Tag Archives: Sky Road

BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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

See more of Republic of Ireland 

See more of Northern Ireland

.

 

CLIFDEN – COUNTY GALWAY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ‪#discoverireland

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

See more of Republic of Ireland 

See more of Northern Ireland