We were staying at one of those corporate hotel chains that cater for travelling business people so it was pretty average. However, the one saving grace is that they usually have a good breakfast spread, and this one did. I had bacon, sausage and baked beans. Then toast. Then yogurt. Then a fruit smoothie. Then a croissant. And orange juice. And coffee. As I was drinking the frankly diabolically crap coffee I had one of my (many) brilliant ideas – these hotels should buy a proper cafe coffee machine and train some staff to be barristas. No more of the drip, filtered rubbish, but a cup made properly.
We popped back into Galway to see the famous Bay (and took photos of course), then hit the road to the Cliffs of Moher.
It wasn’t far, but it was along country roads and the coast road so took a bit of time. The weather was typical of the Irish weather we’ve come to expect – cold, raining and windy. The scenery was very nice, we stopped off at a small castle, and followed the narrow coast road, Song taking photos out of the window and me driving and trying to avoid being collected by one of the many tourist coaches.
Eventually arrived, parked the car and stepped out into a howling wind and light rain. Song opened the car door and a bag blew out and I had to chase it across the car park, which wasn’t too bad with the wind behind me, but turning round and heading back to the car was hard work.
We walked over to the cliffs, the wind pushing us along, and onto the path along the cliff. The wind was so strong that the rain felt like needles against the face, and it was bloody freezing. The car said the temperature was 4C, but with the wind I’m certain it was below zero. We struggled along the path, taking photos, but I had to stop after a few minutes because my hands got numb. We turned around and headed off along another path, braving the elements. We got to the top of the other side and took photos but I’d had enough so we went back to the visitors centre. This time we were walking into the wind, and we had to struggle – head down, hands in pockets, fighting the wind. We passed an old guy who I think was insane – he was busking with an accordion. He was huddled against the wall, his instrument covered in a plastic bag trying to be heard over the wind. Song gave him some money for his sheer bravery.
The cliffs were impressive, very imposing, but as with the Giant’s Causeway, I think I would have enjoyed it more if the weather was better.
We carried on to the centre, and I was thinking if the coffee machine was broken I’d cry.
Staggered into the warmth and quiet of the centre, found a seat and had a nice hot drink and an apple pie for good measure. After preparing for the epic journey back to the car, we set off again.
We both agreed these were the worst weather conditions we’ve ever experienced.
Back in the car with the heater turned up full, we thawed out and carried on to Cork, passing through Limerick with a quick look at King James Castle. We continued along the country roads, the scenery as I expected and delightful – stone walls, green fields and the occasional abandoned house covered in ivy. At one stage we turned a corner and saw 3 snow capped mountains. We eventually got to Cork at around 1730.
We’re usually quite hardy and don’t let the weather get in the way of what we want to do, but after dropping the bags in the hotel room and looking outside at the rain, and listening to the wind, we didn’t fancy going out, driving to the city, parking and trying to find somewhere to eat, so just went to the hotel restaurant. I had beef brisket followed by pork belly with mash, pureed carrot and gravy, and then apple crumble. Song had a caesar salad, the pork belly, and cheesecake for dessert. It was reasonably priced for a hotel and very nice. I also decided that since I wasn’t driving I would have a beer, and finally succumbed and ordered a pint of Guinness. It was a lot nicer than I remembered. Here’s a trivia question – which country is the second largest consumer of Guinness? No. No. Nope. Nigeria. Ireland is number 3. UK is number 1 (yay for the alcoholic Brits).
Suitably stuffed, went back to the room without having to step outside and relaxed. Off to Wexford via the Rock of Cashel tomorrow. Let’s hope the weather improves, because I don’t think it could be worse.
