O’Connors Riverside C. and C. Park
Doolin
Clare
County Clare
Ireland
3 Nights
After last nights Sunday roast had been digested we decided to sample the hospitality of Ballyvaughan in the shape of O Loclainn’s whiskey bar. Easily missed as its front is so small looking something like an antique shop with its window display.
This is a real authentic old Irish pub run and owned by Margaret and her husband and been in the family for 6 generations . It has no Wi-Fi, no TV and does not serve food. It doesn’t open until 8pm so people will have their dinner then go to the pub.
We got there at 8pm with only one other couple in there but it soon filled up, mainly with locals. Drinks ordered Margaret takes no money until you leave which was pretty impressive for a packed pub. We got chatting to another couple from Bromley and drank more Guinness in one day than ever. It was a excellent night and gone midnight before we took the short walk back to the van.
Our visit to O Loclainn’s last night and heavy rain and wind meant a slow start to the day. We rarely know exactly where we will end up each day but today was more vague than usual. The next two days weather is looking rough and we want to walk the Cliffs of Moher so we’re pacing our way until Tuesday.
It was a blustery drive along the coast road up to Black Head lighthouse where we thought of stopping but height barriers stopped this. We ventured inland for shelter from the wind to the town of Lisdoonvarna but the town had passed some law which did not allow overnight stays. Back to the coast, we gave in and headed for a campsite in the town of Doolin where we will see out the bad weather and walk the Cliffs on Tuesday. It also meant that we were able to get the bedding cleaned so Jo is happy. We also had superb fish and chips for lunch.
