Blogs from County Galway, Ireland, Europe - page 2

We had reserved space on a full-day tour of Connemara. Turned out to be three of us in a minivan with tour guide Tony! We met him at the Cathedral, which was built in 1965 (just looks old). First stop was Aughnanure Castle, built by the Fearsome O'Flahertys in the 16th century. Close to the shores of Lough Corrib, which was a bit closer at the time, it fell in and out of O'Flaherty hands until transferred to the Office of Public Works. We had a great guide show us around and explain what we were seeing. There was the tower house, surrounded by a wall and a moat and dry dock. A banquet hall was added later, off to the side, and there was another wall farther out, between the house and the lake. Another ... read more

The drive from Dublin to Kilarney was four hours long with one stop . It was pretty enough and I did get to do the blog so I shouldn't complain. Kilarney has a compact town center easy to navigate . There Is a National Park in the center which was once a private estate. There are acres of land , much of it mowed green grass , a mansion/museum and flower beds and pathways all the way down to a lake . Historically there are churches. I have found most of the churches to be Church of Ireland NOT Catholic which surprises me . Dining was again an event . I had roast lamb with a cider for my beverage . Both were great . The evening was capped with a 90 minute Celtic performance . ... read more

WED, 03 AUG 2022 – “Day 4: An Irish Fjord, Connemara National Park and picturesque Westport - We will ‘arise and go now’ through Yeats’ country before heading for Westport, nestled between the Carrowbeg river and in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. Connemara National Park is calling and The Lost Valley, a deserted famine village where the road literally runs out. As we plough through rugged Connemara, we’ll make for Kylemore Abbey, a working Benedictine abbey built on the grounds of an 18th century castle. It has had more than a few past lives and boasts an imposing position at the foot of Druchruach Mountain, overlooking Kylemore Lake. It’s onto Cilfden, ‘the Capital of Connemara’ for the night and it’s time to relax, as you’re officially on West of Ireland time. Why not shuck some Dooncastle ... read more

Ireland the North 2 Day 2 Dublin and Galway Good breakfast at the Gresham before setting out into the Irish drizzle and wander around the Temple area of town. Trinity College, Dublin Castle and a stroke of Molly Malone’s sticking out bits before a coffee and sticky bun for lunch. Next job go to garage and get the bikes onto the van for transport to Galway. Guess what, as soon as we ended our saunter around town the sun came out and my sun cream was in my panniers. What am I to do? My ears will be big blister in no time. Disaster. A phone call at 1pm, after waiting an hour, from our van man to say our van has been delayed and will not be able to collect until 4pm. What a shambles. ... read more

A moving on day. We tidied up and left Cloonloo, heading west. Our first stop was in Ballina, advertising itself as the salmon capital of Ireland. It’s situated on the River Moy, and hosts an annual salmon festival. Unfortunately, as our visit was on Sunday almost all of the town was shut. We did spot several fishermen up to their hips in the river, though. There were no catches while we were watching them. After a brief stroll, we headed off again towards Bangor Erris, not stopping there but turning south along the coast road. After a while we, spotted a sign to Doona Castle, so made the first detour of the day. After a drive of a couple of miles on a very narrow road no castle was visible, so we stopped to ask a ... read more