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!

Mid-morning, I walked about 20 minutes to the Dublin Coach bus stop. Along the way: entrance to St Stephen’s Green Park.

Trinity College:

River Lyffey which divides the city into “north of Lyffey” or “south of Lyffey.” Looking east:

Looking west:

The fastest route to Ennis was by bus, a 4-hour trip on the “big green bus” which was actually a white bus.

What luck: the Ennis bus stop was right in front of the hotel:

My room wasn’t ready, so I wandered around a bit.

Excellent dinner at the hotel watching England beat Congo in World Cup.

Ending with an Irish Irish coffee!