Dad and I enjoyed a short, smooth flight from Boston directly into Shannon. I’m pretty sure the last time I received a meal on a plane was when Stacey and I flew to Ireland in 2023, so it felt like a bit of a novelty. Better yet, the meal was actually delicious! The just-over-five-hour flight passed quickly, and before we knew it, we were touching down nearly thirty minutes ahead of schedule. As international travel becomes faster and more convenient, the world somehow seems to grow a little smaller with each passing year.
Ryan had stayed across the street from the airport, so it wasn’t long before we were reunited and on our way in our rental car for the week. With the adventure officially underway, we pointed the car toward our first destination: the seaside town of Kilkee.
Arriving before the crowds, we were able to enjoy the famous Kilkee Cliff Walk in near solitude. The views were simply spectacular. Towering cliffs plunged dramatically into the Atlantic, while waves crashed against the rugged shoreline below. Every turn seemed to reveal another postcard-worthy scene.
In fact, I would put the experience on the same level as the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. (See post from 2023 https://sea2seastories.com/doolin-the-walk-7-9-23/ ) The scenery was every bit as awe-inspiring, but with one major advantage: far fewer people. Instead of weaving through crowds, we were free to soak in the beauty at our own pace, making the walk feel even more special. It was a magnificent introduction to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic coast and a perfect first stop on our Three Generations Golf Getaway.
We needed coffee, so Ryan found us a great spot right in Kilkee, and we treated ourselves to sausage rolls too!
From Kilkee, we made our way to the village of Killimer to catch the car ferry across the broad estuary that separates County Clare from County Kerry. The roughly twenty-five-minute crossing is one of the great travel shortcuts in western Ireland, shaving a couple of hours off the drive toward Ballybunion.
The time savings alone would make it worthwhile, but the ferry ride is an enjoyable experience in its own right. Stepping out onto the deck, we were able to breathe in the fresh Atlantic air, admire the surrounding scenery, and enjoy a relaxing break from the road. There is something refreshing about slowing down for a few minutes and simply watching the shoreline drift by.
By the time we rolled off the ferry and continued our journey south, all three generations were in complete agreement: the crossing was a fantastic part of the day. Convenient, scenic, and relaxing—it earned a unanimous double thumbs up from our crew. 👍👍
Lunch at The Horseshoe hit the spot, and the great service kept us ahead of schedule. We took the opportunity to swing by Ballybunion before checking in to our AirBnB to rest and relax.
After much needed naps and dinner at The Bunker Bar near The Old Course at Ballybunion, we took a brief stroll on a windy beach before retiring to our cottage for the night.
We said goodnight to the goats and horses in the yard, and Ryan built a fire of wood and turf that smells delicious. All in all, it was a pretty damned good first day of 🇮🇪3GIS🏴
