Riding Stats (Link to Tom’s Strava)
Accommodations (daily mileage, elevation, etc.)
Route Tracker (track our northbound ride on a Google Map)
Today was what we might call a “utility ride”, a ride without a lot of glitz and glamour but it got us where we needed to be.
We said so long to County Kerry as County Clare welcomed us aboard a ferry ride to Killimer.
Just two things to share today and both involve PODS: Our Pint Size Pub of the Day Review and our digs for the night. Let’s get to pints first.🍺
We walked to Buggles Pub in howling wind and sheets of rain. At least it was at our backs. I mean we couldn’t NOT do it. How could we quit on the Pub of the Day on the second day? Besides… we were thirsty.
When we walked in and asked for two Guinness, owner Carmel asked us if these were our first ones. 😂 We must really look like we’re on holiday.
No, we said, and grinned, “This is our 30th pub and we’ve been riding bikes around Ireland for 12 days.” Now this brought a smile to our new friend’s stoic face.
This traditional Irish pub dates back to around 1800 and the building itself was one of the first buildings in the area.
It has been operated by three generations of the Buggle family. Christopher, Carmel’s father worked for the West Clare Railroad and when it closed in 1961, and he began his work at Buggles. As a side note, Carmel shared that the railroad opened in 1887 and was extended to Kilrush and Kilkee in 1892. We’ll cycle through Kilkee tomorrow.
Carmel has nine siblings (two living in the US) and we shared a lot about our lives, and how to “fix” the troubles today. She is the most delightful, interesting lady and I’m so grateful to have met her.
And for the Irish history and hospitality Carmel shared, we raise our glass to Buggles, our Pub of the Day.
When we walked out of Buggles the sun had returned, typical of Ireland’s constantly changing weather.
Onto our next POD. Our glamping pod at the marina was unique and much appreciated in the fierce evening winds. Our tent would have been trembling. Heck, I thought the pod was going to slide off the dock.
Super clean, hot showers and bathrooms were available in the marina just a short walk away. A hot pot, mini fridge, microwave and sink were also included in our pod.
What will Tom come up with next? 🤷🏼♀️ Whatever it is, it’s always perfect.
Towns we cycled through today included Abbeydorney, Lixnaw, Finuge, Listowel, Ballylongford, Tarbert and Killimer. Glad we missed Ballybunion because just sounds painful.😣
More big winds are forecasted for tomorrow as we ride around the Loop Head Peninsula and make our way toward Doonbeg for a night of camping.
Click on the image below to view today’s video:
Keep Calm and Pedal On 