9 October 2008 It was wet and windy all day. We headed towards Gleggan to try and find Mr Feeney’s field on the edge of the sea where had camped 30 years ago with the Halligans. The landlord of the local bar remembered him and gave us directions but we couln’t find the exact spot because of the wind and rain and new housing development. The owner of a closed campsite just outside Clifden took pity on us and allowed us to make an early stop when we assured her we didn’t need any services. ... read more

7 October 2008 During the night the van was buffeted by rain and wind which swept in from the west and continued until about 11 the next morning. By this time we had met Frances and Catherine, two intrepid Scottish outdoor pursuits enthusiasts who were in a small tent next to us. We all decided to climb Croagh Patrick as the summit appeared to be clearing. It was a long, hard ascent of about 2,500 ft. It is hard to believe people of all ages do this as an act of faith. We made it to the ridge just as our Scottish friends were coming down! The final climb to the summit was up a steep scree slope which we climbed with great care. A church was built on the summit in 1905. We completed the ... read more

5 October 2008 The fine weather returned today and in sun and light breezes we went on a circular 32 mile bike ride from the camp site in the north to the southern tip of the island along what is called here the Atlantic Drive. It was a beautiful trip mainly on the coast passing through pretty villages, over wild cliff scenery and finally climbing over a 300 ft high valley saddle. We saw decorations for a wedding that had taken place the previous day and passed by the Achill Sheep Show that needless to say was taking place on a pub car park. ... read more

3 October 2008 To our surprise the day dawned sunny and mild with very little wind. A visit to the tourist office provided descriptions of several walks and we chose one form Keem Strand along the sea cliffs adjacent to Achill Head. It was a wonderful walk from a perfect sandy beach above spectacular coastal scenery. The finish across a saddle in a boggy valley over rough ground was not so good. As we left the car park we spotted some large fish out to sea which we guessed may have been basking sharks as thy are common in this area.. We rounded off a fine day at a restaurant in the village of Keel eating local Fish chowder and smoked herring. ... read more

01 October 2008 We left Birmingham on route for Holyhead and then Ireland at 1.30 on 28 September and although we had had cloudless skies for several days, it started raining as soon as we left. However it soon cleared up and in the late afternoon we reached the Camping and Caravan Club certified site in Holyhead where we planned to stay. It turned out to be a pretty site and very handy for the ferry terminal. The only downside was that the aluminium smelting plant next door spoilt the view. Next morning we caught the 8.55 ferry without any trouble and just before lunch arrived at my sister Janet and her husband Joe’s beautiful new house. We have spent a very relaxing and enjoyable couple of days with them including supper last night when their ... read more