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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