The Cliffs of Moher
Although we had been close to the Cliffs of Moher the previous day, we decided to save our visit for the morning we were heading to Limerick. The cliffs are every bit as spectacular as their reputation suggests. Standing high above the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing far below, it is easy to understand why they are one of Ireland's most visited natural attractions.
That said, the experience was a bit different from what I had imagined. The crowds were substantial, with large tour buses arriving throughout the day and hundreds of visitors making their way along the viewing paths. While the scenery itself was breathtaking, the popularity of the site took away a little of the feeling of discovery.
I couldn't help but wonder how much of that popularity is due to its appearance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Whether visitors come because of the films or simply to see one of Ireland's most iconic landscapes, the cliffs remain an unforgettable sight and a place well worth visiting.
The Treasure of Quin Abbey
Our destination for the day was Limerick, and as we neared our stop for the night, we caught a glimpse of an impressive ruin rising from the countryside. Curiosity got the better of us, and we pulled over to explore Quin Abbey.
Built in the 1300s on the site of the ruins of an earlier Anglo-Norman castle, the abbey feels like a hidden treasure. We entered directly from the roadside, sharing the grounds with only a handful of other travelers. There were no tour buses, no ticket booths, and no crowds—just the remarkable remains of centuries past waiting to be explored.
What makes Quin Abbey especially moving is that it remains a burial ground for the local community. Human remains here span more than eight centuries. Some of the earliest graves lie beneath large stone slabs that once formed the abbey floor. As we wandered through the nave and cloisters, we stepped carefully among these weathered markers, mindful of the generations who had been laid to rest there.
The quiet atmosphere, the absence of crowds, and the layers of history made Quin Abbey one of those unexpected discoveries that often become the most memorable parts of a journey.
And wherever we were, no matter how old were the stones, plant life made a home.
Limerick
Our original itinerary didn't include Limerick as an overnight stop, but the lure of experiencing a few traditional Irish pubs convinced us to spend a night there. We booked rooms at the Old Quarter Townhouse, located in the historic heart of the city.
Had I done a little more reading beforehand, I wouldn't have imagined Limerick as the quaint Irish village of my daydreams. In reality, Limerick is Ireland's third-largest city, with a lively atmosphere and plenty to explore.
The Old Quarter Townhouse sits above a pub and restaurant, but we happened to arrive on a holiday when both were closed. Fortunately, the location still worked well for us. A parking garage was conveniently located next door, there were plenty of other pubs and restaurants within walking distance, and we had easy access to the motorway for our departure the next morning.
One unexpected highlight for Mike was finding an Aran wool sweater on sale. After that, he looked so much the part that locals occasionally mistook him for one of their own and would start conversations in Irish (Gaelic). The sweater quickly became both a favorite souvenir and a running joke for the rest of the trip.
After the shopping and breakfast, we set off for our next destination—An Clochán by way of the Dingle Peninsula.
Cassidy, thanks for sharing the driving with Mike!
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