Drive Around County Clare, West Ireland

I left Athlone early Sunday morning and headed westward to Galway. My self drive route will cover roughly about 120 miles which took me through the fascinating landscapes, the sweeping limestone rocky hills and plateau known as The Burren, passing through little villages & country side, leading me to the dramatic and stunning vertical Cliffs of Moher.

These are sheer striated cliffs, rising over 200m out of Atlantic ocean. The cliffs stretches over 8 km along the coast. These cliffs create a haven for seabirds - nesting gulls, puffins, kittiwakes etc. The coastal area constantly battered by high winds from Atlantic ocean. On the main stretch, the main walkways and viewing areas along the cliffs have been surrounded by stone wall which were set too far back from the edge. Oh dear! I wonder how to experience living life on the edge. Fear not, there's relief and joy for those who seek a bit of thrill, walking close enough to the edge. Walk southward towards Hag Head, allow around 1 hour walk, you'll be amazed that you chose this walk, of course take note of the pounding wind from Atlantic, proper clothing and walking shoes recommended...... and of course not going too near to the edge :-) .

After Cliffs of Moher, I drove along small road along the coastal route to Ballyvaughan. This is yet another scenic drive around the tip of the coastline at Black Head, waves ideal for surfing.
It was a nice and enjoyable drive of the western coastline this time of the year where the summer holiday crowds had gone.

Some brave souls surfing and swimming in the Atlantic

Stay tuned for my next self drive through Conemera....