The weather wasn't looking promising, but this afternoon was the only time available for us to drive through Connemara. We travelled north from Galway, where we had attended the wedding of a cousin's daughter the previous evening. A fabulous occasion. Some people were still dancing at 4am. We made it to 1am.
Today was 'Summer ', day 5 of our travels. 14 C to midday with some sunshine. 12 C and rain for the remainder of the day.
At 10am the sun was shining. We made the decision to drive through Connemara via Cong.
Cong is a delightful village, surrounded by streams and famous for its 12th C Abbey. Lovely to walk through, but the drizzle on arrival, became heavy rain.
Cong Abbey
The abbot's fishing house - through a slit in the floor.
Walking back to the car, I fell in love with this 'meadow' lawn. Wonderful for the bees.
The views from here on in, were seen through dashing windscreen wipers. It would have been wonderful to have seen this area in sunshine, but the weather gave it an air of mystery and drama. Waterfalls cascaded down the slopes of the ridges. It felt like the deepest winter to this Aussie accustomed to the tropics. Many photos were taken through a side window, quickly opened and shut.
I love Irelands narrow roads, bordered by rock walls and high hedgerows.
I was constantly amazed by the variety of wildflowers and where they grew.
Water cascading down the hillside.
Peat bogs abound all over Ireland.
After driving out of the Connemara hills, we drove to the coast and happened upon a beach patrolled by surf lifesavers. On this summer's day, beach goers were noticeably absent.
We departed shortly after our arrival, the drizzle continuing as we went looking for a coffee to warm us. This large poster in the window of the cafe we chose, was of the beach we had just visited, in summer.
A thatched cottage.
Galway Bay
Back at our lovely Annaghkeen Cottage, it was wonderful to be able to light the fire and relax with the view to the roses in the garden.
To my friends in Canada, happy Canada Day. I hope it has been drier and sunnier than here on Prince Edward Island.
I would love to read your comment.
Despite the rain, what lovely countryside! I'm sure it was a treat to witness such green and all the flowers. I had to laugh about the fishing house with a hole in the floor. That sounds like something my hubby would love!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured--- I love that last shot--- and I really like the shot through the car window going by the house. There is a sense of motion, the house is framed by the car window, and the raindrops are on the glass. I love the horse, by the way! Thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteMagical and fascinating and so, so green! Fabulous landscapes and history, it would be wonderful to visit Ireland.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen: When I think of where you live these temperatures must seem like the dead of winter to you. I hope you brought all your woolies with you.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful scenes! (Sounds like the wet and cold summer we are having here in Sweden.)
ReplyDeleteAll you needed for that fire shot was a good book! The green is verdant, I suppose from all that rain. The horse seemed to pose for you. It looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMore quintessential Ireland - rain and wet! :) Still doesn't detract from its rural charms
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