Exploring Sixmilebridge
Trip Start
Jan 23, 2007
1
6
20
Trip End
Jul 2007
Sixmilebridge, Ireland
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Today, I explored Sixmilebridge. Located about 12km east of Shannon Airport, in County (Co) Clare, this town is one example of the endearing images which Americans like me have about Ireland. I estimate that its population is between 500 and 2000, the wide variation being due to me not knowing where exactly the city limits of Sixmilebridge fall. It's basically a town center with about five arteries of road with shops, houses, pubs, and a factory or two lining them. There is a small river (about 5 meters / 15 ft across) flowing through the town. There is one semi-major road running through the town (R462), but you wouldn't know it, seeing as all roads I've seen in Ireland so far are only big enough to fit two cars in them - literally, there is NO SHOULDER, and the sides of the road are usually raised or at a fair slant! The landmarks around the town are Bunratty Castle, about 6km south, and Knappogue Castle, 5km north
Jamaica Inn & Hostel
.Back to my explorations. I walked up and down several roads, and I can see why the road fatalities are at 26 so far this year, down from 41 at this time last year! But on the side roads there wasn't much traffic, so I felt fairly safe. I visited the old castle become library and used their computer for a bit. I saw a couple grade/middle-schools; they were at recess, and playing some sort of P.E. game with either an Irish football or a rugby ball. I took a picture of the gates to a hurling field, and some pictures of the river with its tame geese and ducks. Then I enjoyed lunch at a small French cafe - a scrumptious mixed greens salad made fresh for me. It's worth noting that, although I was half-expecting a plate of thrown-together varieties of lettuce, I was surprised to be served a hand-tossed and delicious salad of lettuce, beans, olives, peppers, and other veggies. It also took the lady about 15 minutes to make it for me; when I noticed how carefully she went about preparing it, and the few other patrons chatting idly, it sank in that people really do go about life a little slower here. And I love it! However, they make up for that relaxed attitude when they are driving 60 kmh (about 35 mph) along these 12ft-wide streets!
I also took some pictures of the outsides of three churches I came across
Map of Sixmilebridge
. There are seven or so public houses (pubs) in town, so I think I'll be eating at one of them tomorrow night. Tonight, I made myself sauteed parsnips, scrambled eggs with cheese, and toast. I don't know that it's ever been cooked before, but I enjoyed it. Oh, and about forty Spaniards arrived at the hostel to stay the night. They're a rugby team, about university-age I'd say. They had a couple coaches and a cook, and were preparing dinner in the kitchen with me. I look forward to socializing with them tonight while I enjoy my first Polish beer, which I purchased at one of the grocers. I'll let you know how that goes. For now, slan ("goodbye," or the equivalent thereof).Addendum: I just realized that about 15 photos of Sixmilebridge (the churches, hurling field, city, etc...) have gone missing, so if you notice them anywhere, let me know. I hope I didn't delete them!
