouldn't let me show it.

It was a very windey road and quite a slow journey, but that's life in Ireland.

I chose to go via Lisdoonvarna, because I've driven through it a couple of times, but never really stopped. And of course, it's the home of music and match-making!!!

Last year when Marie and I were having dinner at the Atlantic, there was also a celebration for Susie's 90th. And one of the attendees was Willie Daly - the match maker. I had my photo taken with him then!!

Moira and Willie Daly 2023

Marie and Willie Daly 2023

So I was keen to see where he hung out. Lisdoonvarna has a matchmaking festival every year, so if you're keen to find out more click on this link...

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

I stopped in the town and took a few pics...

Lisdoonvarna statues of musicians and dancers

Matchmakers Bar

I wasn't hanging around to find out anymore - can't say I'm really interested in finding a match at this stage of my life!!!!

Then back in the car, and on to Corcomroe Abbey.

Fr Des was  talking about the monks who went to live in these isolated places - he certainly was right about this Abbey..

It had a beautiful stillness to it - apart from the compulsory tourists- but fortunately there weren't too many!

About Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey

About Corcomroe Abbey

Effigy at Corcomroe Abbey

Effigy at Corcomroe Abbey

There was a peaceful stillness and quiet to this place. It had obviously been a place of prayer and work.

View from Corcomroe Abbey with The Burren in the background

Once that visit was completed, the next thing was lunch. I was keen to have my lunch at the tearooms in Ballyvaughan (Hi Sue and Chas!), as I had been there before and had some lovely soup and soda bread. But I was a bit disappointed when I asked what the soup of the day was - Curried Carrots and Lentils...

😬. Not my idea of a good time!!! So I settled for a BLT, and it actually was lovely!

BLT sandwich at Ballyvaughan

Then I came home along the coast road from Ballyvaughan to Doolin, then cut back onto the main drag into Lahinch. I love that road as it follows the ocean, although it is certainly a lot busier these days with lots of tourists and buses. Sadly the road is not really built for buses, so it can be quite challenging to squeeze past them on that narrow road.

Safely home now and in for the night I think. I'm cooking dinner at home tonight and putting my feet up! It's great to have these little adventures, but I always say Deo Gratias when I get home!

PS Just remembered I forgot to add the pic from last night. Had a lovely dinner with Marie and Patrick. Patrick's knowledge of the Hawks is very impressive!!!There is a lot of potential there!!!

Patrick Marie and Moira at The Atlantic Hotel