We were suffering from cabin sickness the other weekend and the remedy for this malady is long drive, on roads which at this time of the year are relatively deserted and free from tourist traffic. So we headed west with a flask of coffee, freshly made rolls and our four legged companion Toby to the Burren in west Clare.
To see the best of this area it is necessary to drive along the narrowest tarmac road that you can find, for it is on them that gems are hidden.
In one of the folds of the Burren limestone sits an almost cottage type industry known as The Burren Perfumery, which is a great draw for tourists as well as the indigenous population who are looking high quality organic perfumes, many of which are made from plants that grow in this remarkable area.
The perfumery is well sheltered from the winds by the spindly trees that surround this unique place and the approach from it's small car parks are via twisty paths which terminate on a large level courtyard.
The shop is light and airy with plenty of space for visitors to roam around and inspect the various products, all of which have testers so that you can find perfect scent for you.
What I find particularly good is that the staff are warm and very friendly, you feel as if you have known them for years.
Shop entrance
On the opposite side of the courtyard is the cafe where various beverages are served, among which are the mouth watering, delicious homemade cakes and fruit tarts, all of which are organic. Even the milk that goes into your tea or coffee comes from an Irish organic farm.
For further information please visit: http://www.burrenperfumery.com
I have never been to Ireland. I remember when I told my father that I was going to New Zealand he wanted me to see the British Isles first.
ReplyDeleteShould I get back one day Ireland is definitely on my bucket list. The Burren sounds fascinating - thanks for the post.
I suggest Susan that when you do manage to visit Ireland that you bring an umbrella :-)
DeleteA perfect remedy for cabin fever, Mel. It all looks too lovely, and your country lanes are a delight!
ReplyDeleteThank you Val you are correct plus those perfumes along with a glass of Elderflower cordial in the cafe were an excellent remedy.
DeleteI would so love to visit. Thank's for the little jaunt.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne I Am sure that you would love this country.
DeleteWhat a completely charming shop. I would be lost in there for hours.
ReplyDeleteYes Anne-Marie, I can imagine that you would be! :-)
DeleteI've been there.
ReplyDeleteI trust that you found your visit pleasing Harlow.
DeleteI always enjoy a visit to the Burren Perfumery - a hidden gem.
ReplyDeleteThis time I came away with a reminder of the West coast - bath sea salts scented with kelp and Irish moss.
Thank you, Heron.
You are very welcome m'dear ;-)
DeleteWhat a beautiful day, I have to say that when we visited Ireland one summer we almost froze. It was beautiful, but cold and wet. When is the best time to visit ?
ReplyDeleteJanet that is a very difficult question. Generally, the warmest times in Ireland are from May to September and the temperature rarely rises above 70 deg F, although we do from time to time have extremes of temperatures throughout that period. Rain is never far away especially in the west and south west.
DeleteMy best advice is to either bring warm clothing with you or to purchase some of our Aran jumpers at your earliest opportunity, in other words Be Prepared.
Our expected weather this week Janet
ReplyDeleteToday's Weather Sunday 13 April 2014
A few bright or sunny intervals today but overall rather cloudy. Dry in most areas but some light showers are likely in the North and Northwest. Highest temperatures will range 11 to 14 degC in moderate to fresh West to Northwest winds, strong and blustery around coastal areas in the North.
Tonight's Weather
Tonight will be dry, apart from a few light showers in the far North. Rather cloudy with clear spells developing and some mist and fog patches as the winds ease. Turning cold with lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees and a touch of grass frost in places.
today's weather
Tomorrow
Tomorrow will be dry with mist, low cloud and fog lifting to give some bright or sunny intervals. Very little wind and highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.
3 Day Outlook
Monday night will be dry and calm. A good deal of cloud is likely but some clear spells also leading to mist and fog patches forming, becoming dense in places. It will be cold also, with the risk of some grass frost in Southern areas.
Tuesday will be a dry day with sunny spells. Moderate South to Southeast breezes will develop becoming blustery along the West and Southwest coast. It will become milder with highest temperatures 12 to 16 degrees, the highest values in the Midlands, Mid-west and Northwest of the country.
On Wednesday, after a dry start with some sunshine, cloud will increase from the Northwest bringing outbreaks of rain and drizzle to Ulster, Connacht and West Munster, spreading to remaining parts of the country during the evening and early night. It will still be a mild day with temperatures in the low to mid-teens.
Thursday looks likely being a cooler day with moderate to fresh Northwest winds. A mixture of sunshine and scattered showers is expected with the showers, mostly affecting Northern and Northwestern areas.
Thursday night will be mainly dry and cold with mist and fog patches setting in as the winds ease. Temperatures will fall close to freezing giving some ground frost.
Good Friday looks mainly dry and rather cool with some bright or sunny intervals, though some rain may develop in Northwestern coastal areas later in the day.
What a wonderful way to spend the day. and you took fresh rolls yumm.. and your pooch.. everybody must have had a lovely break.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gwen. The day was very enjoyable and I shall be posting up Part 2 of our adventures of that day in my next post. I just felt that The Perfumery had to come first :-)
DeleteSo glad I came across this post! The Burren Perfumery is one of my most favorite places to stop - I've been to Ireland 3 times and can't wait to come back. I love sitting outside (or inside) the Tea Room drinking some tea and enjoying something yummy - last time was chocolate cake with cream!! But I really loved walking through their gardens - so beautiful and serene! Thank you for taking me back there for a bit!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Marilyn and the land hopes to host you again, whenever that will be.
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