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Europe Ireland

Meandering around Mayo, Ireland

Mayo panorama
Mayo panorama

I feel that Ireland is enjoyed best by, not travelling from one attraction to the next, but by meandering and happening upon scenes that are straight from picture postcards. A friend once told me that she felt underwhelmed by Ireland’s scenery compared to Scotland. I asked her where she had been. Dublin, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher she started to list.

Lost in Mayo
Lost in Mayo
A peaceful scene in Mayo
A peaceful scene in Mayo

That was her problem. She had stuck to the road well travelled. I believe you have to get lost down the back roads to see the true beauty of Ireland. The other day I had intended to visit the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary but made a late start. After revising my plans I decided to head in the opposite direction to Clifden in Mayo instead. I got to a town called Oughterard and had to stop. I wanted to clear my head so I stopped for lunch in a nice little pub there.

I love the Irish mountains
I love the Irish mountains
Late afternoon in Mayo on an early November day
Late afternoon in Mayo on an early November day

Feeling refreshed and rested I headed off but never made it to Clifden. Instead at some point I made a right turn and headed over some mountains and into some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. My photos really don’t do it justice and unfortunately I did start losing some light. But that feeling of meandering over one hill after the other and into valleys with the most beautiful lake scenes was so rewarding.

The Mayo lakes are beautiful at this time of day
The Mayo lakes are beautiful at this time of day
Lough Mask, County Mayo, Ireland
Lough Mask, County Mayo, Ireland
Heading toward Tourmakeady on Lough Mask, County Mayo
Heading toward Tourmakeady on Lough Mask, County Mayo
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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… 

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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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Europe Ireland

Drumcliff, County Sligo, Ireland

St Columba's Church of Ireland church grounds
St Columba’s Church of Ireland church grounds

In transit from County Clare to Donegal I stopped off in Sligo to visit the grave of Irish poet WB Yeats. It is located in a church yard (St Columba’s Church of Ireland) in Drumcliff just out of Sligo town. It’s in a beautiful setting but the actual grave isn’t that interesting. Yeats was one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature. A pillar of both the Irish and British literary establishments, in his later years he served as an Irish Senator for two terms. 

Drumcliff, County Sligo, Ireland
Drumcliff, County Sligo, Ireland

Although Yeats was born in Dublin he spent his childhood holidays in Sligo. He died and was initially buried in France but had asked to be buried in Sligo after a year in the ground. His wishes were carried out.

Yeats' grave, Sligo, Ireland
Yeats’ grave, Sligo, Ireland

His epitaph is taken from the last lines of “Under Ben Bulben”, one of his final poems:
Cast a cold Eye
On Life, on Death.
Horseman, pass by!

Celtic High Cross, Drumcliff, Sligo, Ireland
Celtic High Cross, Drumcliff, Sligo, Ireland

The Ben Bulben mountain is actually a backdrop to this attractive church.
Also located in the cemetery is a very cool looking Celtic High Cross and across the road is a round tower. Both are remnants from a monastery that existed in Drumcliff. The cross is from the 9th century and the tower was built sometime between 900 and 1200.

Round Tower, Sligo, Ireland
Round Tower, Sligo, Ireland
St Columba's church with Ben Bulben in background, Sligo, Ireland
St Columba’s church with Ben Bulben in background, Sligo, Ireland

 

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