There are two ways to drive from Dingle to Spanish Point. One of them involves a big detour to Limerick, and the other involves a ferry ride across the Shannon estuary.
This ferry ride showed me that yes, there are ugly parts of Ireland.
The ugly parts, fortunately, are few and far between. Spanish Point is incredibly beautiful!
Spanish Point is so named because a Spanish Armada sent to invade Ireland (while under English control) had several ships that hit reefs near here in 1588. The survivors of these wrecks were tortured and executed by the English, so it was likely better to have gone down with the ship. I can’t imagine why we fought for our independence way back when!
Our hotel for the next three days is the Armada Inn, situated perfectly right on the waterfront. I’m not entirely sure where they came up with the name for the hotel?
The views from the adjacent beach are awesome!
We splurged on our room here, and I highly suggest you do as well if you decide to stay here. It was hard to leave the room!
Our first destination from Spanish Point were the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most visited sites in Ireland, with over 1.5 million visitors a year. It was definitely one of the busier places we have been on this trip!
If you walk a few hundred yards to the south along the cliffs there are a lot of excellent views to be had.
If you walk about a half mile the views are even better. The number of people walking dropped off quite a bit after the first few hundred yards, as most of them were likely bus people with limited time. Yes, I’m dissing “bus people”, deal with it!
The hike towards the north offers a different perspective of the cliffs.
You can go up into O’Briens Tower, built in 1835, to get the above photo. It’s not easy, as the top of the tower has a lot of obstructions you have to try and take a photo through! If you come here you’ll understand!
There are numerous musicians playing along the route, and these are known as Buskers. They have been around since 1835, when Sir Cornelius O’Brien first brought a musician to the site of his tower to entertain his guests.
We had to get a shot of us in this ionic, over visited place. We saved 2 euros here by claiming “Senior” status! Do we really look that old?
Ummm, no postive answers to that question will be allowed in the comments section! You’ve been warned!
I will say, if you have been faithfully reading this blog, that the Kerry Cliffs were just as incredible, and maybe a tad more impressive! Focus on the Ring of Kerry if you are coming to Ireland. It’s your friend.
The other region worth visiting just north of the Cliffs of Moher is called The Burren. The terrain in this area is otherworldly!
The below is not my photo, but gives a good perspective of the landscape in this area. It was so unique! In many areas, at least away from the ocean, it looks a lot like a lunar landscape.
Our last stop was Fanore Beach, a definite “must see” if you visit this area.
I can honestly say, after all of our beach-going, we have never seen a beach quite like this one! It was like walking in the Sahara! So gorgeous!
On the way back through The Burren area we went up Corkscrew Hill, named appropriately because it’s a crazy windy bunch of switchbacks. I think the tourist buses actually use this hill! The view looking back down the valley is to die for (particularly if you run across one of those buses, that are ALWAYS over the middle line!).
The next day we took a drive down the coast and ran across this beautiful hotel. We’ll have to stay here next time!
The entrance to the lobby was just as beautiful. The people there were super friendly!
Now, if you ever stay at the Armada Inn, make sure you eat at the pub there. The food was out of this world good (the fresh fish was incredible), and the host, Tony, will make your visit!
Next up, Galway and the Aran Islands.