Mellow Wanderer

Tag: Youtube

This Quaint Irish Village Should Be On Every Traveler’s List To Visit

In the Shannon region of western Ireland, the warm and friendly welcome extended to travelers visiting Adare is reminiscent of a simpler, less hectic time. Adare is a place that thrives on the past. You immediately notice the thatched cottages along Adare’s main road. Originally built in the 1830s as servant quarters for the 2nd Earl of Dunraven, today the cottages are private homes and businesses. Thatch that’s used in cottage roofing can range from wheat straw, oak straw and reeds to flax and sturdy grasses. Roofs often have thatch that’s layered seven feet deep.

Adare was founded in the 13th century and developed by The Geraldines of Kildare. Over two dozen historical sites are in the surrounding area. All of them are listed on Adare’s official website.

One of the prettiest spots is Adare Village Park, located in the heart of the village. It’s a beautiful place to wander. You can stroll under a canopy of towering chestnut trees, snap photos of gorgeous seasonal blooms in the garden areas, and rest under a thatched wooden gazebo— a popular venue for weddings and musical performances. There’s also a historical spot known as the Washing Pool. Before the use of detergent and wash tubs, Adare women would do the family laundry in the stream next to the arched bridge. They layed clothes over giant stones and would pound them clean using wooden bats. The Washing Pool is over 200 years old. It was restored in 1975 and designated a historical site.

Photos by: Susan Geiger

Adare Village Park

Avenue of Chestnuts

Park Garden

Park Garden

Park Garden

Park Garden

Washing Pool Placard

Washing Pool

Just beyond the arched bridge is Holy Trinity Abbey Church, the first and oldest Trinitarian abbey in Ireland. It was built in 1230 by an order of monks who lived in Adare for three centuries. The monks wore a white habit, so the abbey was commonly known as the White Monastery. The abbey is now a Roman Catholic church located in the center of the village next to another historical site: the Adare Fountain. The fountain was used by villagers and travelers as their main water source. They’d come to fill buckets to take home, and drink from the fountain pool along with their thirsty horses.

Holy Trinity Abbey and Fountain Pool

As you enter the village, stop by the Adare Heritage Center for a guide map and suggestions for local shopping, restaurants, and pubs. Old world history and charm make for a pleasant stay in Adare.

Adare Video Tour: Press Play

Adare Video Tour
Go To The Edge Of A Cliff To See The Most Breathtaking Views In Ireland

PRESS PLAY TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Obrien’s Tower stands at the Cliffs of Moher’s highest point. It’s Ireland’s most popular and dramatic landscape, rising high above the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are on Ireland’s west coast in County Clare, along the Wild Atlantic Way, a rugged and majestic coastline trail and driving route.

Obrien’s Tower

Hag’s Head

Our visit in early June required wearing our warmest winter-like jackets and gear. The weather here can be windy, cold, and sometimes wet— Irish mist wet. I wore a hat to cover my ears, and dressed in layers, with an insulated rain jacket to stay warm from the biting wind.

A good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, is a must. The ground can be unstable and slippery when wet. Walking along the edge of the cliffs is an exhilarating experience. There are eight miles of walking paths with spectacular scenery. You’ll get plenty of exercise as you go up, over, and down the various slopes and stairways. There is a photo opportunity practically every step along the way. Always have your camera ready.

The cliffs are geological wonders. They were formed more than 320 million years ago. Musicians, artists, poets and storytellers often go to the cliffs for inspiration. Several spots on the hiking trail honor local performers called buskers. They entertain visitors, often for small donations.

Stop at the Visitor Center and learn about the history of the region, the geology of the cliffs, and the wildlife that inhabit the land and ocean. There’s also a cafe, souvenir shop, and restrooms.

For a different perspective, take a boat tour from the quaint town of Doolin. Obrien’s Tower appears so much tinier looking up from the water than it does standing at the top of the cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher, a journey of wonder, discovery, and a lifetime of memories.

Susan & Steve Geiger