Today’s ride was through the Connemara district.

A short detour to see the town of Roundstone.

It’s always nice to get off the busier roads. More sheep than cars in this section.

32 mikes today. I went to EJ Kings for dinner

and found another enthusiastic crowd watching Gaelic football – a traditional Irish sport that blends elements of rugby, soccer, and basketball. The players can advance the ball down the field using a mix of carrying, hand-passing, bouncing, and kicking.

The ferry left at noon.

I retrieved my bike from the ticket office in Rossaveel and turned over my suitcase to the porter service. Time to ride.

This part of Ireland is described as “classic Connemara bogland.”

Entrance to tonight’s B&B.

Hydrangeas seem to flourish in Ireland.

Carna is a traditional Irish-speaking fishing village on the shores of Bertraghboy Bay with just one place for an evening meal, Tigh Mheaic.

26 miles today. View from the side yard of the B&B.

A taxi picked me up at 8:45 and delivered me to the ferry dock for a 9:30 departure. Ebikes are not allowed on the ferry. The ebike I was riding would be picked up and delivered to the next stop in Rossaveel for pickup tomorrow.

2 1/2 hours later, we arrived at Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran islands. It was a short walk to tonight’s B&B.

A few steps away was the bike hire for today.

Today’s ride was short, just 12 miles. There were two designated routes. I took the red route headed for Dun Aonghasa.

Lunch stop for a lobster roll. OMG!

The return was on the green route closer to the water.

And back to Kilronan for a rest, shower, dinner and a Rí-Rá.

Just out of town, Dunguaire Castle.

The first separated bike path encountered!

Coming up behind me, the Colorado group waving and smiling.

Dinner at Monroe’s Tavern.

Tonight’s B&B: Consilio. The 3rd floor window to the right is my tiny room. 30 steps up a narrow staircase.

24 miles today.

I put the battery into my ebike and discovered it hadn’t charged. I had to plug it in and wait a couple of hours before I could leave. Goodbye Doolin.

Today’s ride would be over/through the Burren – a rocky limestone section of Ireland.

Best stop of the day: the Burren Perfumery – gardens and production facility.

Plus a tea room with delicious carrot cake and lemonade.

The final 10 miles. The not-busy one-lane (with two-way traffic) roads are so bumpy!! It’s impossible to go faster than 8 mph. even on downhills.

Fallon’s B&B – tonight’s accommodation.

Dinner at Pier Head.

30 miles today.

There were options today for loop rides, but I decided to take a day off. I went for a long walk though.

This pitch and putt course looked brutal to me. Nothing but undulations, nothing flat. Sand traps were small, round and looked deep.

Dinner at McDermott’s tonight.

Bangers and mash: sausages and mashed potatoes.

The day started out with sunshine – a welcome change.

Miltown Malbay was jammed with people and cars.

Lahinch, a surf town, was also quite crowded.

The fog continued to thicken as I climbed up to the Cliffs of Moher. I’m sure these cliffs are impressive, but today, this was all I could see.

I bought postcards instead – lol.

The last 4 miles was downhill but on really rough roads.

46 miles today! My B&B for the next two nights.

I walked to McGann’s Pub for dinner. It was packed, everyone (except for the 3 girls and their dad who shared my table) watching hurling on multiple tvs.

Two routes were offered today, short and long . I chose long. Part 1 was along the River Shannon estuary, with a 20+ mph headwind.

Approaching Carrigaholt, with the tower castle in the distance.

Carrigaholt was also the corner where today’s triathlon bike riders made their turn.

Love the sign warning car drivers about what’s ahead. Carrigaholt Castle is a 5-story tower built in 1480 by the MacMahon family.

Rough roads and rain along this section. Lunch stop in Kinbah.

On to Loop Head Lighthouse.

Best part about this stop was the return would be along the Atlantic coastline – all tailwind for the rest of the ride! Plus amazing views.

The last remaining last sea arch – the Bridge of Ross – there used to be three.

Back in Kilkee. 43 miles. Whew.

After breakfast, time to ride.

Three groups left at about the same time. Three Australians, six women from Colorado, and me. Each group rode at their own pace.

My mantra all day: stay on the LEFT side of the road!!

Narrow roads! This single lane is for two-way traffic. If a car was following me, I would pull over when there was a patch of mown grass. All the drivers were so patient, no one ever honked.

About 35 miles today with a 20-mph headwind made for a tiring ride.Temps in the 60s, perfect riding weather.

I have the cutest tiny room.

I wasn’t able to stay at the same hotel for a second night, so packed up, walked around the corner and checked into Old Ground Hotel. Later, I followed a sculpture trail and saw quite a bit of the town.

I couldn’t find “Weathered Woman,” and must have looked lost. A woman about my age asked if I needed help. After I told her the title, she said with a smile, “Well there are quite a few of us walking around town.”

River Fergus:

I met the tour company people at the hotel to get the bike – a Trek! – and an overview of the upcoming ride.

Ready to go!