Following the coast line after leaving Doolin, we came upon the “Burren Way”. We interpreted “Burren” to mean “barren, Rocky place…”. We had again, been driving on those same roads, and making a very quick speed of it, from15km to a max of 40 for many km (or miles). The views were wonderful, a lot of the cliffs, the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the green countryside, and as always, the ancient ruins covered with foliage. Then all of a sudden, we came upon area’s of rock, spread everywhere. This continued until we arrived at the coast. It was the largest lava flow I have ever seen. It ran as far as you could see, gray in color, and of many varying designs and patterns. It was like a moonscape, and also a photographers paradise. Louise was really excited about the little flowers of pink, white, rose, yellow and red that would find their way to grow in the small cracks and fissures. We have seen a lot of color this spring, and this just adds to that. Again, continuing north, we came around a corner and found a wonderful little castle that was surrounded by a natural saltwater moat. It is amazing as to how many castles there were here in Ireland. Speaking of castles…the architecture of the single and multifamily (2 and 4 plexes) are very similar to that we have in the northwest (USA). Now they have very few wood constructed homes. Most are concrete block structures, both single and two stories, with stone and plaster covering. This is basically the same look as we have using “Dri-vit” or stucco. The structure is very NW in exterior design. Most roofs are either comp, or slate, with a few being a more modern version of “Thatched”. Obviously, we have also seen a lot of the “old rock” structures, especially in the farming areas, and the very old plastered homes and shoppes in the towns. The next town of any size was Galway, and then a long run to Sligo, to Donegal and then a slight right following the border of The Republic of Ireland and North Ireland. At Castlefinn, we crossed into North Ireland for the 1st time. From there we followed the border again (this time on the North Ireland side) to Londonderry. It has been a long day, so it was time to find a campground for the night. Just outside of Magilligan on the Magilligan Strand. We are a few miles from the Giant’s Causeway, so that is in store for us tomorrow…and more
19 May ’05, Thursday. “The Burren” of Ireland
Following the coast line after leaving Doolin, we came upon the “Burren Way”. We interpreted “Burren” to mean “barren, Rocky place…”. We had again, been driving on those same roads, and making a very quick speed of it, from15km to a max of 40 for many km (or miles). The views were wonderful, a lot of the cliffs, the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the green countryside, and as always, the ancient ruins covered with foliage. Then all of a sudden, we came upon area’s of rock, spread everywhere. This continued until we arrived at the coast. It was the largest lava flow I have ever seen. It ran as far as you could see, gray in color, and of many varying designs and patterns. It was like a moonscape, and also a photographers paradise. Louise was really excited about the little flowers of pink, white, rose, yellow and red that would find their way to grow in the small cracks and fissures. We have seen a lot of color this spring, and this just adds to that. Again, continuing north, we came around a corner and found a wonderful little castle that was surrounded by a natural saltwater moat. It is amazing as to how many castles there were here in Ireland. Speaking of castles…the architecture of the single and multifamily (2 and 4 plexes) are very similar to that we have in the northwest (USA). Now they have very few wood constructed homes. Most are concrete block structures, both single and two stories, with stone and plaster covering. This is basically the same look as we have using “Dri-vit” or stucco. The structure is very NW in exterior design. Most roofs are either comp, or slate, with a few being a more modern version of “Thatched”. Obviously, we have also seen a lot of the “old rock” structures, especially in the farming areas, and the very old plastered homes and shoppes in the towns. The next town of any size was Galway, and then a long run to Sligo, to Donegal and then a slight right following the border of The Republic of Ireland and North Ireland. At Castlefinn, we crossed into North Ireland for the 1st time. From there we followed the border again (this time on the North Ireland side) to Londonderry. It has been a long day, so it was time to find a campground for the night. Just outside of Magilligan on the Magilligan Strand. We are a few miles from the Giant’s Causeway, so that is in store for us tomorrow…and more
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