Category Archives: Travel

Destination, Photography, Travel

BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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Ballynahinch Castle

After taking in a spectacular Clifden Sky Road sunset, it was time to close out day 6 of our Ireland adventure.  We decided to switch up our B&B stays for one night and made arrangement to stay at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.

Beautifully situated on the Owenmore river in the heart of Connemara, this former fishing and shooting lodge which once belonged to an Indian prince is completely authentic and unspoiled. Beloved of generations who know a good thing when they find it.  True to its origins, visitors come from all over the world to fly fish on one of the 8 beats along the river or shoot game in the mixed woodland, set against the stunning backdrop of the Twelve Bens mountains. Indeed game figures often on the menu, with delicious pheasant, wrapped in pastry, melt in the mouth venison, fresh salmon of course, scallops and lobster from the coast at Roundstone, just a few miles away. – read more | Ireland’s Hidden Gems

This originally modest sized country house grew considerably in size over the years to what it is today.  This 450 acres of pristine land is surrounded by woods and lakes with the Owenmore River running through the property.  I can only imagine what a thrill it would be to fly fish here.

Walking into the main building you could feel the over 600 years of history oozing from the rich and dark wood of its interior.

We were very tired from our day of travel and seeing many greats sites such as Aughnanure Castle, Friary of Ross Errilly, Cong, Roundstone and Clifden.  I am certain we were actively doing something 14-16 hours per day every day.  There is so much to experience in Ireland.  Today, day 6; halfway through our trip I think we were feeling it.  We were glad to get back to Ballynahinch and to our comfortable room.  We woke up early to explore the grounds and paths before breakfast.  It was a lovely morning with a very nice sunrise.  The weather was mild and the scenery inviting.

The food at Ballynahinch was insanely good.  We only had breakfast, but wow!  It was an amazing breakfast!  Move over Traditional Irish Breakfast.  It was all of that and more.  There was a tremendous buffet.  The video below gives you a glimpse of breakfast at Ballynahinch.  Needless to say I walked away from the table completely satisfied (stuffed) and ready for another full day of travel on our way to the Cliffs of Moher.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel – A Manor House Hotel

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Destination, Photography, Travel

CLIFDEN – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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Clifden & the Sky Road

Clifden

This was one of my favorite areas in Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way.  The Sky Road loop leading West out of Clifden is pretty spectacular.  Part way around the loop is car park where Cyndie and I did a sunset shoot (red line).  The views to the South looking out over Clifden Bay was pretty amazing.  We did not make the trip around the entire Sky Road (orange line) as the sun had set and there would have been no views to behold.

We spent a fair amount of time at the car park watching the sunset take shape.  As we stood there we noticed movement up on the hill to our right.  It appeared as though the cow came out to take in the sunset; not long after the first cow showed up, another joined as well.

The Photographer’s Ehemeris

In case you are not aware, there is a wonderful online tool to aid with sunrises and sunsets.  I’ve used The Photographer’s Ehemeris for some time now.  It is a great tool to scout locations you’ll be traveling to .

Sunset Progression

This was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have had the pleasure of capturing in quite a while.  The colors were amazing, the weather cooperated and there were clouds that pulled it all together nicely.  I really wish I would have shot a time-lapse progression that evening.  The following gallery has several images captured as the sun was setting that evening.

I ordered 35″x14″ panoramic floatmount print of this sunset from Artmill.  It is hanging in my office at work.  I see it every day; it never gets old.  

 

Extras – watch these videos.  It’s worth your time.

Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life

Soundtrack of Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life by Walking on Cars – check out their CD – Everything This Way

The Sky Road

This video will take you all the way around the Sky Road loop starting at the Northern point (orange line above) around to the car park/look out West of Clifden.

Soaring over the Wild Atlantic Way

Connemara Tour Guide, West of Ireland

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ROUNDSTONE – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #discoverireland

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Cong to Maam Cross

Cong to Roundstone via Maam Cross is a beautiful drive through the Irish countryside.  The smell of burning peat is unmistakable.  We drove by several peat bogs being harvested around Maam Cross.  From Galway in the South to Letterkenny in the North, there is what is known as the Atlantic Blanket Bog.  There are several areas of Mountain Blanket Bog as well.  Read more about blanket bogs – it is quite fascinating.

Maam Cross to Roundstone

We were making our way toward Clifden and the Skyroad for a sunset shoot; eventually ending up at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel for the evening.

There is a lovely stone bridge on R344 along Lough Inagh a wee bit East of Connemara National Park.  Thankfully I took a photo with my iPhone and was able to track down where this bridge was along our path.  Google maps is pretty spectacular; with street view, it’s almost like I am right back there standing on that very road.

Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View

Here are photos of the bridge, mountains and unnamed stream

Roundstone

Today Roundstone is a popular holiday resort renowned among artists and naturalists for the remarkable beauty of the surrounding mountains and seascapes. It has a traditional craft centre and local activities include Connemara Pottery, Connemara Jewellery and Connemara Instrument making. Connemara Farming, Connemara Fishing, Connemara Forestry and Connemara Quarrying are carried out extensively in the area.

In Roundstone you will find a busy harbour where local fishermen prepare and return with the day’s catch, featuring a mix of Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Mackerel, Cod plus a variety of other fish. The town itself boasts a good choice of Bars and Seafood Restaurants crammed full of locally caught seafood.  -http://www.roundstone-connemara.com/

Photos of Roundstone

Fish & Chips @ O'Dawd's
Fish & Chips @ O’Dawd’s

Roundstone in a quiet fishing village on the surface.  I believe we could have spent all day in this lively community.  We had traveled all day and we were very hungry.  We did have a wee bit of time to explore the harbor before having dinner at O’Dawd’s of Roundstone.   You’ll find that the fish and chips are different almost every place you stop.  I really enjoyed that.

Extra

Connemara Walking Guide

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Destination, Photography, Travel

CONG – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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The road to Cong

Our sixth day in Ireland was a full one; this post is just the half of it.  We started off at Aughnanure Castle and drove part way around Lough Corbid to the Friary of Ross Errilly.  We continued our loop around the lough to the North and arrived in Cong.

Map

The 1111 Synod of Ráth Breasail included Cong (Cunga Féichin) among the five dioceses it approved for Connacht, but in 1152 the Synod of Kells excluded it from its list and assigned what would be its territory to the archdiocese of Tuam.[2][3] No longer a residential bishopric, Cunga Féichin is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see.[4]

Cong was also the home of Sir William Wilde, historian and father to prominent playwright, novelist, poet, and short story writer Oscar Wilde.

-Wikipedia

Cong Abbey

Cong Abbey

Founded in 623 AD by St. Feichin as a monastery this site was then chosen by Turlough Mor O’Conor, High King of Connacht and of Ireland, as the Royal Augustinian Abbey of Cong was built in 1120 AD for the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine.  The Royal Abbey of

Cong Abbey

Cong is one of the finest examples of early architecture in Ireland. Examples of the wonderful craftsmanship is still very much in evidence today with the Abbey’s Gothic windows, Romanesque doors and windows, clustered pillars, arches, standing columns and floral capitals.

Cong

Cong is like many other charming villages throughout Ireland.  Colorful shops and pubs line the narrow streets.

Cong was the filming location for John Ford‘s 1952 Oscar-winning film, The Quiet Man,[5]featuring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald. Much of the film was filmed on the grounds of Ashford Castle. The town and castle area remain little changed since 1952, and Cong’s connection with the movie make it a tourist attraction. (The film is still celebrated by the local “Quiet Man Fan Club”).

-Wikipedia

There is a pub so named – The Quiet Man Pub.

The Quiet Man Pub

The Monk’s Fishing House

The grounds of the St Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church had several walking paths; one of which that lead to the Monk’s Fishing House.  Built in the 15th or 16th century, on an island in the River Cong leading towards nearby Lough Corrib. The house was built on a platform of stones over a small arch which allows the river to flow underneath the floor. The trapdoor in the floor was likely used to keep fish fresh.  According to local tradition, there was a line connected from the fishing house to the monastery kitchen to alert the cook to fresh fish.

The day was still young; we made our way West toward the next destination (& post), Roundstone.

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FRIARY OF ROSS ERRILLY – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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FRIARY OF ROSS ERRILLY

We stumbled on this little gem accidentally while driving a loop around Lough Corrib via Galway.  Most of our itinerary was pre-scouted via Google Maps and other websites.  I am very appreciative of those that have went before us and shared images so you at least have some idea of what to expect when you arrive.  This is nice from not only a sightseeing perspective, but also a photographer perspective.  I do enjoy a complete blind surprise such as this as well.

We saw the structure from the main road and wasted no time making our way toward it.  This marvelous ruin is in near to the County Galway and County Mayo line near Headford.  You need only wonder a wee bit from the friary to reach the banks of the Black River.

Fish Tank

This site is touted as the most popular tourist attraction in the area.  When we arrived we had the entire place to ourselves.  While we were getting our cameras situated a local man came walking down the road and provided us with a wonder historical account of friary.  He spoke of an unusual feature inside – a water tank to hold live fish from river until eaten.

The Ross Errilly Friary (Irish: Mainistir Ros Oirialaigh, often anglicised in 18th & 19th century sources as Rosserelly) is a medievalFranciscanfriary located about a mile to the northwest of Headford, County Galway, Ireland. It is a National Monument of Ireland and among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. Though usually referred to by locals as “Ross Abbey,” this is not technically correct as the community never had an abbot.

The church and bell tower are to the south of a small but well preserved central cloister and domestic buildings are to the north. Amongst these are a kitchen (equipped with an oven and a water tank for live fish), a bake house, and a refectory or dining area. The dormitories are on the upper levels. One unusual feature is a second courtyard or cloister, built to accommodate the friary’s growing population.  -Wikipedia

We spent a lot of time here; it is very easy to do.  There is much to look at and lots to explore.  The surrounding countryside is quite picturesque as well.  It is easy to image the monks living here and farming the land.

Photos of the Friary of Ross exterior

Photos of the Friary of Ross interior

A portion of our walk through (dantraun.com)

Aerial View via YouTube (Colm Concannon)

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OUGHTERARD & AUGHNANURE CASTLE – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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OUGHTERARD

After a much-needed and restful night sleep at Corrib View Country House (just to the East of Oughterard on Lough Corrib) we sat down to another version of a Traditional Irish Breakfast.  It was always different: 1 or 2 eggs; with or without white and/or black pudding.  There was always ample tasty meat thought.  The sausage was pretty consistent throughout our travels.  It had a creamy texture and great flavor.  At 10g fat per link I now know why.  So good.

Just down the way a bit from our B&B was Aughnanure Castle.  We stopped by the previous evening before checking into our B&B, but it was about to close.  We instead went back to Oughterard to look around and get a bite to eat.  The town center was very busy with foot traffic and patrons have a pint (or several).  The streets were lined with shops – no strip mall style anything here.  We located a nice pub with fish & chips easily.  You can never go wrong with fish & chips.  We were very tired from a full day of travel and sightseeing, but could not resist stopping by and old cemetery we drove by on the way into town.

AUGHNANURE CASTLE

Google Maps describes this site as a well-preserved Irish tower fortress with gargantuan fireplaces and a watchtower you can climb.

Built by the O’Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib.  In 1546 the O’Flaherty’s motto “Fortune favours the strong” and the powerful Mayo O’Malleys Motto “Powerful by land and by sea“, were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O’Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O’Malley.  Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.

–Heritage Ireland

I very much enjoyed visiting this castle as there were very few people milling about.  The setting was beautiful with the lazy Drimneed River flowing by the outer stone walls on two sides.  All structures such as these typically have an interesting feature known as a meurtrière at a main gateway to the premise to thwart attackers , but I’d never heard it described as a “Murder Hole” before.  It is quite an accurate description really.

This one was relatively small; I am guessing as this whole site wasn’t large in comparison to some castles, but a murder hole nonetheless is was.

Here are some additional  images of the interior.

Diagram of Aughnanure Castle c. 1500s – Oughterard Heritage

Back in the 1500s this site was a bit more formidable.  Today most of the inner walls are gone while the outer walls remain intact.  We were fortunate; during our visit in the morning there were very few people there which allowed for easy photographing.

Here are some photos of the grounds.  The softer light the evening before was nicer (first two photos) than the bright sunshine of the next morning.

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Destination, Nature, Photography, Travel

GLENCAR LOUGH & WATERFALL – COUNTY LEITRIM ‪#discoverireland

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Glencar Lough

Glencar Lough lies in the Glencar Valley, between the Dartry Mountains to the north and the mountain range including Cope’s Mountain to the south. The lake is located about 10 kilometres (6 mi) northeast of Sligo and about 15 km (9 mi) west of Manorhamilton.  It is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long from west to east and 0.6 km (0.4 mi) wide. The lake has two crannogs (artificial islands): one at the western end near the Drumcliff River outlet and the other at the eastern end near the Diffreen River.

Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall is located near the lake’s north shore on the Leitrim side.

Map

Glencar Lough is a lovely little lake surrounded by mountains and pastures full of sheep.  Glencar Waterfall is a short hike from the parking lot.  We were running behind schedule and almost drove by; I am glad we didn’t.  The parking area isn’t too far on the main road.  The lush green foliage and the sounds of the river and waterfall make for quite a tranquil spot.  If traveling through the Northern region of the Republic of Ireland this is a worthwhile stop even if it makes you late to your eventual destination for the evening.  More on that in the next post 😉

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MULLAGHMORE HEAD – COUNTY DONEGAL/SLIGO – REPBULIC OF IRELAND ‪#‎discoverireland

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County Donegal

A short 6 minutes or so from Donegal town we found Seven-Arch Bridge over the Laghey River in the village of Laghey on our way to Mullaghmore Head.  There are many stone arch bridges in Ireland; this is a fine example of what you will encounter.

This impressive seven arch bridge is one of the more important bridges in the south County Donegal area. It survives in good condition despite some modern works and the infilling of the arch to the south end, and its survival is testament to the quality of the original construction during the eighteenth century. The slightly humpbacked form of this bridge creates an interesting profile, and is indicative of its relatively early date. This utilitarian structure is enhanced by the dressed stone voussoirs and slender ashlar cutwaters. This bridge was apparently built in 1768 and carried the former main Dublin/Sligo to Derry mail coach road, and it is indicated on the Taylor and Skinner Maps of the Roads of Ireland (1777 – 1783) map of the area.

Seven-Arch Bridge

Laghey Village bridge iPhone Ireland 2016-3020

County Sligo

Mullaghmore Head

Another 30 minutes down the road we arrived at Mullaghmore Head.  The views here are impressive.  It was rather calm when we were there, but your imagination didn’t have to run wild to see how the surf batters the coastline.  The layered rock formations along the Wild Atlantic Way are a sight to see.

Ireland D700-3054

Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, close to the county’s border with Donegal, the small peninsula of Mullaghmore sits dramatically out into the North Atlantic.

The waters here are not simply photogenic. They have become known for some of the most sought-after waves in surfing. Mullahgmore is notably championed for one big break in particular which Surfing magazine has dubbed “a mutant Irish left”. Surfing is in the blood here. The famous Irish pro-surfer and local Sligo legend, Easkey Britton, was even named after a beach called Easkey, just an hour’s drive further south of Mullaghmore. – wikipedia

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Classiebawn Castle on Mullaghmore Pennisula

Mullaghmore Head “Tow in Surf Session”

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SLIEVE LEAGUE – COULTY DONEGAL – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #‎discoverireland

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2016-04-28 iPhone Ireland 2016-3003Slieve League

From Donegal Town we traveled to Carrick and on through Teelin to the sixth highest sea cliffs in all of Europe known as Slieve League.  This was an amazing stop during our travels of the 2016-04-28 iPhone Ireland 2016-3019Republic of Ireland.  The River Glen flowing through Carrick was quite picturesque.  Closer to Teelin the river widens as it flows towards the coast; fishing boats rest at low tide along the river banks.

Slieve League is a mountain on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal, Ireland. At 601 metres (1,972 ft), it has some of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League’s cliffs reach almost three times higher.

The Belfast naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger wrote in 1939:

A tall mountain of nearly 2000 feet, precipitous on its northern side, has been devoured by the sea till the southern face forms a precipice likewise, descending on this side right into the Atlantic from the long knife-edge which forms the summit. The traverse of this ridge, the “One Man’s Path”, is one of the most remarkable walks to be found in Ireland – not actually dangerous, but needing a good head and careful progress on a stormy day….The northern precipice, which drops 1500 feet into the coomb surrounding the Little Lough Agh, harbours the majority of the alpine plants of Slieve League, the most varied group of alpines to be found anywhere in Donegal.

Map_Slieve LeagueYou can explore Slieve League from two different start points by car.  There is a parking lot just West of Arduns where there is a gate (green dot).  You can walk from here or open the gate and drive in further West to Carrickmacafferty (red dot).

gate_slieve league
Gate @ green dot

I would recommend saving your energy by driving to far parking lot.  There is plenty of trail to explore from there; the views are absolutely magnificent.  It is hard to realize the scale of these cliffs through these photos.  These cliffs are truly massive and quite impressive; a must see if you are in the Donegal area.  If you wish to hike to the summit and back, plan a whole day here as the journey will likely take you 6 hours round trip.

Slieve League Cliffs – Drone footage.

Slieve League Walk

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DONEGAL TOWN – COUNTY DONEGAL – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#‎discoverireland‬

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Donegal

Donegal gave its name to County Donegal, although Lifford is now the county town. Until the early 17th century, Donegal was the ‘capital’ of Tír Chonaill, a Gaelic kingdom controlled by the O’Donnell Clan of the Cenél Conaill. Donegal sits at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay, which is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains (‘the Croaghs’). The centre of the town, known as The Diamond, is a hub for music, poetic and cultural gatherings in the area.

Donegal Town itself is famous for being the former centre of government of the O’Donnell Clan, the great Gaelic royal family who ruled Tír Chonaill in west Ulster for centuries and who played a pivotal rôle in Irish history. Their original homeland lay further to the north in the area of Kilmacrenan. From the 15th to the 17th century, they were an important part of the opposition to the colonisation of Ireland by England. The town itself contains Donegal Castle, on the banks of the River Eske, and the remains of Donegal Abbey a Franciscan abbey which dates back to the 15th century on the Southern shore of the Bay. – wikipedia

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Ardlenagh View B&B Breakfast

Donegal Town is a quaint coastal town in the Northern part of the Republic of Ireland – population 2600 (2011).  We ended our 3rd day in Ireland here and began our 4th.  We stayed at Ardlenagh View B&B a short distance from town South on R267.  A nice cozy and comfortable B&B.  We met a couple from Montana while eating breakfast.  They had a bit of trouble the day before.  While on their way back to the B&B the night before they hit a large rock on the side of the road and bent the wheel on their rental car.  Post breakfast activity – head to Donegal Town and seek repairs.  That would be no fun; thankfully we didn’t have any issue like that.  Our post breakfast activities consisted of touring Donegal Castle and walking around the town visiting many shops.  Being dachshund fans, we were delighted to encounter a shop with wiener dog items.  We are always on the look-out when we travel for something unique.  Cyndie now has a wiener dog wallet.

Donegal Town

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Donegal Town side street
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Dachshund Wallet & Bag @ Magee’s

Donegal Castle is situated in the centre of Donegal town, County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. For most of the last two centuries, the majority of the buildings lay in ruins but the castle was almost fully restored in the late 1990s.

The castle consists of a 15th-century rectangular keep with a later Jacobean style wing. The complex is sited on a bend in the River Eske, near the mouth of Donegal Bay, and is surrounded by a 17th-century boundary wall. There is a small gatehouse at its entrance mirroring the design of the keep. Most of the stonework was constructed from locally sourced limestone with some sandstone. The castle was the stronghold of the O’Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland from the 5th to the 16th centuries.

Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle – street view
Donegal Castle – courtyard
Castle Map
Castle Window
God save the Queen
Ornate Chair
Castle Ceiling

Old Castle Bar & Red Hugh’s Restaurant

Old Castle Bar & Red Hugh’s Restaurant was a fine choice for dinner.  Their fish and chips was some of the best I had over our twelve day trip.

Seated inside
Two Pints
Fantastic Fish & Chips

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