Day #14 - Cliffs of Moher & Doolin

We bid Belfast an early, early farewell after a foggy-brained, early AM breakfast at our hotel, and then started the 4.5 hours down to the Cliffs of Moher.

Goodbye, Belfast! I wish we had had another day there so that we could have gone on a walking tour of the al fresco artwork.

Only-child life isn't all bad...when you get the whole backseat for long drives!

We were in a hurry to get there, as the weather was supposed to become rainy later that afternoon. I will say that it was one of my favorite 'national parks' in that their approach to blend with the landscaping was stellar. For one- the pathway was lined with large thin slate cut to create a fence/barrier for safety. It blended with the gravel path, and was both effective and inexpensive as well. Secondly, the shops and visitor center were all dug out from the hillside like partial turf homes, and again- blended with the natural surroundings, and probably stay warmer/cooler when needed.

Once we got there, we blazed past the visitor center and headed up the path to check out the views. We passed this tiny pod, and I had to know what it was- so I trekked on up and saw it's a private dining area you can cater a meal and enjoy the view.

Our first glimpse of the cliffs...

Notice the 'fence' to protect us blending right in?

This viewing 'castle' platform did not appear to be open, but offered a more panoramic view...but didn't seem necessary to me.

Channeling his inner musketeer, as a nod to his role in the Two Musketeers earlier this year.

This was the visitor center and restaurant...you could dine in the cafe and be seated at the windows above.

The gift shop was amazing in offering hand-crafted souvenirs and treats to take home! 

We loaded up on these chocolates for teachers, friends, family and coworkers...family-owned chocolatiers!

The shops next to the visitor center...

We drove bout 10-15 min. from the cliffs back up the hill to our B & B, which was a tiny, family-owned B & B. We were greeted by a young, kind high school student who directed us to our top floor, family apartment...

Our attic apartment felt so cozy and offered views of the surrounded pasture...there were beds for four, and we each chose our little nook!

I actually chose a twin bed by the window and gave Rich teh whole king bed, as I wanted to write/read in my window for inspiration.

Ryan chose the other twin bed so he could do the same that night, writing in his journal (this is a forced activity) and doing some math assignments. 

We were all too tired to go back out for dinner (and let's be clear, there might have been only one option- grabbing snacks at a tiny grocery store), and ordering in did not appear to be an option (and one we had exercised on long days when were feeling lazy). So we did a true junk food experience for dinner that night on snacks we had on hand- caramels, crackers, cheese, Skittles, popcorn...yum! It was a delectable evening of reading, writing, watching TV shows from back home on my Sling app, etc, and exactly what we needed!