UNITED KINGDOM - DAY 5

Interesting start to the day today. We were all greeted with the fire alarms going off in the hotel. Faulty hairdryer in room 207 or so the occupants tell us.

We headed off for a jaunt around the Dingle Peninsula which was absolutely marvelous (according to the tour guide). The roads were narrow with cliffs on one side and a sheer drop on the other. There were several close calls wondering if the bus would make a turn but we all survived to see the western most point of the United Kingdom and Europe.

We travelled back towards our destination of Limerick. Yes, it's where the famous 5 line limerick originated (or at least the Irish lay claim to it). It's amazing to see the different country side of such a small island. It ranges from lush green rolling hills to rugged, rocky outcrops to bogs where nothing will grow.

We stopped in Adaire for lunch. It's a quant Irish town. Mind you every town is quant. It was the first place in Ireland where we saw thatched roofs. We have to admit that the bus tour is hectic. Short stops to gobble down food, drink or toilet stop makes it full on and constantly on the go.

We moved on to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for a tour of what it was like to live in the 15th century. This stronghold was built by the O'Briens - kings and later earls. It even had a real life drawbridge. We were given a tour around the castle. The people who lived there must have been a lot smaller than people today. The stairways and doorways were very narrow and low.

After touring the castle, we wondered around an Irish village where they had thatched roof houses showing the differences between a poor Irishman and a rich Irishman's house. The smell of the turf they used on the fires was something you would have to get use to. It played havoc with my hay fever.

We then wandered around an 18th century village and the girls got to experience a school room from that era. They loved it. They both proceed to pretend to be in school and writing a report about what they saw for the rest of the afternoon.

As we travelled into Limerick we were given the challenge of coming up with a limerick. This was Pasqual's effort.

There was a bus driver named Urik

Who changed the speed with his gearstick

While he was driving

And his passengers thriving

He managed to write this limerick

We spent the evening being entertained by an Irish band and eating traditional Irish food. The girls loved the music and danced to the amusement of everyone. Pasqual got up and represented Australia in a spoon playing competition and did every Aussie proud. I got up and danced an Irish Reel which was fun. All in all a great night with fabulous entertainment and lovely dinner companions. I've decided to take up the Irish tin whistle because the girl tonight made it sound brilliant. Look out everyone back home.