A cold and windy day. I won’t complain, have been extremely lucky to date and Ireland (and parts of the UK) have been without rain for a month which is extraordinary. When the sun comes out it is lovely but still cold (about 12c).
Today I’m driving from Westport south to Galway. I left about 9am and drove along the narrow and at times bumpy roads (not best quality at times), stopping when I could for photos, a little walk or for a toilet break. It is amazing how quickly the sky changes before it dumps rain! The fields are so green, there are the typical stone walls, and many animals grazing (sheep, cows, donkeys and horses).
As I was following the coast at times, I stopped at the water to get fresh air. Nearly got blown off my feet a couple of times, so any thoughts of a boat trip out to any of the islands in the area is out of the question.
I’m surprised how little traffic there is on the road, and also thankful. I have had a few hairy moments, because the road is so narrow and cars generally still travel the speed limit (80-100km).
After the town Leenane, the scenery changed – I was in the Connemara region and it is spectacular with high mountains and lakes. Sheep graze in the area and can be on the road so I had to be careful – I love their black faces but their eyes are evil!
Whilst exploring down a laneway I can across a whole herd of sheep – it was a standoff but eventually they moved off the road so I could drive through.
I stopped in at Kylemore Abbey - a 19th centry house/castle, church, mausoleum and gardens, located on the shores of a great lake. It was spectacular and a lot of work is going into the restoration of the extensive grounds. It was great stretching the legs and getting some fresh air - luckily it didn't rain while I was there.
After also getting out at Clifden, a sea-side port, for fresh sea air, I then headed west for a quick 12km detour along the Sky Road - I am so pleased I did, the scenery and view of the ocean was breathtaking!! Because the road was so narro there was no real possibility to capture it properly on the camera.
I arrived in Galway at 6.30pm really shattered, it was such a long drive. As has become custom however, I checked into my B&B (didn't think much of it from the outside but great room with the hugest bed), unpacked then headed into town (walking) for dinner and to look around.
Galway is such a small quaint place and easy to navigate. I had a lovely dinner (no potatoes!) then wandered around the town. Great decision of mine to come to Ireland this time of year - with day-light savings it is not dark til nearly 9pm so gives me time to wander in day light (haven't felt unsafe anywhere yet).
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