Blogs from Clifden, County Galway, Ireland, Europe

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Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden August 3rd 2022

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
On the Road in Connemara National Park – Letterfrack, Ireland
On the Road in Connemara National Park – Letterfrack, Ireland
On the Road in Connemara National Park – Letterfrack, Ireland

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden August 1st 2022

Ireland the North 2. Day3 What can I say? Phew! The departure from Galway was in a little sun but quickly went into overcast skies and then drizzle. Rain jackets on and then capes (only the professional riders may I add). However, the professionalism went out of the window after lunch. The lunch was had at the ??? Cafe in pouring rain which only diminished slightly as we set off again. The beans on toast brigade were a bit disappointed as the beans could have been counted on two hands. We set off with me in front of 7 other riders taking the correct road only to miss the next junction due to my cape covering my Garmin. We went in for 15km before I realised that we were not going to join up with my ... read more
Snoozles Hostel
Blacksmith’s shop

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden May 30th 2022

Ireland Monday If I was a dour fellow I would say that the scenery today was quite good. If I was the flamboyant sort I would say that it was absolutely wonderful, even looking through my rose coloured spectacles. However, the wind was in our face for the whole day which made riding very difficult, even though we only climbed 530 metres it felt like 1000. I was really glad to finish the ride, which was made worse by the rain for the last two hours. Mostly we followed the coast which took us on a very twisty route in the boulder strewn countryside occupied by donkeys, horses and the occasional sheep. Away from the coast we encountered many lakes and ponds which the Irish call loughs and quite a few Bonny thatched cottages and hotels. ... read more
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Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden October 18th 2017

In Omnia Paratus ! (translated: ready for anything!) Driving in Ireland is exciting for us Yanks! Thank goodness our car/s (we had two) were not big ole USA-types. The adventure drive through the beautiful Connomarra region was one that will stay in all our memories. Beautiful rolling hills, pastures that went STRAIGHT up the hillsides, climbing up into the clouds. The rock walls seemingly defying gravity and sheep doing the same. We all marvelled, stopping at any open spaces along the route. AND as we came out of one of the winding u-curve turns there they were, the sheep herd. Making their way towards us taking up both sides of the roadway and growing by hundreds as they went from one pasture to the next which was more than a mile away. The front of our ... read more
it's 10am!  do you know where your baaaah is?  lol
croagh patrick = St. Patrick's mountain
The views that go beyond .. croagh patrick

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden October 18th 2017

Serendipity: (n) finding something good without looking for it ! The rains, the fog and the low clouds during our Clifdon- time brought about bright clouds and joy. Regina & hubby Jim at the Kingstown B&B in downtown Clifdon was definitely finding something good. They pampered us with friendship and amazing breakfast glory. Breakfast is the highlight of all Irish days in Regina's dining room. Her attention to table / serving details were outstanding and her B&B was warmth in a rain cloud. Clifdon= AMAZING food, fun shopping, great music, and the lesson of patience brings breathtaking vision. Serendipity! yea!... read more
heading out to find sunshine at Skydrive
hard to see beyond the haze, some days...
sights, unseen

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden March 13th 2014

Gliding on the GoBus, through the streets leading out of Dublin, I relaxed and began to imagine what the weekend ahead would be like. I’ve been to Connemara a few times and spent a week on an Irish language course in Carraroe, but I have never stayed on an island for a weekend. I was delighted to be joining another couple at our friend’s cottage on Turbot Island. This took place in August 2013 but I’m only writing about it now. The GoBus was great and got me from Dublin to Galway for only €10, with free WiFi onboard and sockets beside some seats. I had booked the Eyre Square Town House online and found it easily, only 5 minutes walk from the bus station. It was lovely and super-quiet with every comfort provided from a ... read more
traditional cottage
walking the shore
fisherman's cottage

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden July 15th 2012

13 juillet 2012 "There is not a tree to hang a man from, water to drown one in nor dirt to bury one in." Cromwell Hier soir, je suis entré au dortoir à Galway en titubant, grisé par la bière et la guitare celtique du pub de devant l'auberge. Il était 23h et des poussières. Quelques dormeurs étaient déjà enfouis sous leurs couvertures mais la majorité des vingts lits superposés semblaient vides. Mon lit simple, collé au plafond s est mit à grincer comme une balançoire alors que j'essayais de me trouver une place au chaud, collé à mes bagages humides. À chaque fois que le sommeil m'empoignait, un voyageur entrait dans le dortoir, tous plus souls et plus bruyants les uns après les autres. Je ne sais plus trop à quelle heure tardive, mais Paul ... read more
The highest rock on Diamond Hill
Horses
Reflet dans le Connemara

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden April 7th 2011

Today started out a little rockier than I would have liked, I went to shower and there was no hot water. I waited…still no hot water…I asked the host and she said it will take a few minutes. So we decided to eat (great breakfast – I should mention we’ve not yet had a “true Irish breakfast” we are lightweights and just have eggs and toast every morning which suits us just find). So we had breakfast while I sneered at all of the freshly showered guests. We then returned to hot water and all was well in the world. Today we are going to Galway and then up to Clifden a little bit longer of a day. We got our previously soiled pants and coats back all sparkling clean and were off. It is such ... read more
Galway
Galway
The Lynch Memorial

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Clifden September 16th 2010

So we have arrived and are having a great time! We have seen 4 rainbows, had lots of rain, and even got to see some amazing ruin's that are not usually shown in tours (There was a ruined Church and castle in Devlin). Chris has tried all the famous beers of Ireland and has decided he likes Smithwicks the best. As for me, I'm a Bulmer's & Guiness girl! Last night we stayed in the most beautiful Castle, Ballynahinch. Our room over looks the River! The heir to the O'Flahrtey Clan even came up to introduce himself to us. Today is Connemara! Unfortunately, wifi doesn't seem to be my friend here in ireland so I am currently using the computer in the castle's library. I will update as best as possible! Otherwise I have been emailing ... read more




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