The Burren

So when we originally signed up for our tour of the Burren we were told that we would be doing a short hike. I didn't realize that this trip was put on by the mountaineering club......apparently "short hike" in Irish means a 6 miles, and two peaks in 50 mph winds. Thank goodness I like hiking or this could have been a really long day!

We started from the hiking up the first peak. The peaks are made out of limestone. Back in the ice age, a glacier was attached to the sides of these peaks. As it slowly eroded over thousands of years it left evidence and a "stair like" pattern down the side of the peaks. I found it interesting that throughout the hike there were stone walls that marked off almost every square arce- even at elevation! Apparently these were created to divide land years and years ago. If you are caught destructing a wall in Ireland it is a 500 euro fine!

After hiking for about 2 hours we reached the spot in which we would have lunch. It was a circular fort built at the top of the hill. Apparently men used to heard their cattle up to similar sites and use such forts as hide outs at the top of these steep cliffs. After lunch we hiked up to the first peak- IT WAS SOOOO WINDY! There is a picture of us below leaning- and we are literally being held up by the wind. I look like a black marshmellow because the wind was inflating my clothing. After the first peak we hiked down a valley where we then started another incline up the second peak. The views were incredible! You could see all the way back to Galway. Thankfully, the sun was shining throughout the entire day. When coming off the mountain when went through the back valley and ended up seeing wild cattle? Is there such thing? There wasn't a farm insight. We finally reached a road that took us back to our original starting place. On the way I realize I was really in Ireland.... there was a heard of cows crossing the street, a flock of sheap, and about 30 men on horse back riding down the main National (highway) with about 20 hunting dogs. It was definitely a sight to see!

Afterward we went to a local pub in town called Monk. Although I have experienced good chowder in my life.... this was by far the best seafood chowder I have ever had. It was full of huge chunks of all types of fish and shell fish, as well as vegetables.

Below I have included pictures of the drive to the Burren in County Clare and views from the hike! Enjoy!