Irish Adventure - Adara to Enniscrone to Connemara

Day 4  Adara to Enniscrone

This morning we had a choice of walking with Nick on Slieve League, the highest see cliffs in Europe or taking a boat trip around the base of the cliffs.   Most of the group opted for the boat trip.  I always enjoy being on the water, and this excursion was very nice.  Hindsight  being 20-20, I think I would have enjoyed the walk just as much and would have chosen that rather than the boat trip.  It wasn't a bad excursion, just not as informative as Nick had been with our walks so far.

view from the boat

Our Captain's name plate

View from the boat

Lunch of stuffed potatoes

Once we were back on dry land we drove through the scenic Granny Pass to Donegal.  We arrived in Donegal where we could explore the town or visit Donegal Castle.  We had lunch there in the restaurant at the base of the castle next to the Donegal Parish church.  (great meal here!)

After lunch it was off to Drumcliff, the final resting place of WB Yeats. His grave can be found in the graveyard of St. Columba's church.  It was a lovely scenic drive here, a little rain along the way so we were all happy to be in the Mercedes Van.

We spent the night in charming Enniscrone in Sligo.

Day 5  Enniscrone to Connemara,  County Galway

Today started off with a short stop in the charming Village of Westport.  Nick gave us an hour to cruise around the town to site-see and shop.  Then it was off to Croagh Patrick,  this was the most challenging hike of the trip.

view as we started our hike

Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County, Mayo is Irelands Holy Mountain.  Pilgrims travel here to climb the mountain and have their sins forgiven ( it is said for every step a sin is forgiven).  The climb is to honor Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint.  Each year on the last Sunday of July, individuals come from all over the world to climb the mountain, go to mass and have their confessions heard.  People come year round to walk up the mountain.  There are 3 stations as you ascend the mountain where the tradition is to stop and pray.

the start of the climb

It is a steep climb with slippery when wet rocks.  It is beautiful and enjoyable as long as you are aware of where you are putting your feet.  Since it was misty the morning we went, the rocks were very slippery.  One recommendation to anyone doing this climb is to not wear jeans.  I recommend yoga pants with light-weight waterproof pants over them if raining.  I wore jeans (as did most of our crew) and by the time we got about 1/3 of the way up the mountain, my jeans were soaked and very heavy.  Only 2 out of our group of 11 made it to the first station.  You would need a whole day to make it to the top. And I would say you have to be in excellent shape to do the whole mountain.  I consider myself to be moderately active, I walk, hike & do yoga regularly and I did struggle a bit with this hike.

stream flowing along our hike

about an hour up the mountain

After Croagh Patrick, we had lunch and then hit the road, off through the Doolough Valley.  Gorgeous  scenic drive, with a stop to take some snaps.  I have about 20 pics of the Doolough Valley - It was so beautiful!  Here are just a couple of snaps.

my favorite sheep pic

beautiful river runs through the valley 

Next on the itinerary was a stop at Killary Sheep Farm.  On the way, Nick stopped at a charming & friendly pub for refreshments.

Vagabond Girls

At the sheep farm we met the owner, Tom, who did a demonstration with his amazing dog on how the heard sheep.  Smartest dog I've ever seen! Then he sheered a sheep to demonstrate how it is done,  and  then let us feed the baby lambs.

This night we stayed in a castle!  We arrived at Abbeyglen Castle around 6 pm and were treated like royalty!  Paul & Brian own & run the place and are the most amazing hosts.  The restaurant is fabulous with incredible food & service.  The castle itself is a fascinating place to explore and there are beautiful grounds and gardens to walk around outside.  I wish we could have stayed here longer.  I highly recommend Abbeyglen.

Abbyglen Castle front entrance 

there was a fire place in almost every room 

side view of Abbyglen

Looking out my window

our Vagabond tour group