Sore Feet and Happy Hearts

So today was our 'unplanned day', which for me was unnerving since I need an itinerary to feel safe. However, it was an absolutely beautiful day.
We picked two towns on the map and decided to just go explore them. First, we went to Kinvara. It was a quaint little town right next to the ocean. I really loved the quiet feel of it. All the stores and pubs were brightly painted. Across the inlet of ocean was the Dunguaire Castle. It was a 16th century castle which was used as a defense. We got to climb all the way to the top and looked out on to the ocean.
We went to Ballyvaughn next. It was also a small town nestled near the ocean, but it was also rift in The Burren , which means the rocky place. Once thing we've learned here is there are a ton of rocks. Everywhere. We decided to do an 'easy' walking loop through the Burren. However, we did not get on the right trail and ended up playing frogged on the streets of death. We were pressed against the thorn bushes on the side of the road, sidewalk less and terrified of the crazy Irish drivers.
Finally we made it the Aiwee caves. Our feet were burning and we welcomed the team ride up the mountain and the cool refreshing caves. Not only did we get to see an underground water fall, but we got a great view from the top of the mountain.
We rewarded ourselves for the long hike with an ice cream and free fudge samples and began the long walk back. Which got longer, and longer, an longer the more we walked.
The whole trip took about 4 hours and we immediately looked for a good pub to sit down and eat. We had a very awkward experience with a woman who refused to talk to us in the bar till we asked for water. She gave us glass bottles of water, and we realized we were going to get charged. So we attempted to politely give them back to her. She explained that they didn't serve food, so we left. Disappointed and moving at a glacier pace. We got to a great bar very slap happy and happy to finally sit down and wait for our bus.
We ordered delicious food, my second real meal since I've been to Ireland. Mini steak with mushrooms and onions. Mmmmm.
We got back to Galway at around 8 an I went to bed early, extremely happy to lay in y nice warm bed. It was our lay night in the Galway house and I planned to enjoy it fully.