Day 13

Here we are day 13, yes 13, we missed a day.  Our last day in Port Ballintrae was spent just lazing around.  Owen and Liam lazed around the cottage while Claire and I explored the tidal pools.  There were sea anemones, shrimp and some small fish in the pools.  We also spotted sandpipers and some colourfully billed birds called Oyster catchers.  Ruth arrived and joined us at the end of our walk far on the other side of the bay.  We assisted Ruth in her quest for some small unique shells she searches for.

We had Ruth as a gust for roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings.  Claire out did herself again and we were all pleasantly stuffed.  We bid Ruth another fond farewell and headed southwest to the castle arch caves.  The caves are up to 50 metres underground carved out of the limestone and are outstanding in their stalactites and stalagmites.  A short walk in to the cave and we rode a boat deep in to the darkness.  The UNESCO site was well worth the visit.

We proceed further west to our Hotel that we have booked over Owen’s birthday in Tuam, County Galway.  On route we passed the ruins of an old castle in Rosscommon.  The castle was not listed in the guide but we stopped and had a look anyway and were not disappointed.  There was free access and we wandered around the castle grounds before heading to our Hotel.

Once at the Hotel we decided to get Chinese food from a local take out restaurant we spied on the way.  It was good but different and way too much for four of us. 

Well that’s it for today, hope you enjoy our updates.  We will see what Owen has in mind for his birthday tomorrow.  “Cheers”

Saying goodbye to Ruth and the cottage.

Dad was interested in the diffrence in construction over here.

Dad was interested in the diffrence in construction over here.

Dad was interested in the diffrence in construction over here.

Entering Marble Arch cave by boat.

Marble Arch Cave.

Marble Arch Cave.

Marble Arch Cave.

Rosscommon Castle.

Owen climbing the walls.