We expected a busy day with two trains and a bus to get us to the start of our week-long hike on Ireland’s west coast.
There were surprises because it was a weekend: no usual coffee shops were open for even a cup of coffee. We finally went to the grocery store. Shops did finally open, but not until we needed to be at the train station.
4.64 miles; overcast skies; 62 degrees, humidity 92%.
Click here for Richard’s ReLive video: https://www.relive.com/view/vLqe9ExkBdq
The train station is packed and ticket machines have been changed to only collect prepaid tickets. Luckily we had our tickets, but pity the poor folks standing in line for the one information/ticket person. Time for a second cup of coffee!
The first train ride was uneventful, but we had to transfer to a commuter train. We met Mary on the platform who got us to the train and really wanted to talk. She was interested in US politics as well as everything going on with her family. It was interesting to talk to her as we struggled to understood her quick speech and we only got about 20% of her words (and she was speaking English!)
The second train landed us in Ennis but we had about an hour to wait for the bus to Lahinch. Convenient bus bays were outside the train station but the kiosk was not staffed. The train station was clean, had seating, and had bathrooms. We had a lunch with us and passed the time with no difficulty.
We are used to buses that have a compartment below in which you stow your luggage. Not so for this bus—all luggage was placed inside on racks or above the seat. Our luggage was a bit big for the lower racks, but a gentleman took the suitcases and hoisted them to the top shelf where they fit. He told Richard not to worry, as he would also help him get them down (and he did get them down).
We have learned that Lahinch is a popular tourist town with golf, a beach (except at high tide), restaurants, plenty of accommodations and things for families to do.
Our hotel was very nice with a good restaurant, but it was on the main drag and on Saturday night that was the place to be—ALL night. We had to close our windows (leaving a stuffy hot room) and still the noise below us would wake us up.
More evidence of the beach popularity—a full parking lot. Our taxi driver said the crowd was because school is starting very soon, and it was a dry weekend day.
Lots of beach patrons in the water but there is no beach at high tide. The lifeguards (in red and yellow) have been trying to get people out of the water but no luck. Here you see they’ve brought out the bullhorn. Again, our taxi driver said Irish don’t like to take direction.
Golphers seemed to be enjoying themselves. Richard said you’d have to have a caddy (they did) to find your ball.
The beach path went quite a ways. Here we are heading back to the Lahinch downtown.
Dinner at our hotel. Richard had prime roast Irish beef, and Jan had homemade cottage pie.
The day had been mostly overcast but sunset was beautiful.
Beyond this section of beach, we can see the shore that will be tomorrow’s walk—the cliffs of Moher. A taxi will pick us up to take us directly to the visitor center, avoiding some of the trail that is closed. We’ll be ready.
6 Responses
We had a great potluck at church, but your food great!
Methodist potlucks sound good!
You didn’t swim??
No room for swimsuits in our luggage. My guess is that the lifeguards would clear us out even faster if we were skinny dipping.
Love your sunset picture. Think this is much more interesting than walking through cow pastures. Impressed you are so organized in your transportation plans. Lots of research? Dan
Definitely research for transportation but everything is online now. We always allow extra time, so we’re never bothered by sitting to have coffee or snacks. It works for us.