It was an early awakening at 6:00 in the Avalon Hostel as we walked 5 minutes to the start of our MacCoole tour. After we met our trip leader, Caroline, we stood around meeting our fellow tripees from all over the world including: Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand, San Francisco, Madrid, Ottawa, Switzerland, Toronto, and France. We grabbed some fresh croissants after our 10-minute walk to the bus pickup location to hold us over for the 3-hour bus ride to Galway. Our next introduction would probably be the most disappointing of the visit, the bus driver/tour guide/failing comedian/overall selfish human being. He moved us through the countryside and we made it to our first stop in Burren. Our tour would be brightened by John, Carolines brother, as he welcomed us into his family’s home. The tour began with a quick aggressive feeding session with a pair of sheep, Johnny and Jimmy as well as a petting party with 10-day-old Springer Spaniels. We then hiked up the beautiful limestone hills and learned some interesting history of the shire and fertile land. John gave us an appreciation for the untouched Irish landscape with never ending green fields, 1,000 year old castles and churches of their Christian and Pagan ancestors.
After the hike, we walked back down to the farm to partake in Grandma MacCoole’s homemade apple pie with a side of Irish coffee. This ended a very passionate; family oriented tour, and will be a major highlight of our trip to Ireland. Unfortunately they forced us back on to the bus where the bus driver’s shenanigans continued. We zoomed down the winding “Auto Burren” where the streets could barely fit two vehicles and the speed postings read 100 km/h. Fortunately, we survived the bus ride in one piece but were mentally broken. Regardless, we walked off the bus at the Cliffs of Moher and were instantly taken back by the beauty of our surroundings. We risked our lives going out of bounds to capture the best photographs and were inches from the edge of the cliff, feeling the power of the 600-foot cliffs. It was obvious why these amazing cliffs were considered the best natural attraction in the country. From here, the bus driver pursued to follow his hidden agenda. While we were excited to explore “the best city in the world,” the bus driver decided to stop at Fitzs bar in a small town and an unnecessary pit stop to see insignificant rocks (Neither were on the trip itinerary). After this stop and some minor traffic we were left with only a little time, barely allowing us to eat fresh at Subway before the bus ride back to Dublin (thanks bus driver). We made it back across the country as we got to know two girls from Ottawa and a couple from New Zealand. They gave us some great recommendations for the rest of our time in Europe. Unfortunately both groups were leaving early next morning and broke our hearts as we were left stranded with a disappointing roommate upon our return to Avalon Hostel.
Upon entering our room it was clear that our roommates had arrived. Minutes later, we were introduced to a 45 year old gym teacher from Michigan who was hoping to go to sleep as we freshened up for the night. This is not what we thought we signed up for. Apparently the upside of our roommates was a daughter who was nowhere to be seen as she was off dominating the pub scene. We powered through the setback and enjoyed our final night in Dublin.
We woke up early to catch our ferry and train back to London for the night with our friend Mac Morris. More to come.......
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