Typical Burren landscape

The day started very wet, once again.  We went into Ballyvaughan, it was grey and very wet when we went into the craft shop, but by the time we left, the sun was coming out, and the ground was drying up.

So we decided to risk a short walk, in the hope of finding a spring gentian.  We walked up a lane and then up the beginning of the Burren Way.  Several rather challenging stiles to clamber over.  The weather was improving all the time, and I had to strip off my raincoat quite soon after setting off.  The cuckoo kept up a pretty constant background noise.

Not a sign of a gentian.  But lots of other spring wild flowers.  Early in the walk we passed a sign informing us about some narrow leaved bitter cress (first extra), a protected species, possibly introduced to this one spot, as it is the only place it grows on the Burren.  

We then drove to Gort, via back roads.  Soon after setting off, I demanded a stop, to get this picture of a typical Burren landscape.  

We also passed Kilmacduagh, an extensive range of monastery buildings dating from the 12th and 13th centuries (2nd extra).  The round tower probably dates from the 12th century, and was  a place of refuge for the monks if attacked.  It really is leaning, it is not the photographer's wine intake to blame!

Our mission to Gort having been successful (Gunpowder Irish gin found and purchased) we returned back to our apartment.  The sun is still shining, the birds are singing, and we have to pack up, ready to leave at some unearthly hour in the morning.