rootless

The Irish seem to be as clever as their country is beautiful.  We had determined that independent travel, showing ourselves around as opposed to having a guide, was not an option in the U.K. as we would want to rent a car to conveniently get around.  However, since neither of us had ever attempted to drive “backwards” or on the left side of the road, we felt it to be too much of a risk and consequently an unsafe and unwise thing for us to do.  We needed to determine our best options for seeing the countries without driving ourselves (and everyone else crazy). 

There were many bus tours available, but the cost of these tours, especially in Ireland, were so high they were way out of our budget range.  Then Ron discovered  Railtours of Ireland on the internet.  Although, we found a lack of information regarding the actual format of these tours, (what actually would happen and how), we decided to chance it and booked a couple of tours that would take us to the places we wanted to see at a far more reasonable price.

So as instructed, we got ourselves to the train station in Dublin to meet the Railtours’ staff identified by their yellow jackets.   These people had tickets and vouchers for us in an envelope with our names on it and along with many other people, herded us all into a train car reserved for tour clients and off we went. 

Across the gray but beautiful Irish countryside with its quaint villages, ancient churches and green, green fields, we chugged along until we reached our first

stop where a tour bus waited to drive us the short distance to Bunratty Castle.  Charming cottages surround the castle giving us an idea of what life

was like back when the castle was inhabited by lords and ladies.  Inside the castle, the treasures of the ruling class have been preserved.

Then back on the bus, we head for the coast and the Cliffs of Moher.

If we hadn’t been surrounded by tourists from all over the world, I could have bet we were on the Oregon coast looking at Three Capes.

The fresh wind and smell of the sea, in this case the Atlantic, along with the breathtaking views of the wild coastline made us a little homesick.  But a stop at a lovely little village for lunch and further vistas of the lush Irish countryside made us feel glad we get to travel and reminded us of how lucky

we truly are.

Posted on October 21st, 2009 by dianagene
Filed under: Europe Trip