Wild Atlantic Way and a lost Lab

Where had the sun gone? Since arriving in Ireland 11 days ago we have had almost wall to wall sunshine. This morning we woke to grey skies with mizzle in the air. Got away much earlier than normal as we suddenly realised that almost 2 weeks have gone by and we have only travelled 460 miles. At this rate parts of Northern Ireland may be out of the question.

So another decision made. Let's do the Wild Atlantic Way. 1,500 miles along the West Coast of Ireland starting South at Kinsale and finishing North at Malin Head. Some we have already done (the Ring of Kerry is part of it) and we do still want to go Dingle. Some sidetracking will also be on the cards no doubt.

Grey skies this morning

But by mid-afternoon, there was a considerable improvement. 

Love this idea. Countdown from when first turned red to green.

Our starting point for the Atlantic way was at Glengarriff. To go to the furthest point West on the Ring of Beara meant a slightly terrifying trip to the point. Showing on the map as an R road (the Beast can travel these roads) both of us were horrified when the road got narrower and narrower. Then the one thing I had been dreading happened. Another motorhome travelling towards us.

We were lucky that a convenient passing place was directly opposite so with us all breathing in just about managed to squeeze past. Next few photos show of the road we had to travel.

The R road. Not many vehicles travel along this route, thank goodness.

At the furthest point was a car park with a cable car to Dursey Island. Managed to turn the Beast okay and then walked to see if it was worth taking the cable car to the island. For €20 we decided to give it a miss especially as walking to a church and tower seemed to be the only things to do.

Dursey Island

Time was getting on so looking for a place to park for the night was high on our priority list. On route, we went through some small towns and admired the highly coloured houses.

And talking about colours....ever seen a blue sheep?

At a place called Kilmakilloge viewpoint, the app Ian had on his phone 'where to park for the night' showed to motorhome places available. We arrived before anyone else so had the pick of the spot. Soon after several more tried to come in but only one managed the second spot.

Went for a walk along the pebbled beach and Ian reverted back to his childhood by skimming stones trying ever harder to beat his measly two bounces. He failed miserably

Back at the Beast, a kettle was on when a loud panting brought our attention to outside the van. A yellow Lab had wondered down. Quite an old Lab by all appearance, limping badly and without a collar. Looking for a suitable container to give it a drink, the Lab headed back in the direction it came. "Must be a local dog" thought I. But not 5 minutes later it was back. This time the dog excepted the offering of water and because I was so concerned, walked to the nearest house to see if anyone knew who it belonged to. Unfortunately, I drew a blank but was given the number of the local pub in case it had been reported missing. But before we had a chance to phone the pub, the Lab without a backward glance walked back along the track. So far it has not returned but with the road being quite narrow I fear for its life.

And a few wildlife at the viewing point.