The morning started with a Big full Irish breakfast (AGAIN!), a smoked pollock and poached egg over spinach, crepes, juice, coffee and a wonderful conversation with our server, Eilaish, and our hostess Sue. For our second day in the Clifden area, we followed the scenic drive to the peninsula and toward Omey Island. At low tide, which time it was, we were able to park at the car park and walk across the hard sand to the island. Although one could also drive the sand to the island, we chose to walk in order to enjoy the wind, the various rocks and shells buried in the sand, and the vegetation adhering to the uncovered rocks. This was an unique experience.
Back into the Skoda vehicle, we then continued the drive around the point and then another drive towards the villages of Ballyconneely, the Dogs Bay Beaches and the village of Roundstone. We parked at Roundstone for a short walkabout and view of the shops, boats, and bay. Howie remained behind for a nap in the car, missing the excitement of Mark’s hat flying off and landing on the rocks facing the beach; a few tense moments as he struggled down the rocks, collected his hat, threw it back up to the bank, and then climbed back on hands and knees to safety, a total distance of maybe 10 feet, but hilarious to view, nonetheless. According to Deb, it was more terrifying than hilarious but all’s well etc.
We finished the drive along the Bog road, stopping for sheep in the road and portraits of sheep and a friendly neighboring donkey who was expecting a treat, but was disappointed. The only treat we could offer was fudge, and we weren’t sure the donkey could survive the dose of chocolate.
Back to the Sharamore House for naps, reading and a glass of wine before we headed back to Clifden for dinner at the Darcy Twelve Restaurant.The source of the name we learned was that of a man called John D’Arcy who founded Clifden in 1812. According to Wikipedia, the D’Arcy family owned some 13,000 acres of land in this portion of the Connemara. His goal of founding a town on some of the land was successful. Although the town suffered ups and downs over the years, including major losses in the Great Famine, the town thrives today on the fishing and tourism trade.The restaurant’s food however was most acceptable, Beef Bourguignon, a chicken burger, and a fresh crab salad, all accompanied by wine and a local ale, Sheep Stealers Brew.
After a stop at the local Aldi’s for provisions for the balance of the trip, we retired to Sharamore, tired, sated and happy.
