To Clifden

An easy drive today, to Clifden. I wanted to be within striking distance of the Connemara National Park the next day. All I had to do was follow the coast to Galway City, then head east to Clifden. I would come back to Galway City a few days later.

A change from photos of meat for breakfast, a cereal breakfast, akin to what I normally have at home. Berries are good in Ireland.

From Lisdoonvarna I took N67 until it reached Galway Bay. While driving I saw and took the invitation of a sign to explore Bishop's Quarter Beach.

It's a nondescript beach with only sandy patches. The attraction to me was seeing the coast of Galway across the water.

A couple of panoramas, the second showing the narrow access stone bridge.

Crossing into County Galway, the roads seemed to be better although they imposed 50 km/h limits even far out of urban areas.

I stopped at Kinvara to take in the view and wasn't disappointed.

A friend suggested buying a house here when she saw the picture. But the Irish winters...

It has a cute protected harbour.

And those colourful facades.

Where you would have your beer and conversation.

The usual curved panorama:

I made it to Galway City for lunch taken in a shopping centre. I would be coming back this way in a few days.

Heading out west on N59, I encountered many loughs. The word is cognate with Scots loch and means a lake or inlet. At Pine Island Viewpoint I made a photo stop.

There were all taken in the vicinity of the stone bridge in the photo.

Fishing is mentioned by a sign. J Bruce Ismay, who we will meet later,
was the highest ranking official of the White Star Line to survive the sinking of the Titanic and was reviled for escaping when many others died. Depressed, he went into seclusion in the Connemara, and no doubt fished a lot.

The wide shots:

Clifden is supposed to be a pretty town, but unfortunately I decided to go straight to the B&B. This involved taking the Sky Road which splits into the lower and upper Sky Roads. The road was narrow and it would not be easy to turn around. Probably one would be advised to go around the circuit. Thus I was discouraged from going into town after checking in so never did so.

Here we are looking back at the B&B against the backdrop of the hill with Upper Sky Road.

The owner suggested taking a walk to the cliff edge to appreciate the view across the bay.

Panning to the right.

And finishing.

All together now.

The hill I would drive up next morning.

Thanks, I'll stay on this side of the fence.