Dingle Peninsula, Ennis and Cliffs of Moher (where the hell are you??)

 

Today was a big, scenic journey to Dingle (on south-west coast) firstly at the end of the most scenic route so far, on a peninsula then onto Ennis and then Cliffs of Moher (mid-west coast). So basically we drove from the south -east coast (Cork) across to the west then up.

The way to Dingle around the peninsula is very scenic and narrow road. The peninsula is opposite the Kerry Peninsula which you can see across the long bay below.

The hills started to become higher in the middle of the peninsula and we were driving around the coast. Lots of little houses offering B&B as this is very popular tourist route (part of the Wild Atlantic Way!).

There was actually one sandy beach on this side with people on it.

The road went around this coast.

Dingle was surprising as it was a lovely town, obviously touristy, but with nice harbour. I had this scone that was full of jam and cream - yum!

After Dingle you drive around the other side to get back to 'mainland' Ireland. Suddenly it was up hill, narrow roads (think the road up to Te Mata Peak at its narrowest!

At the top there was mist so the view was hard to see.

Very near misses on this road, cyclists were trying to ride up, cars only allowed (no buses, trucks etc) but camper vans took life into their own hands. Dave was constantly looking for a place to pull over or go over the side!

The other side of the peninsula (after the hill) was lovely, sandy beaches and much easier roads.

Onto Ennis (mid-West) a town where we were staying the night. Motorway most of the way.

CLIFFS OF MOHER - WHERE ARE YOU?

Ennis is about 45 mins away from Cliffs of Moher. We got a package at our hotel for free entry to carpark and 'experience' centre usually 26E so all set to go. Checked the weather forecast, sunny until 4pm, so perfect. NOT!

As we were driving out there 9am (early to beat the crowds) it go misty and cloudy and foggy so by the time we arrived you could hardly see 4 metres in front of you! Sea mist had rolled in from the sea and the wind (slight breeze) was off the sea so pushed the sea mist up and onto/over the land. Could not see a thing! We did the experience thing, which explains how the cliffs were formed (erosion, wild seas) and were all clued up and ready to go for our walk along the cliff tops. 

1 hour later - no change and more and more people were arriving

2 hours later - no change (in fact looked worse) so we had coffee in cafe and watched busload upon busload of visitors arrive (some from Dublin on day-trip). Imagine spending big bucks, long drive to see this UNESCO heritage site and all you can see is mist/fog!

3 hours later - Dave and I decided to go for our walk and pretend.

This is what we should be seeing!

Below was used in a Harry Potter movie.

I give Dave his due - he knew this was on my bucket list for Ireland and waited patiently until 1pm while I got sad and depressed and sulked! We kept hoping the sun would break through, the wind would change ..... anything! But no - so eventually we decided to cut our losses. We still had a 3 hour drive to get to Sligo so he left it up to me to say stuff it, lets go! There were 20 buses in the carpark - 50 people each so that was 1000 people there in the same boat. I think Mother Nature said bah humbug to humans that day!