The Wild Atlantic Way.....Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland | Along The Gringo Trail

On the west coast of Ireland is the world's longest coastal touring route with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way has been written about in novels and poetry, inspired artists and movie makers, and offers some of the most jaw dropping, stunning beauty anywhere. Our trip through Ireland would not be complete without a white-knuckled drive along some of the 2500 kilometers (1553 miles) of this coastal roadway.
Day one took us to Ross Castle where we walked the grounds along the Ross River, admired the mighty fortress and imagined what life must have been like back in its day.

Ross Castle

Jaunting Car

Next we ventured out onto the Ring Of Kerry part of the coastline where we spotted lovely waterfalls, scenic vistas and mountains. We made our way to the town of Dingle for the night where we enjoyed a waterfront view from our lovely B&B.

Our B&B

Dog at our B&B

Day two of The Wild Atlantic Way was the most jaw dropping as we took in some of the most spectacular scenery we have ever seen. We stopped along the way to snap many photos and take in a few historic sites too. From historic forts, ancient beehive shaped dwellings, a settlement of the first Celtics to Ireland, and huts that housed people during the Great Potato Famine. We learned much about the country and its people.

Minard Castle

We stopped for lunch at an oceanfront café and sat outside enjoying the view. Unusual for Ireland is a warm day with bright sunshine that lasts for more than a few minutes. But mother nature was cooperating with us as we basked in the spring-like temperatures and sunlight.


Wherever there is such beauty there surely will be filmmakers looking to shoot a movie there. One of the more famous movies filmed on The Wild Atlantic Way is Star Wars: The Force Awakens and there are signs around to prove it. Other movies include: Harry Potter and  the Half Blood Prince,  Ryan's Daughter, Marley and Me, and The Princess Bride just to name a few.




Today we first stopped at Bunratty Castle and Folk Village to get a glimpse into Ireland's past. Built in 1425, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. It was certainly a challenge to climb it's extremely narrow, winding, uneven staircases from it's dungeon up onto it's rooftop towers. The we strolled through the many recreated buildings of what life was life throughout the ages in Ireland.

Bunratty Castle

Traveler's Wagons

Water Wheel powered grain mill

Next we drove over to The Cliffs Of Moher since everyone we met along the way said we MUST see this place. Once again the weather held out for us despite a few threatening storm clouds that passed by. First we had to park and then trudge up hill to a tower for a great view overlooking the cliffs. Then off we went walking uphill and over some rough terrain for other views of the spectacular coastline.

This was a different experience!

Tired from a long day of walking up stairs, hiking up hills and enjoying the beauty of Ireland we settled in for the night in our B&B in Galway. Tomorrow we'll head out to explore this city before making our way back towards Dublin for our house sit in Howth (hoe-th). Considered one of the most expensive areas of the city our temporary home there will be overlooking the ocean. Such a rough life we live as house sitters, living free around the world.....along the gringo trail.


Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.

The New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE

A Step Back In Time The City Cork Gaol

Today we stepped back into the 19th-century to visit The City Cork Gaol (the word for prison in Irish). Housed in a magnificent castle-like building the prison allowed us to walk in the ghostly footsteps of its former prisoners. Furnished with life-like wax figures, furniture reminiscent of the era, and audio guides telling the story it was quite the experience. A mix of criminals were jailed there from petty crimes like stealing books or fabric, to women that neglected and abused their children.

Front Entrance

Entrance to Prison Itself

Bars on Windows

Warden

Woman Prisoner with Guard

Male Guard

Three floors of cells

Preacher with prisoner

Gave birth in prison

Scrawls from the prisoners

More writing

Surely a few films must have been made in this place since it looked like something straight off a Hollywood film set. And since we arrived before the crowds of tourists we had the whole prison to ourselves giving it even more of an eerie feel.

Being Watched!

Child Prisoner being whipped

Exercise Yard, Prisoners would walk single file. NO TALKING!

Guards taking a break

Model of the prison

Other sites around the city of Cork today included Blackrock Castle and Observatory. What was once a castle built for fortification, later a private home, it is now a science center for learning.

You can see the Observatory on top

Another side of castle

We are up closer

Our Guide with a "Man Bun"

Church in the distance

A relaxing sort of day just kicking around Cork getting ready to hit the road again tomorrow. We will head out to explore Killarney, The Ring of Kerry and drive along the famous Wild Atlantic Way for stunning coastline vistas. Stay tuned for more of our adventures in Ireland…..along the gringo trail.