Ireland; Doolin to Sligo

{Thursday October 9th}

Burren Perfumery

We got up around 7:30a this morning to get ready to head out for the day. We left the hostel at 8:30a and headed towards the Burren. We had yogurt, apples and granola bars with us, so we had that en route for breakfast.

Sheep by the roadside

We got to the Burren Perfumery shortly before 10a, so we had to wait a few minutes before they opened. 

Galway

When they opened, they showed us a short video featuring some of the different flora that they use from around the Burren. They have several lotions, balms, essential oils and perfumes that they make onsite. 

From there, it was a quick 45 minute drive into Galway. We started with a walk along the sea-side promenade. From there, we intended to go to Sheridan Cheesemongers, but it was closed so we walked around the corner to a pedestrian street and found a little sidewalk cafe serving delicious savoury crepes.

After lunch, we walked down the quaint pedestrian street, and then went back to the car. 

Kylemore Abbey

From Galway, we headed towards Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Castle (top-left & bottom) was built in 1867; it took four years to finish and cost 29,000 Pounds at that time. A couple years later, the owners wife died on a trip to Egypt, and he was left devastated. He built the neo-gothic miniature cathedral (top-centre & top-right) in her honor. 

In 1920, Benedictine nuns bought the castle and still own it, which is why it is known as Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore means "Big Wood" in Irish. 

After having a look around the Abbey (most of which is closed to the public) and the church, we took a short bus ride to the walled Victorian garden. It is absolutely immaculate and very impressive. They have gone to a lot of work to keep it up. 

Victorian Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey

When we left Kylemore Abbey, we had about a 2 hour drive to Sligo. 

We arrived in Sligo shortly before 7p. The sky was gorgeous, and we tried to find a place where we would be able to see the sunset, but we missed it. We checked into our hotel and decided to just get something light at the hotel bar, Rathanna, for dinner. 

We both had a potato and leek soup, which thankfully was much tastier than it looked. 

When we finished dinner, I went to the leisure club for a relaxing and welcome swim, jacuzzi and sauna. It was heavenly. 

Later, we skyped home and I read my book for a while before going to bed. 

J. 

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