We finally have some pictures to share from Ireland.  Here are a few.  The first one is of the Cliffs of Moher.  These are the highest cliffs in Europe.  It was on this boat trip that my digital camera got drowned by the big wave.  

The second is of the Rock of Cashel.  It is  an ancient ruin of a castle the first part of which was originally built in the early 5th century.  It became a royal center with the coming of Conal Co

rk head of the Eoganachta.  In the mid 5th century the Eoanacht kings accept Christianity when Patrick baptizes King Aengusat the castle.  From then on it suffers through a history of conflict and religion finally becoming an abbey.  It remained a religious center known as the Cathedral of St Patrick on the Rock until 1649 when it is shut down my the oppression of Cromwell. 

The third is a picture of a couple of old thatch

 roofed homes that have recently become little shops for tourists.  The roofs are made of reeds that are carefully placed close together so that they will insulate the house and shed water so

 the house stays dry and warm.  There are a number of homes that still maintain these roofs even though the more modern tile roofs are available.

The next picture illustrates the narrow roads that dominate throughout the southern part of Ireland.  They are barely wider than a standard two-car driveway.  Like here drivers tend to drive much faster than the roads safely allow.  You always have to be on the left side and speed limits run about 100 kph.

The last picture is of our "cabin".  We had the whole thing.  It had 4 bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms.  Very luxurious living on a golf resort in County Clare.  It was out in the country away from any towns.  We went into a nearby town, Tuamgraney, to eat at a wonderful pub.  The food there was good if a little too bland.