Doolin:
Of course, I had the weekend off to explore, so I bussed to Ireland’s always-iconic Cliffs of Moher. I stayed in Doolin and planned to hike to the cliffs the next day.
To kill some time the first day I arrived in the area known as “The Burren”, I simply walked along the road to the sea. Once again, the winter kept this beautiful place quiet. Sometimes experiencing these things without the noises of crowds is more fulfilling.
The waves crashed and water flew thirty-plus feet into the air every wave. I did, eventually, get soaked by the rising tide; it was Mother Nature telling me I’d overstayed my welcome. But it was all worth it, even if I had to sit next to the fireplace at the hostel for a couple hours (I didn’t bring a change of clothes).
After a mediocre sleep the night before (one of the people dorming with me threw up multiple times all over the floor), I hiked the trail that lead to the Cliffs of Moher. The trail itself resided alongside the edge of the land (a photo is featured at the bottom of the post). Not a single person was walking on the trail beside me. This is a shame because the walk had stunning views of castles and other cliffs, plus, I found later that since I walked to the cliffs, I actually didn’t have to pay to enter.
Also along the walk, I saw water shoot up the side of the cliff because of the wind, which I was told might happen. The tourists that only visited the Cliffs of Moher destination lookout point missed some equally beautiful scenery.
I was getting pretty irritated with people crossing the stone fence to get closer to the edge for a better view or to (literally) live life on the edge. Normally, I’m all for not exactly following the rules when it comes to things like that, but this time I stayed on the side of the fence dedicated for people to enjoy the cliffs.
The reason is because the cliffs are an extremely important area for seabird mating. When people walk close to the edge like that, the ground wears and eventually falls into the sea, thus destroying the homes of seabirds. I just think it’s selfish for people to do that after disregarding the numerous signs urging people not to. But, you can’t get through to everyone I guess.
Letterfrack:
Another recommendation by Fergel was Letterfrack in northern Galway. My bus only went as far as Clifden, about 25 minutes south of Letterfrack; all the buses to Letterfrack that day were sold out. So, using my thumb and charming smile I hitchhiked my way to Letterfrack.
The rolling mountains combined with the barren landscape reminded me of New Mexico. They even had some similar plants.
The day of my arrival I hiked up Diamond Hill to overlook the Connemara National Park. An easy hike, but the vicious wind often fought against me. The view was dramatic and almost apocalyptic with the overcast weather.
I also saw two kids go on their first date together which was very heartwarming.
I spent the night in the Old Monastery Hostel, a gem of a hostel. The people running the place are very go-with-the-flow sort of people. My first couple hours in the hostel there was no one to check me in, so I just wandered throughout. Additionally, I didn’t have to pay until I left the next morning. The walls are covered in paintings and drawings made by guests. You can also find a book on any flat surface here. I’d love to see this place in summer with people in and out of the place and on the patio having coffee or whatever.
Lettergash Beach:
The next day I took a cab to Lettergash Beach and since I didn’t know the next time I’d be there, I went swimming. This was a perfect instance to put that dry pair of extra undies I always carry to use since I was going into the water in the undies I wore.
Maybe I looked a little crazy standing in the water in the cold morning, but I’d rather be crazy than boring.
I really should do cold plunges more often because there are numerous benefits to doing so. I did them after soccer games and even built up a tolerance. Now I’m back to being a lightweight and can’t control my breathing like before.
I hitchhiked my way back to the bus station in Letterfrack after my dip in the sea and my weekend trip came to an end.
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