Day 3 Gorey to Lahinch

 

Map - Gorey to Lahinch

It's been a big day driving today. Normally I swear by my Google Maps, but today my swearing was of a different variety., as I reckon those little maps took me across every back road that could be found between Gorey and Lahinch.

It was a lovely drive, but very tiring as there were so many bends and twists and turns.

My overnight stay at the Ashdown Park Hotel was fine. Paddy and Bern joined me for dinner at the pub, and it was lovely. I had my first Irish Coffee of my visit! Always seem to manage one soon after I arrive!!!

This morning I opted for the full Irish breakfast, which kept me fed all day.

Then repacked the car and away I went....

My car

My first stop was Carlow, where I had a coffee in a shop that called itself "Neighbourhood". There seemed to be quite a few different nationalities enjoying a coffee, and there was a sign that encouraged people to pay a coffee forward, so that others could come in and get a free coffee. That used to be a regular thing once in Perth and Geraldton, but I haven't seen a lot of it recently.

Then my Google Maps kicked in and took me to places I have  never been before!!! 

The Irish roads are all labelled  and I was trying to figure out what the labels mean...??

Each road begins with a letter - either M, N, R or L, followed by a number. And that reflects the hierarchy and standard of the road... M is for a freeway I think, N might be national?? R could be regional ??? and L possibly local. But I'm  just making that up - I really have no idea.

Anyway, I spent most of my time on R roads today.... they are mostly single lane and the speed limit was often only 80 km / hour, or 50 going through the towns.

The N is of a higher standard and the M roads are fantastic... speed limit 120 and double lanes.

Had a few goes at an L road today too, which can be a bit of a challenge.

Anyway, enough complaining about the journey!!

I have arrived safely at Lahinch and immediately feel at home.

I stopped at the beach just to take some pics and I felt again that immediate connection...

Lahinch Beach

Lahinch Beach

Then I drove up to Marie and Pat Shannon's house, where I'm staying this time! In case you weren't aware, the lovely little house that I stayed at in my last 2 visits, was no longer available... which is such a shame because it was within walking distance of everything in Lahinch . However, Marie and Pat have come to the rescue and have made a whole part of their house available for me... It's lovely to be staying with family.

Shannon's House

View from Shannon's House

View from Shannon's House

So here I am sitting in Marie ad Pat's house, writing this blog...

Moira and Daisy the dog

And poor Marie is slaving in the kitchen preparing some boiling bacon and cabbage.... Marie's brother Sean will join us too...

Marie in the kitchen

Pat and Patrick have gone to footy training (GAA) and Ellen is studying hard. She's in her final year at school. 

So the lovely Shannon family are playing host to me and I am so very grateful.