Poll na Bron

"Hollow of the Millstone"
We set off early, and drove north with many stops for little walks, picnics, dog runs and castle-viewing. 
Getting through Limerick was a breeze with all the new roads and bridge which have sprung up since last we went that way.
At Ennis we veered left for a long detour through the Burren. A high, windswept, mainly treeless landscape rich in wildflowers. We stopped in an area that was all tiny walled enclosures, cairns, and a sea of flowers that seemed to flow on to the horizon. (First extra picture).
I was in raptures. There was bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) growing in sheets, so much of it, which I have never seen growing wild before, and harebell and St. John's Wort and coltsfoot, knapweeds and scabious, to name a few, and flowers I had never seen before !
Absolute heaven. 
We found this Portal Tomb and took the short walk to see it but then had to keep going. We drove from Ballyvaughan to Galway with Galway Bay on our left and the strangely naked grey tonsured hills of the Burren on our right. 
Through Galway and onwards into Connemara, watching the mountainous landscapes unfold before us with rising excitement. (Second extra picture ). 
Arrived at our destination - Leenaun - found the hotel, got checked in, took a walk in the gloaming, settled the dogs,  then went to the bar.