through the countryside, going to all kinds of out of the way places. Are traveling with our two adult daughters.

Today was Laugh Leane and Upper Lake followed by the pony cart ride up over Gap of Dunlop. Tomorrow will be hiking up to the top of Skellig Michael Island for a great view of the ocean all around us.

Earlier we went to the splendid Cliffs of Moher and Dunqin Pier for a great short walk to a small pier and beach.

We visited one old church built in the twelfth century and another one in the seventh(!) century. These places are incredible.

All around the people are friendly and fun. One place we got to stop and feed and pet baby sheep, goats and ponies. Great fun.

If you get into bigger towns there are good places to eat, but don’t expect them to be spectacular.

Just driving around the countryside is a great experience. We’ve still got another week to go and have some more exciting destinations to go to.

I’m giving serious thought to climbing to the highest spot in Ireland - Carauntohill (sp?). The girls wouldn’t go, I’d hike it solo. It’s about 14 miles round trip.

We’re not even going to Dublin except for part of our last day.

I’d recommend the trip to anyone that is adventurous and wants to get out into the countryside and learn more about the history of Ireland.

We had an excellent Irish folk singer playing the guitar and ukulele the first night we ate out in Galway, he gave us one of his CD’s and we tipped him 10 euros when we left.

We’re already talking about doing it again in another two or three years.