IRELAND E2E: 05/24/19

Enjoyed breakfast looking out on the Atlantic with waves crashing in on the shoreline. Dull, drizzle in the air, warm and a wind hopefully from the south or west, hitting me side on as I make my way north. In the morning my body tells me I have to eat but I really don't want much, forcing down poached eggs (protein), toast and tea. Once eaten though I feel so much better. Hopefully there will be fruit tomorrow. A short way into the cycle the drizzle turned heavier and stayed with me to the Mouth of the Shannon where I was catching the Tarbert/Killimer Ferry. Countryside was undulating farmland with huge herds of cattle. I disturbed plenty dogs as I passed but fortunately all were behind gates or fences. Beautiful, grand houses are everywhere, look so out of place. Mr Garmin was in his element whisking me along narrow, twisting back roads where very few people have been before and I made good time. Fortunately the Shannon ferry was running late and I literally arrived and walked on, 5 Euros to cross, 20 minutes. Huge queue of cars but I think everyone managed on, made me feel quite at home. 12.30pm and I was on the other side, now in County Clare with just 20 miles to go. Miraculously, in crossing the Shannon the rain had stopped and the sun was out. Didn't feel like stopping for lunch so ate a couple of biscuits and kept going. Then, of course, the dreaded detour, I was given the option by the lovely Declan of carrying my bike over 400 metres of chips or detouring a couple of miles. Detoured !! Declan told me he had lived in London for 15 years but belonged to Ireland, the pull had proved too strong and he had returned. I asked him how far to Quilty and he said 20 miles, "What", ok then maybe 10. With 5 miles to go Murray met me and guided me to the B&B. Again, overlooking the Atantic Ocean, the sun setting as I write. An easier day, no big hills. All good, loving it !