Co. Clare

Another long weekend saw us heading off to County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher. Ennis was our base for this trip. We headed off via the coast through Lahinch, an unexpected surfing spot and 'holiday' feeling seaside village. The scenery here is true Ireland, rocky coast, the greenest green rolling countryside right down to the sea and little cottages dotting the countryside. Golf courses abound, including some with ruins just looming up out of the greens!

The Cliffs are somewhat a victim of their own popularity, now having huge parking areas (eight euros to park) and paths and fences and the usual tourist shops and experiences with souvenirs for those eager to spend their money. Getting there early as possible is highly recommended. And don't try to climb over the fences, they are there for a reason and the rangers will blow their whistles and be onto you in a flash.

The Burren region is further up on Galway Bay and is an incredibly barren landscape, but captivating also. It is acres of limestone karst pavements, but between the seams of rock are fissures (known as grykes) which support an amazing array of wildflowers.

This area seems a popular holiday spot, I think because of fishing, surfing and close proximity to the Aran Islands. The main road is narrow and lined with rocks and B & B's - seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Parking must be a nightmare in summer!

Ballyvaughan round on Galway Bay is a peaceful spot and on a good day Galway and the Connemara can be seen. It's a good spot for cyclists to recover too!