September 13, 2016. A trip to the Aran Islands

LOCATION:  Galway, Ireland

WEATHER:  Stunning!  Sunny. Highs in 60s

Our destination today was Inis Mor Island, part of the Aran Islands off Galway.  We took a 45-mi nute shuttle ride, then a 45-minute ferry ride to get there.  The sun was out, and it was glorious.

First up was lunch.  We sat outside and enjoyed smoked salmon sandwiches.

After lunch, we had to decide which mode of transportation to use to tour the island....1) rental bikes, 2) a van, or 3) a horse and buggy....

We went with the van.  It took us around the island where there are more than 3000 miles of dry stone walls.

We learned that the farmers dissemble a part of the wall, enabling the cows to cross over to another grazing area, then rebuild that section.  Lots of work!

The islands are famous for their ancient Christian and Celtic monuments.  We climbed up to one fort.

It was pretty hard for the inhabitants' enemies to climb these cliffs!

Afterwards, we had coffee in this darling thatched-roof cafe, and Graham bought a locally-knit sweater, famous here.

We hopped on the ferry and said goodbye to the islands.

Back in Galway, we went to a pub to listen to music, then got take-out for dinner.  Alexis and I did Indian; Graham and George got fish from the seafood restaurant next door.