Well, it's only taken me about twenty-two years, since my University buddy Daragh told me about the rock climbing at The Burren in Western Ireland, but I've finally made it here and gone rock climbing - But only just!...
It was a damp exit from the van and onto the road, but one that was buoyed up by a stop at the artist Mark Joyce's gallery and assorted comedy monuments.
Galway wasn't showing it's best side when we arrived. The main attraction seemed to be the 'Spanish Arch', which, perhaps because of the rain, or perhaps because of the Portaloo display left us with a general sense of under-weldment.
However, all was not lost. The sun came out to allow us an enjoyable coffee stop in the sunshine on the street at Little Lane Coffee Co. Sun on skin, great coffee and people watching perked up the mood no end. We were ready to go find The Burren.
As we rolled around the limestone peninsula, the clouds followed and with them, several squally showers.
In between the rain, it would dry up in the slightest burst of sunlight, so optimistically, we parked up and set out along the cliff top. Most of the climbs require an abseil descent to get to the base, but given the conditions, we made our way to the end of the escarpment, where it's possible to scramble down to the big ledge above the waves, using an in situ section of rope.
Having scoped out the climbs that are not tidal and were accessible, we decided to get on it and chose a route in a corner that I hoped would have a little bit of shelter should another wave of rain pass by. I got half way up when the heavens opened!
Clare was able to shelter under the overhanging cliff base and I tucked into my corner getting wet! I was about to climb down, when I decided to hang on for a minute more as the rain seemed to be easing. Everywhere was soaked, but the upper section of the corner looked to have escaped the worst and the sky did seem to be brightening?
I pressed carefully on upwards and eventually hauled myself up onto the cliff top. Panting and delighted! The sun came out in full force as Clare started climbing, but we could see more rain approaching.
To save a return to the base of the cliff, Clare climbed the route with the packs on, so we could beeline straight for the van once she'd topped out.
We packed up in the sun feeling very lucky to have been given a small window of climbing opportunity. To celebrate the success and also to avoid the coming wet night, we checked into a Hostel for a welcome hot shower, some clean clothes and our first night in an actual bed since leaving The Cottage.
The Burren:
- Genesis, HS (4b)*
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