Be our guest!

Today began with another awesome breakfast. I could really get used to this. If only I could bring in an Irish cook to prepare everything daily. Anyhoo, after we feasted, we left to backtrack a bit to drive to Doolin, to catch a ferry. Well, it wasn't much of a chase, as it was tied to the pier.

We rode the ferry out to one of the Aran islands, Inis Oirr (sounds like Inish Orr). This is one of 3 islands off the west coast of Ireland. Well, actually there are a lot more than 3, but the Aran Islands are just 3 of them. These 3 islands have a small population of people who basically terraformed 3 rocky barren outcroppings into land suitable

for growing crops and raising sheep and cows. Over a long period of time, they removed rocks from their land, using them to make fences and homes. They brought seaweed and sand up from the coast to create soil. It is pretty amazing.

When we arrived, we agreed to take a pony and trap for a tour around the island. The day was pretty spectacular. As grey and blustery as the day before was, today was a welcome change. Especially since we rode a boat in the north atlantic to get here. We rode past the primary school, with all of its 22 students. We rode past the hulk of a shipwreck from the 60s, and got out to take pics. Pat and Les hung around with the guide, as the path to the wreck was very rough.

We got some spectacular shots of the cliffs of moher, where we were standing just yesterday. Though, with the grey day it was, we could barely see the island. We completed the tour, and he dropped us off

to walk up the high point of the island to a ruined castle and an off-limits signal tower.

We headed back to wait for the ferry, and stopped in some craft stores along the way. The Aran islands are known for their distinctive wool sweaters, often containing patterns specific to each creating family. Carrie latched on to 2 hand-knitted caps.

Back on the boat, where we were able to snag primo top deck seats, we headed to get a close up view of the cliffs of moher from ocean-side. As stunning as the cliffs look from up top, it is nothing compared to viewing them from below. Our boat got so close up, it was breathtaking. We also floated by a colony of sea birds, and there were birds everywhere - taking off, landing, diving underwater, flying overhead. We were convinced we were going to be targets of excrement bombs. We were unscathed, however.

Once on solid land again, we defrosted in the car, and headed back in the general B&B direction. We detoured at a perfumery that specialized in the unique flora of the Burren, a very unique landscape that is extremely rocky, and very old. Carrie picked out an awesome scent, and bought some. They also had a nice herb garden, and we took a quick tour.

Our next stop was to be the burren chocolatier, but they were actually closed on Mondays, so Les had a sad face. We just went straight back to the B&B to get some rest before our Castle Banquet tonight. Once we were in the room, it was obvious that I had that rarest of Irish maladies, a sunburn. Les was burned as well. Pat and Carrie had used a sunblock, which they do every day, but we were left out.

After getting a nap, we left to go feast at a castle. We were a bit early, and were huddled around a small alcove to block the cool breeze. As we were ushered in, we were offered goblets of meade. Pat kept asking us if we wanted hers, but we kept prompting her to try it. Once she did, she liked it. I threatened to title today's entry "Pat hits the hooch," but since carrie put that in her Facebook caption for the image, I will leave it. She even asked if she could get it at liquor stores back home. We assured her it was available.

Up in the banquet hall of the castle, we started the feast. There was a very talented harpist playing, and the cast was very good. Toward the end of the meal, Carrie was running out of gas (this was pretty late for our normal habit), so I took her back to the B&B. Les and Pat enjoyed the concert after the meal, and I met them and brought them back as well.

As it was very late, I just went to bed, so I'm typing this the next day. What a beautiful day it was!