Yesterday we finally arrived on the west coast of Ireland finishing the trek across the midlands from Athlone to Galway in the morning. Instead of checking into our B&B in Galway we proceeded along the southern coast of Connemara through Spiddal along the coast and then around in a circle.
It is wild and beautiful here. The shore line was rugged and the landscape in land was very rocky and bleak. We’ve had quite cloudy weather which was a perfect match for the landscape. I would love to come back and do hiking and walks along the coast and in the higher parts of the county. I’m hopeful we will get to explore Connemara National Park a bit in a couple of days.
The shore at low tide.
There was some signs of life beyond the lichen and the rock.
Lovely purple flowers flourishing in the shelter of a dry stone wall.
Late blackberries made an excellent snack!
The worlds biggest slug – about 3 inches long.
We stopped at a pub overlooking the water and enjoyed our first fruit scones (scone with raisins) and clotted cream accompanied by an excellent pot of tea.
Fruit scones and clotted cream.
As we moved away from the shore we crossed a bleak landscape of rock and peat bogs.
We even stopped at some castle ruins.
Aughnanure Castle ruins
Of course driving all of this along twisting winding lanes was a bit nerve racking but the scenery is worth it. I think I’m getting the hang of driving on the left. I’m just glad I’m not trying to do this manual with my left hand!