Day 8 - Wattle's washing and Ballyvaughan

 

Kath-Cleans Launderette

It wouldn't be a Wattle blog without some mention of Wattle's Washing!!! Though I promise this one will be brief... Last time I was over here, I discovered Kath Cleans in Ennistymon and I took my washing there... it's so easy!!!  Put it in today and pick up tomorrow ... all for €12. Why would you bother doing all the washing, hanging out, possible drying etc, especially when the weather is a bit dodgy!!! It's a no brainer! So that's it for mentioning Wattle's washing for this blog!

Next stop was coffee! Back to Lahinch and Val's coffee shop. Lovely!!!

Then, of course, my usual walk along the beach... Today has been a combination of lovely sunshine and sudden fierce rain... so I walked while I could, then ducked for cover when the rain came.

Tide is out!

Lahinch Beach

So, the next question was .... where to today???

I didn't want to go too far, so I decided to go north to Ballyvaughan, about half an hour away, then come back along the Coastal Road - one of my favourite trips in Ireland!

Map of today's trip

It was a pleasant little jaunt. I went up via the inland road, going through Lisdoonvanna and down into Ballyvaughan via Corkscrew Hill..

Image borrowed from Google Images

There were at least 50 twists and turns within a few kilometres.... and lots of hair pin bends!

Ballyvaughan is a lovely little town set on a harbour.

Ballyvaughan Harbour

Ballyvaughan Pier

The Old Pier

Looking across towards Galway

There is a lovely tea rooms in Ballyvaughan,  and that was my plan for lunch, however it had a sign that said Closed for the Season... That was quick!!!

The next plan was to drive back along the coastal road, and that is one of the delights of my life! It's one of those moments that make your heart sing!!!  (Thanks John C!)

I stopped a took a few pics near Fanore. It is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and I have driven that route very regularly!

Looking behind at the Burren

Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way

I took a short video to show the panorama...

Lunch was still on my mind, so I thought I might try Doolin, but I didn't hold out any great hope, because the parking there is horrendous... And when I got there, that thought was confirmed... so I drove up towards the harbour in order to came back again.

But...

Lo and behold a parking space just emerged right next to the town, so I was in like Flynn and headed for Gus O'Connor's pub.

Doolin - O'Connor's pub is the yellow building

And they offered some potato and  leek soup with soda bread for lunch. It was lovely..

Potato and Leek soup and soda bread

Home was only about 20 minutes away and I arrived there shortly after a nice easy drive.

So, that was my day today... some vital jobbies achieved (washing) and some beautiful scenery to enrich my soul. As I was driving along, I had to pinch myself to remind myself I'm in Ireland and enjoying this beautiful country.

How lucky I am!