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Europe Ireland Travel

Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland

At Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
At Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

Embarking on a journey to Croagh Patrick and Achill Island, County Mayo offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, spiritual exploration, and coastal serenity.  On the west coast of Ireland Croagh Patrick is very close to the town of Westport, in fact only 8kms away. It was on this mountain that Ireland’s patron saint fasted for 40 days and nights and where he supposedly banished venomous snakes from Ireland. Climbing the mountain, which is 765m high, is an act of penance for thousands of pilgrims on the last Sunday of July (Reek Sunday). 

Visitor's Centre, Croagh Patrick
Visitor’s Centre, Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick from the car park
Croagh Patrick from the car park

There is a Visitor’s Centre and opposite the car park is the National Famine Memorial. The trail starts outside the Visitor’s Centre. On this occasion I did not walk up the mountain but I would like to return to do so when in the right mindset.

The track up Croagh Patrick starts outside the Visitor's Centre
The track up Croagh Patrick starts outside the Visitor’s Centre

Next I headed off to Achill Island stopping off briefly at Newport, a lovely town with a very nice looking viaduct. I liked the feel of this town.

Newport, County Mayo, Ireland
Newport, County Mayo, Ireland
Viaduct at Newport
Viaduct at Newport

Achill Island covers 55 square miles and is Ireland’s largest off shore island. It is connected to the mainland by a short bridge making it an easy place to get to by car. Dramatic mountains, moors and wonderful beaches made this island a great place to drive around. I stopped off in Keel and walked along the beach. There was a camping park and shops nearby. I thought it was really beautiful down at the beach. Keel seemed to be the main town on the island and would make a great holiday spot. I would also say if you like hiking that Achill would be a fantastic place to explore.

Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Looking across to Achill Sound
Looking across to Achill Sound
Off to Keel, Achill Island
Off to Keel, Achill Island
Keel Beach, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Keel Beach, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
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Categories
Europe Ireland

The Joy of Travelling Solo – Maghery, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Maghery, Wild Atlantic Way
Maghery, Co. Donegal

I love travelling solo, especially in Ireland. It makes me feel special. Those times when I am on public transport abroad and I don’t speak the local language and nobody there speaks English, this makes me feel unique. I love that people still try to help me. I also love that other English speakers are very willing to start up a conversation. This is something I don’t think would happen with such frequency if I wasn’t travelling solo. Opportunities seem to present themselves as well… 

Read more: The Joy of Travelling Solo – Maghery, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Categories
Europe Ireland

Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, Ireland

Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh , County Donegal, Ireland
Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh , County Donegal, Ireland

While surfing the internet one day I came across this hotel which is located on the beach at Rossnowlagh, County Donegal. It looked to be a wonderful place to just wind down and look out to sea and I can tell you now that I have stayed here that it is just that. 

Sunset at Rossnowlagh
Sunset at Rossnowlagh
Sunset at Rossnowlagh Beach
Sunset at Rossnowlagh Beach

Don’t expect a 5 star hotel – it is just a tiny bit worn but the staff are a delight and the location, is of course, to die for. I chose an ocean view room and was so happy I did. There was a very comfortable chair by the window which I made good use of. Even during the night when the clouds cleared the moonlight on the sea was mesmerising.

Sitting by my window at the Sandhouse Hotel
Sitting by my window at the Sandhouse Hotel
Looking out to the moonlight and the Atlantic Ocean
Looking out to the moonlight and the Atlantic Ocean

The next morning I was out on the grassed area, between the hotel and the sand, taking photos. It was fresh but the light and vista were beautiful.

The Sandhouse Hotel on Rossnowlagh beach, County Donegal
The Sandhouse Hotel on Rossnowlagh beach, County Donegal
Sandhouse Hotel
Sandhouse Hotel
Standing on Rossnowlagh Beach
Standing on Rossnowlagh Beach

Rossnowlagh is on the Wild Atlantic Way. What a beautiful part of the world. I am so glad I came to stay here.

The view along Rossnowlagh Beach to the Sandhouse Hotel, County Donegal, Ireland
The view along Rossnowlagh Beach to the Sandhouse Hotel, County Donegal, Ireland
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Categories
Australia Islands Nature Walking

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia

If you want to feel like you’re the only person on this planet for a short while at least; if you want to be at one with nature; if you want to witness a pristine part of earth before it disappears, then Wineglass Bay should be on your list to visit.