Checked out of Liscannor (a fantastic AirBnb place btw – happy to direct you if you choose to go) and decided to take the coast road up through Co Clare and into Co Galway on our way to Cong in Co Mayo. This drive hugs the western Irish coast and affords some fantastic views of the sea, cliffs and countryside. Unfortunately a bit rainy and fog today, so no stop at the Cliffs of Moher, but we have been before, and there is much more to see.

Heading up the coast stopped at Doolin for some shopping and to catch the coast road. A bit further along we stopped at a spot purpose made for views of the ocean from atop some other cliffs – spectacular views and yes, the waves do reach the top!

After leaving this not far up the road we stopped at Fanore’s Craggagh Cemetery- because this is what I do…lucky bonus about a dozen McNamaras that we will look up when we get home.

After this we stopped in at Linnane’s Seafood Bar for some amazing fresh oysters – this place was built over 300 years ago right on the ocean. Great food and a great stop for lunch.

From there we headed around Galway Bay to Cong in Co Mayo, where we walked around for a little while before getting in at Danagher’s Hotel and Bar for dinner, beers and music.

If Danagher sounds familiar think Maureen O’Hara and The Quiet Man – this town is where the classic John Ford movie was filmed. More on that tomorrow as we play tourist…

Rainy day nearly all day, curtailed our plans to drive along the coast and see some sights. Did eventually get out and visited Kilmacreehy Cemetery which we saw along the road and overlooking the ocean. What an amazing place to be buried…named for a sixth century saint who had his church in the site.

We headed into Lahinch for dinner and a walk along the beach, which was churning from the tide and the wind.

One more stop into Frawley’s, and then a nightcap in Flanagan’s to listen to some music before calling it a night.

Tomorrow – road trip to County Mayo!

Another great day in Ireland – they all are – overcast, not much rain – and today we headed down to Ennis to find a cemetery and Kristen’s relations.

Ennis’ Duncliff Cemetery has an old section with graves from the 1800s and we knew for a fact the grace of K’s great-great-grandfather John McNamara. Those of you who know us know we live tromping around in graveyards – so this should be no surprise.

This was a quintessential old catholic cemetery full of old illegible tombstones, full scale mausoleums and something like 3000 graves. We searched for nearly 90 minutes for John’s stone, got rained on a couple of times, and found several other McNamaras along the way but – finally, after actually passing it three times, we found what we came for – and were pleased to see it was in pretty good shape.

After all that, we needed a bit of refreshment so we went into Ennis to find Moroney’s pub and a cider or two.

Then back to Lahinch for dinner with our good friend Mark Lloyd and another pint before shutting it down for the night.

Tomorrow, maybe the cliffs – and some sights of the ocean.

Recharge day so a bit lower key but headed down to Lahinch (we are told locals prefer with the ‘a’ vs the older Spelling in Irish of Lehinch)

First stop into the oldest pub in Lahinch – reopened again now after being closed 7 years, and meeting up with our best mate Mark who we’ve now known 8 years?

Next into Flanagan’s for dinner – and a pint of Lahinch Pale Ale from Western Herd Brewing Co.

then up to Slattery’s – another pub now reopened this time after 15 years!

Finally back down to Egan’s again for some music and a couple more pints before bed, as you do…