The Gap of Dunloe

Well it looks like our rock climbing in the Burren is over for a while. Rather than hang around in the persistent heavy rain for the next few days, we've packed up and headed south where the weather is looking marginally better. It took about three hours, passing through Limerick to arrive at the MacGillycuddy's Reeks - the mountain range that is home to Ireland's Highest Peak. The closer we got to the Gap of Dunloe, the more the traffic changed to horse and carts!

To actually drive up into the gap (think Hardknott Pass), seemed to be highly unrecommended, although plenty of cars seemed to be heading that way. We parked up at Kate's Cottage with the optimistic plan of getting some rock climbing in.

By the time we had the rucsacks shouldered, a almighty downpour opened above us. We tossed the gear back in the van and made a run for the cafe! Heather's Tea shop can be highly recommended as it's just set back form the main car park and therefore, not crazy busy. We settled into a bright corner for 'a meeting' and a bit of research.

After the brew and the passing of several more showers, things seemed to be brightening up. Not enough to dry the rock out, but enough to go and have an explore up the valley on foot.

Watching out for passing horse and carts laden with tourists, we made our way up to the 'Wishing Bridge', where the river level was increasing.

We found a quiet place to sit and enjoy the views, before returning to the van to find somewhere to spend the night. The rain kept pushing though in waves, but we were cosy enough with brews and books in the back of the van.