April 12--Oughterard to Clifden

We arose early, as we were asked to be out of the cottage by 10:00, so it could be readied for its next arrivals.  We actually bid Amelia farewell at 9:30 and were on our way to the Clifden Trad Music Festival. On route to Clifden, we drove beside the Killery River, which was speeding past the roadway. We stopped at Ballynhinch Castle for tea. Everywhere we turned, there were sheep--in the fields, along the roadways and, sometimes, on the road. 

We arrived before lunch at our lodging for the night and, since our room at The Quay House, recommended by Linda at Number 31, was not ready, we walked into the city center for lunch. We window shopped for awhile, resisting the urge to purchase. We had firmly decided, before the trip, not to make our visit a shopping expedition. We had only slightly violated this agreement, and we were clearly out of space for any purchase other than a very small piece of jewelry.  



After lunch at a Clifden pub, we stopped by the 2:00 trad fest session at Mannion's Bar, where local musicians and dancers held forth.  

After listening for awhile, we returned to The Quay House and moved into our room.  The innkeepers, Paddy and Julia, had, repeatedly, been selected as Innkeepers of the Year.  They certainly lived up to their reputation.  Our only disappointment was the extremely weak internet signal that could only be accessed in the drawing room...and then, infrequently.























We were given the "Mirror Room" for our two night stay. 
 The room was replete with mirrors and antiques, 
including antique hats, as illustrated by the Lord of the 
Manor.

We returned to Clifden City Center for dinner at Marconi's, where John's toast was to "kicking up our heels" and mine was to "trad music."   We hung around for awhile so that the professional musicians--"Return of the Dartry"-- could set up.  In somewhat chilly weather, about 100 of us stood in front of an improvised stage, and listened to excellent and entertaining music for almost two hours before returning to our room and a welcome night's sleep..