Ennistymon

Today we left mid-morning to head to Ennistymon.  After packing up the condo and loading the car we hit the road. We arrived at Ennistymon and found Byrne's easily.  It is a beautiful place on "The Cascades",that run through the town under a beautiful 7 arch stone bridge.  It was raining when we arrived so we left our bags in the car and went right to lunch at the Byrne's Restaurant. Thom had fish and chips and I had a panini. Thom said it was the best fish and chips he had ever had--I can't second this...he ate it so quickly I didn't get a bite! The Byrne family are all very nice and welcoming.

After lunch we went up to our room which is super cute. It has a window overlooking The Cascades. The sound of the water falling is so relaxing. I think we've got the best view in the place! We then walked around the town. This town is not touristy, which is really nice. We walked to the different churches, pubs, memorials, and stores.  After walking around a bit, we stopped at a pub called "Eugene's" where Eugene was working the bar.  He and Thom had a lengthy discussion on whiskeys.  Thom tried 4 new whiskeys.  I thought the pub was unique because it's decor was business cards placed all over the walls of people who have visited previously (unfortunately we don't have any business cards as teachers...).  Eugene also did all the woodwork and painting in the bar which was very intricate. The pub is below his house and he invited us up to see the woodwork in his house, which was beautiful.  

We then came back the room to relax.  Seriously, this view is amazing.

Once dinner time arrived, we headed back down to the restaurant. All of the locals raved about the food.  We enjoyed a bottle of wine. Thom got the braised lamb and I got the chicken breast stuffed with feta and wrapped in ham. OH MY GOODNESS! Seriously, OUT OF THIS WORLD. I loved the dinner. Everything was cooked perfectly with delicious flavors. The foodie in me was in heaven.  I then got dessert....because, why not! I got the apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, which again, awesome!!! Such good food. 

After dinner we went to a pub down the road that was to have Irish Music.  There were 7 people in the "band".  There was no singing (except for this cute old man who sang acapella), but the band was fun to watch.  The woman playing the spoons was my favorite- she was concentrating so hard! I also liked her because she reminded me of Grandma Funke.  After a drink at this pub, we went back to Eugene's.  Thom and Eugene get along well and we sat by the fireplace and chatted. Thom said that Eugene reminded him of his father, Joe.

Tomorrow we are doing the Cliffs of Moher. I'm looking forward to breakfast downstairs in the morning! More tomorrow!