Blogs from County Galway, Ireland, Europe - page 4

Happy birthday Mitch! After a bit of a sleep in, I headed down to the buffet breakfast. Always a bonus when the breakfast is included in your booking! After breakfast I headed out for a walk to Mutton Island. This took me all the way along the canal then along Nimmo's Pier (can you believe that's what it's called!) and then onto Galway Bay. From here I started to walk along the coast when I felt a stinging sensation on the back of my neck. At first I just thought it was nothing but when it continue to get worse, I tried to figure out what it was. I couldn't feel anything but knew that something had stung me. Eventually I felt a bug of some description and quickly threw it away - what was left ... read more

As three sodden, cold and shivery Australians rode the last few kilometres into the small village near the ferry terminal I was incredibly proud and impressed anew by Katy’s courage, forbearance and indomitable spirit which she has demonstrated countless times in this part of our trip. I also reflected on our incredible good fortune vis a vis the notorious Irish weather over the last seven days when rain would have added an element of challenge on some of our epic days of cycling around the Connemara region of western Ireland (with the exception of this morning when the skies emptied while we were riding through open bog country devoid of shelter and we all got absolutely saturated!) For the second time on our holiday we had had to seek refuge in a pub to wait out ... read more

Today was definitely about people and sensory overload. Friendliness and conversation galore; rugged, spectacular, river, lake and mountain enclosed reflective scenery with winding, narrow undulating roads, isolated farmhouses with numerous sheep and derelict stone buildings from yesteryear. We hope the selection of photos do our travels justice; do Ireland justice. We wonder why the Irish leave Ireland? After a passionate conversation with our B&B host in Ballina it was on through the little village of Bangor Erris where the Nephin Beg Range, part of the Ballycroy National Park, added to our senses. From the town of Ballycroy to Mulrany we were continually out of the car and marvelling at where we were and what we were seeing. We clicked away merrily. It was so still. The working life of the people here ranged from peat harvestors, ... read more

Wild Atlantic Way to Galway “The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. So whether you drive it from end-to-end, or dip into it as the mood strikes, it's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” from http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/articles/wild-atlantic-way …. and I sat on a coach hurtling south along the coast thru small villages where many people waited to board the bus and go to the next town or the town after. In the wild atlantic waves surfers in black body suits could be seen riding in to the beach or floating out to sea in anticipation of the next swell... OK... saw it all in a flash but I did get that feeling of abandon … as if I were on the beach ... read more

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