A limestone day

Today began warm and sunny, though rain was forecast for this afternoon. We'd arranged to join a guided tour on the Burren, that wonderful area of limestone pavement around this part of Ireland - and the reason for this particular holiday.

My daughter had arranged with Tony, the guide, to pick us up at the house as it was too far too walk to the start of the tour. There were nine of us in the group - from USA, Australia, Germany - and Scotland. It was quite amazing - the huge number of plants growing in the limestone, stories of the geology, the farming, the wildlife and much other. I hadn't realised just how much standing around there would be and after the three hours was up my legs were killing me! However, it was well worth coming here to hear and see so much.

Tony dropped us off on the way back to the house as I wanted to see Doolin Cave. I'd never hear of it before I came here and was totally gobsmacked - it houses the third longest stalactite in the world at 23ft and the longest in the Northern Hemisphere. My daughter didn't want to come down, so I left her on the surface!  It was 70ft down 120 steps. There was  a thunderstorm while we were down underground! See here -  https://doolincave.ie/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21290283074&gbraid=0AAAAABTTZwUAP9CNVP3GFD_LzN8zHnrve&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2I31-eSgjQMV34BQBh0frjqCEAAYASAAEgKd3fD_BwE . Worth reading. Totally beyond comprehension and today's extra. Long walk back to the house and by the time we got there I could hardly move!