Day 21 (Part 2) - Doonbeg

 

Map Lahinch to Doonbeg

Marie had promised to take me to Doonbeg this afternoon, and that sounded like a great idea.  Apart from Doonbeg being a popular little village not very far from Lahinch, it also the home of Donald Trump's golf course, which just recently been selected as the venue for the Irish Open (Golf) next year.

As we all know, Donald Trump is quite a polarizing figure, so I won't go into any politics right now!

But all I will say is that the people of Doonbeg are grateful that he provides employment for the youth of the area, and let's leave it at that!

It was great going with Marie, because she gives a running commentary as we drive along, and has so much local knowledge that fills in all the gaps about various places and people!

Entrance to the golf course

The golf course is in off the road quite a bit and as you approach the actual buildings, a young man comes out of his little hut and wants to know why you are coming in to the golf course. Marie had quite a chat with him and introduced me from Australia, so we were in!

Trump buildings

Trump buildings entrance

Marie had actually worked there at one stage so knew her way around a bit, we walked through a few of the bars and restaurants and ended up in the public bar, and of course we were forced to have a drink!!!  Half pint of Smithwicks please!!!

First of the day!

Only one to start with

Nice open fire

Apparently the clock tower is famous and associated with the course..

Clock tower

Couldn't resist ...

Also the golf course fronts on to Doughmore Beach - beautiful beach.

Doughmore Beach

Doughmore Beach

Apparently Trump tried to close off all access to the golf club when he bought it, but there is still a surfers right of way, which allows people to walk to the beach across the golf course.  He also tried to buy out all the locals, but some have resisted and their homes are still close to the golf course.

After we had finished exploring the golf course and surrounds, Marie took me into the village of Doonbeg. Apparently the American visitors love to come on to the village and experience real Irish pubs and food.

She took me to Tubridy's Pub, which had the real Irish pub feel to it.

Tubridy's pub

And I also had my photo taken with a famous County Clare footballer, David Tubridy

David Tubridy and me

That would be a bit like getting my photo taken with Buddy or Cyril.... He was very nice man and stopped and had a chat with us both.

So, that was my very exciting excursion to Doonbeg..... but I think my favourite part was the real Irish pub at the end!!!!!

Day 21 (Part 1) - Bloody Tourists

First things first...   we had a lovely dinner at the Atlantic last night. We went to Mass first, then rolled on to our favourite pub.

Dinner at the Atlantic

So, today started slowly...

The family had commitments this morning,  with Pat taking Ellen to orchestra rehearsal and Marie taking Patrick to a Hurling game. 

So that left just me and Daisy. 

Daisy doing what dogs do!!!

So I did my usual replies to emails and comments (many thanks to all those who send them through!)

Then I was ready for the day.

Today is Sunday, so you expect an influx of visitors to the village,  but they were like ants everywhere  today.

I was debating whether to park up in the top car park or pay my €2 down at the beach.  It's a lovely day today.. the sun is out, so I decided to park up the top and walk down. 

Good decision!

Because when I eventually  got down to the beach car park, they were queued up to even get in!!

Beach car park

There were  squillions of buses, all spewing out tourists at a rate of knots! There was a queue to even get into Joe's  cafe. Luckily I was heading for Val's cafe and she found me a nice little table where I could sit and enjoy my coffee.

The tide was out this morning,  so there were heaps of people on the beach too...

Lahinch beach this morning

Tide is out

I walked down this staircase to the beach too pick up a few little rocks... this is the same staircase that was covered in seaweed previously when the tides were extra high and the sea was roaring in.. 

Staircase to heaven

There was a nice lady down there too and she took my pic!!

At Lahinch Beach

I stopped at the Atlantic on my way home and had my usual toasted sandwich. Some might say I'm a bit predictable!!!

Then this afternoon, Marie took me for a tour of Doonbeg. We took a heap of photos there, so I might start a new post for that!