Day 16 - July 22

After all our things finished drying out overnight, we were ready to head off by 9:00. We found the dolphin, Fungie, who is the town's ambassador. I also found a lovely woolen shop I might have to make my way back to :).  
We followed back lanes for a while before arriving in Ventry. We found a lovely cafe that served scones so we ate those with a coffee / hot chocolate, before carrying on and heading down to the beach. The weather was lovely on the Carhoo beach and included a horse and rider in the water for a full effect. 

Headed back up into the hills following the path through sheep and cattle fields. 



We marvelled at many of the archeological ruins of Clochains. 

No one really knows who built them and used them but they are of ancient Celtic tradition and pre-date to 700 AD. There were also some beehive huts to be seen but most of these have been rebuilt from the 18th century although they date much further back than that. 




We followed Slea Head Drive and went to explore the remains of a Lios (or Rath / Ringfort). This was a group of circular dwellings possibly dating back from the Iron Age to early Christian times. It was said these were "fairy forts" as there are many tales involving fairies and the farmers interacting with them. 

We climbed higher into the shoulder of Eagle Mountain and missed a turn which led us up the slopes toward the summit.  Thankfully we realized our mistake about 1/3 of the way up, and made our way back down to the path. We carried on to Slea Head (Point) which overlooks the Blasket Islands. Incredible views, craggy rocks and sunny skies! 




We were exhausted by the time we reached Dunquin, as expected and called the local taxi to pick us up and take us to Ballyferriter (another 7 km more away). 




We cleaned up and walked across the street to Tigh Ui Chathain. We enjoyed traditional pub food along with cider and Smithwicks ale. Then we added on Irish coffees and Baileys liquor. This was so we could sit back and enjoy the live local entertainment. Wonderful end to the day!

Hiked 24 km