Wanderlust

Ireland's Windy West Coast

Kylemore Abbey at base of Duchruach Hill

Returning to a holiday spot does have its perks.  Since Sean and I had hit most of the major sites — Newgrange, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and Belfast, Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland — previously, we opted to explore the less visited but no less beautiful attractions of the Republic’s west coast.  Smart move!  This region has it all — majestic mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, loads of grazing sheep, quaint villages, good restaurants and a wealth of historic sites.

16th century Portmuna Castle, Portumna

Portumna Castle – Built in the 16th century, Portumna Castle was left in ruins after an 1826 fire.  Restoration work began 30 years ago and continues to this day.  Beautiful setting.  Bad camera karma.  Here my latest Nikon, the D200, breathed its last breath.  What is it about Ireland and my cameras?

Galway with part of the Spanish arch to the far left

Galway — Possessing few historic sites, this medieval, coastal, Gaelic-speaking city may not be the most obvious destination.  However, fresh seafood, excellent pubs and a vibrant downtown scene make Galway a perfect stopping point.  You can also catch a ferry to the Aran Islands from here.

Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard

Aughnanure Castle — Built along the Drimneen River and supported by natural archways, much of this 13th century castle tumbled into the water centuries ago.   The human inhabitants may be long gone but hundreds of bats now reside in the tower house roof.  Impressive tower.  Cool atmosphere.

Kylemore Abbey — This 19th century castle sits beside a lake at the base of Duchruach Hill.  Quite a dramatic setting for what is now a Benedictine girls’ boarding school.  For 13 Euros (about $17) you can visit three rooms in Kylemore Abbey or you can just snap photos from outside for free.

Woman pushing bike uphill on Inishmore

The Aran Islands a/k/a Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer — You’ve read the story.  You’ve seen the pictures.  For more information, check out the Aran Islands website.

Mountain range and lake in the Connemara, County Galway

Connemara — A vast region of land west of Galway city, Connemara is a jumble of coastlines, mountain ranges, fjords, bogs, fields and beaches.  It’s also a spectacular area to hike, photograph or stop for a picnic.

Heron coming in for a landing outside our room at the Maltings

Grey Herons –Think of them as the pigeons of Ireland’s west coast; they are everywhere!  Their huge nests dot the tree tops, sometimes with as many as five per tree.  Look for them near lakes, rivers and streams and, if you are as lucky as we were, outside your hotel room.

Filed under: Wanderlust

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Based on the U.S. East Coast, I am a trained journalist, writer and photographer specializing in food, travel, STEM and education. My articles appear in such publications as the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Standardization News, VegNews and See All This. I have written two nonfiction books, contributed to two other books and provided the photography for one. A world traveler, I have journeyed through 51 countries and six continents, collecting story ideas as I've roamed.