Trifter

FOYNES on the River Shannon in the South East of Ireland is many ways the land that time forgot. There is an air of timelessness and a laid back attitude in this area, yet at one time this sleepy town was the bustling centre of the aviation world.

The Foynes Flying Boat Museum tells the story of these stirring times.  The Yankee Clipper was a PanAm luxury flying boat that was designed to cross the Atlantic Ocean and made the first commercial passenger flight from the USA to Europe. The museum on the sight of the airport serves a wonderful cup of Irish Coffee, which was probably really appreciated by the cold and wet passengers.

Oliver Cromwell said of the region “there is not enough water to drown a man, enough wood to hang him nor earth to bury him.”

However the indigenous plant life on the Burren is prolific with Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean species growing on the riven limestone of this headland.

The has over 90 megalithic tombs and a number of ring forts which have been lovingly restored with the help of local people.

It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The sea cliffs at Ailladie offer a challenge to even the most skilled of rock-climbers. Doolin, a impressive small tourist village, makes an ideal base for potholers who wish to explore the caves on the Cliffs of Mohar.

Bunratty Castle is a large tower house, which has been knocked about a bit in its time.  It was bought in the 1950s and reroofed and restored.

Just outside is Durty Nellie’s, a typically Irish pub that is named after the feisty Irish Woman who run it during the 17th Century.

The best way to end the in this area is to enjoy a plate of thick Irish Stew and sample some of the legendary black comfort that is brewed in Dublin.