Cliffs, Crows, and Corkscrew Roads: My Final Days in Ireland

If you’ve been following along with my Ireland adventures, you know I’ve been chasing cliffs, coastlines, and cozy towns across the Emerald Isle. This post picks up right where the last one left off – but don’t worry, if you’re new here, you can dive right in. Consider this both a continuation of my journey and a standalone story of one unforgettable day that carried me from peanut butter sandwiches to farewell dinners, winding roads, and starry skies.

Morning Simplicity: PB&J and Seaside Strolls

We started the morning like so many others on this trip – with breakfast at the hotel. The spread was generous: fresh bread, fruit, cereals, and the usual suspects like peanut butter and jelly. One of my travel companions joked that we could make a sandwich out of it, and I thought, why not? So I wrapped up a PB&J in a napkin and tucked it into my bag for later.

That little act of foresight turned out to be one of the smartest moves of the day.

With a bit of time before departure, I joined a few fellow travelers for a short walk down to the water. It wasn’t far, just one street over and behind a building, but it felt like stepping into another world. The air was crisp, the wind a little biting, and while some braved the shoreline, I stayed higher up, soaking in the quiet morning view.

The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Iconic Edge

Soon enough, we boarded the bus and set off toward the Cliffs of Moher. On the way, we passed Lahinch Golf Course, a world-renowned links course that looked as intimidating as it was beautiful. Hazards everywhere – definitely not for the faint of heart.

The cliffs themselves were only a short drive away, maybe 10 minutes. Even early in the morning, the site was already buzzing with visitors. We collected our tickets from Catherine, our guide, and headed in.

I made a quick stop at the visitor center, where a video presentation offered background on the cliffs. Interesting, yes – but if the weather is good, my advice is to skip the indoor exhibits and head straight outside. Ireland’s skies can change in an instant, and you don’t want to miss a rare sunny window.

And sunny it was. The cliffs stretched endlessly, dramatic and sheer, with waves crashing far below. I walked the paths to the right, then back across to the left, taking in every angle.

Here’s the thing: the Cliffs of Moher were at the very top of my Ireland must-see list. But after experiencing the Giant’s Causeway and Slieve League, they slipped into third place. Don’t get me wrong – they’re breathtaking. But compared to the variety and expansiveness of the other sites, the views here felt more limited. Still, standing at the edge of those cliffs, with the Atlantic roaring beneath, was unforgettable.

Lunch with Crows

By midday, my foresight paid off. I grabbed a soda and chips from a shop, then sat at a picnic table with my PB&J. The sun was still shining, the views still clear, and I was perfectly content – until the crows arrived.

Apparently, the Cliffs of Moher are home to a lively population of crows who know exactly where the food is. Within minutes, I had a small audience. Let’s just say I shared more than a few bread crusts and may have unintentionally trained a couple of them. My camera roll is now full of crow selfies and videos.

The Burren: Science, History, and Stone

After leaving the cliffs, we headed to the Burren, a starkly beautiful landscape of limestone rock formations. Here we met a local guide who walked us through the area, weaving together geology, botany, and history.

The Burren is unlike anywhere else in Ireland – craggy, rocky, and deceptively treacherous underfoot. Hiking up a small hill required careful steps, and I was surprised no one twisted an ankle. The guide pointed out the Aran Islands in the distance, a group of three islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer) known for their rugged beauty, traditional Irish culture, and famous Aran sweaters. If you’ve ever seen those thick, cable-knit wool sweaters, this is where they originated.

Lisdoonvarna: Matchmaking Capital of Ireland

On our way back, we passed through Lisdoonvarna, a town famous for its annual matchmaking festival. Every September, thousands flock here to find love – or at least a good story. The tradition dates back over 150 years, when local matchmakers helped farmers and villagers connect. Today, it’s part festival, part cultural celebration, with music, dancing, and plenty of craic (fun).

Even just driving through, you could feel the town’s quirky charm.

The Corkscrew Road: A Driver’s Test

The journey back to Lahinch took us along the “corkscrew” road, a twisting, narrow route that looks like a spiral from above. Navigating it in a coach bus is no small feat, but our driver Michael handled it like a pro. Watching him maneuver past other buses on those tight turns made me grateful I wasn’t behind the wheel.

Lahinch: Wool Temptations and Seaside Strolls

Back in Lahinch, we had a few hours of free time before our farewell dinner. I wandered through shops, eyeing wool sweaters I knew I’d rarely wear back home in Texas. The temptation was real, but I resisted. Instead, I walked along the sea, savoring the last of the sunshine.

Farewell Dinner: Seafood and Goodbyes

Dinner that evening was at a cozy local restaurant just steps from our hotel. Being so close to the sea, the seafood was predictably delicious. We reminisced about the trip, shared laughs, and said our goodbyes to Catherine and Michael.

Some continued the night at a pub, but those of us with early departures headed back to pack.

Pre-Dawn Departure: Stars and Speed

My alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. for a 4:30 departure. With no Ubers in Lahinch, the hotel helped me arrange a car the day before. After a week of coach travel, zipping through Irish backroads in a small car felt surreal. We flew down winding roads under a sky full of stars – the Big Dipper shining brighter than I’d ever seen it.

We reached Shannon Airport in just 40 minutes, far quicker than expected, leaving me with time to grab breakfast and reflect on the week.

The Journey Home

From Shannon to Heathrow to DFW, the trip home was long but smooth. I scored an emergency exit row seat for the transatlantic leg, which gave me extra legroom but less hip room thanks to the tray table in the armrest. I passed the time with an audiobook, which made the hours fly by.

By the time I landed in Texas, my luggage was waiting (woo-hoo!), and my heart was full of memories.

Reflections

Ireland gave me cliffs, crows, corkscrew roads, and countless moments of laughter and awe. The Cliffs of Moher may not have topped my list, but they were still a highlight. The Burren taught me to tread carefully, Lisdoonvarna reminded me of Ireland’s playful traditions, and Lahinch gave me one last seaside stroll.

Travel isn’t about ranking experiences – it’s about collecting them. And this day was a collection I’ll treasure.

FAQ: Visiting the Cliffs of Moher and Beyond

Q: How long should I plan to spend at the Cliffs of Moher? A: Two to three hours is plenty. Walk both directions along the cliffs, enjoy the views, and leave time for the visitor center if the weather turns.

Q: Are the Cliffs of Moher crowded? A: Yes, even early in the morning. Arrive as early as possible or later in the evening for fewer crowds.

Q: What is the Burren known for? A: The Burren is famous for its limestone landscape, rare plants, and archaeological sites. It’s a mix of science, history, and natural beauty.

Q: What are the Aran Islands? A: A group of three islands off Ireland’s west coast, known for traditional Irish culture, rugged scenery, and the iconic Aran sweaters.

Q: What is Lisdoonvarna’s matchmaking festival? A: An annual September event where thousands gather for music, dancing, and matchmaking – a tradition dating back over 150 years.

Q: Is Lahinch worth visiting? A: Absolutely. It’s a charming seaside town with shops, restaurants, proximity to the Cliffs of Moher and a famous golf course. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.