Enistymon

Hello from Wisconsin,
Yes, I would go there. I would also go to Ennis which is bigger and busier of the two. Ennistymon reminds me of Ireland from the 1970s. Sure it is more colorful and cleaned up, but it still has the Ireland of my youth. County Clare is a county to spend some time in. There is the iconic Poulnabrone Dolman, Cliffs of Moher, all the pretty little villages, and the limestone karst. This exposed limestone is worth walking around on. Look into the crevasses. Each is like its own terrarium. Plants grow on this karst from as far away as the Arctic and the Mediterranean. Or so they say.

Speaking of Poulnabrone. If you get a really good map you will find that this county is littered with megalithic monuments. Google Killinaboy, Ireland and zoom in on the road that runs through that village from lower right to upper left. As you leave Killinaboy heading out NW take the first road to the right (kind of north). This road has a very noticeable switch back not long after you turn on to it. Google maps shows a number of Megalithic items along this road. And they are there. Plus, last time I visited this road it was one of the few that had escaped the Irish Tiger housing boom.

If you want a real Irish trek, continue on this road to Cahercommaun castle. It is up on the right side of this road. You have to take the path that is signposted at the beginning, probably more than a quarter mile to this 4th century remnant of a castle. Hint, you won't be running into tourists, only sheep. and their droppings. The wind swept views and wildness at this castle is intoxicating.

Ennistymon, yes. County Clare, YES.
wayne iNWI

thanks so much! great ideas. I loved Clare on a previous holiday. But so much to see...