Driving Ireland, Cliffs of Moher and Tollymore Forest: Honeymoon 2014

We left Dublin in our little rental car the next day (Monday am) We drove on a regular two lane highway all the way west across the country and eventually made our way south to the Cliffs of Moher. The roads once we started going south turned into regular (by our standard) roads. Two lanes going opposite directions. They are placed between large stone walls that were built way before cars existed, and the speed limit is was crazy high. I was scared to go 40! I had to pull over a couple times to let someone in a rush pass me. The countryside was beautiful and it didn't help that we kept slowing down to see the sights. We passed a few lonesome castle towers and then a real castle! Dunguaire Castle built in 1520.

After we enjoyed this quick stop, we kept winding along the roads to the cliffs. By the time we got there the rain had just let up. We went up the visitor side first to get some great views of the cliffs. It was REALLY cold so I bought an Irish wool headband to keep me warm.

Pictures from here on are from walking south along the cliff tops. There was a path keeping walkers at a safe distance from the edge but it didn't go very far before we were forced directly on the clifftop. We were careful not to get too close. Only later did we hear that people died a few years back from being blown off the tops. Thankfully the wind wasn't strong enough. (Sorry Moms!)

Once the wind had chilled us thoroughly and it looked like more rain was blowing in, we went back to the car and checked into the hotel. It was just outside a very small town called Doolin where we had dinner and had front row seats to some authentic Irish music played by the locals.

Wednesday morning we had breakfast at our little hotel and hit the road. Winding our way back to the highway, then heading Northwest towards Belfast. We were traveling exclusively on narrow winding roads this time but the views were spectacular.

We stopped at Tollymore Forest Park. It's full of old bridges, stepping stones and hideaways. It's also where Game of Thrones filmed scenes anytime they showed the North - First, where a member of the Night's Watch discovered bodies the White Walkers left behind. Then when Ned found the Direwolf Puppies that he gave to his kids. Also where Theon Greyjoy ran away from psycho Ramsey. It was all filmed in these woods.