Three hour train ride finds me at an Irish train station greeted by yet another great old friend, Charlotte!
We had a fantastic meal of homemade veggie stew and wine before taking on Sligo Saturday night. After hours of conversation, countless laughs, and a bit too much Irish cider we called it a night.
Sunday welcomed us both with grey skies, rain, and some fierce winds - apparently what was ever left from the U.S hurricane rolled through the west coast of Ireland on our tour day. Not to be defeated, Charlotte and I took a gorgeous drive up the coast to Donegal, had a lovely stroll before stopping for coffee. We made a couple other beach town stops and finally sought refuge for the evening.
After another lovely meal and chat, we retired for the night.
Monday morning went for another gorgeous walk through a local park and wetland in Sligo and stopped in to tour the very historic Sligo Abbey.
With little time to spare, Charlotte dropped me at the bus station as it was her first day back at school. I would be boarding the bus for another three hour journey south to Galway.
Galway was welcoming upon arrival. Although the weather was still not cooperating, the charming and historic cobblestone streets, old medieval architecture, and endless supply of pubs with Guinness on tap and traditional Irish music was more than enough to keep me happy.
After my first restless hostel night of the trip, I hopped on a tour heading through the Burren National Park south of Galway. Views of rugged and rocky hills, ancient tombs, and battered old castles were plentiful. The trip culminated with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher which was absolutely stunning!
In the evening, I wouldn't be satisfied until I choked down my very final Guinness of the trip and so hit the town again with a few new friends from Dublin and Boston.
Early morning rise and then off to the bus station to get back to Dublin to catch a flight to London.
Well done Ireland. Certainly was all it's craic'ed up to be.