We headed out towards Kylemore Abbey fairly early yesterday, but instead we ended up at the Knockmoy Abbey ruins. I'd read the map incorrectly - that darn small print. At first it was a huge disappointment, but it quickly ended up to be an excellent diversion from our original plan. We followed backroads to Cong and found this wonderful restored Castle/Hotel called, Ashford Castle, where we decided to stop and eat brunch. We had a sumptous meal and continued on our journey west.
What followed was likely the MOST beautiful road trip through Ireland country roads, complete with grazing sheep and rams, quaint rock fences, and breathtaking views of the countryside and the Lough Corrib, a beautiful lake in West Ireland. We passed through Joyce's Country, and Joyce Country Sheepdogs in Finny, Ireland - it's a working dog ranch with a Border Collie named Fly (just like in the movie, Babe) who heards their sheep. I'm sad to say we didn't have enough time to stop there, but I still enjoy watching the video on their website (see links). From there, we traveled on to Connemara to visit the Kylemore Abbey. This was our final destination where we enjoyed touring this historic property, with a tragic history. It was healing for me to pray in the Neo-Gothic Church there.
Kylemore Abbey
Neo-Gothic Church
The Mausoleum
By the time we got to Athenry, it was dinnertime. We ate (for the second time) at a lovely restaurant called, La Rustica. We absolutely LOVE this restaurant. The pizza was second to none, and the staff was delightful, especially our hostess, Sue, who quite enjoyed a chuckle over our home town's name: Dublin, CA.
We are off to New York tomorrow - EARLY, and this is likely my last blog from the UK.
Here are links from blog above: Knockmoy Abbey Ashford Castle Lough Corrib Joyce Country Sheepdogs Kylemore Abbey
2 comments:
Even tho I have not been on here much, and am very behind, I now check daily and am so captured by the reading and video's. (tho I'm forever back-tracking.) I've been reading, reading, reading and viewing so many video's, or slide shows.(Who knew??) This 74 year old is still learning. Today seeing "Fly" (I'm pretty sure that was his name) the wonderful sheepdog in action gave me a thrill. (Also brought back memories of Princess, our sheltie dog.) The Castle, too.. was spectacular. Now that... is a romantic story if you ever read one. I'll return to that and others as time permits. So much history. Thanks so much for the pictures of you all. It lifts my spirit to see your smiling faces. Now on to New York...Can't wait to hear about that...and "Lion King."..Happy travelling... Love,XO Mom/Noni
OH WOW.... how fun.... I am so enjoying this! I need to see all the videos, but wait... I am so busy looking at Baby pictures.... over and over! What to do? Such a happy time . And now I hear Lyon King is in your future...... that should really be GREAT! I can hear the music now in my head. It lifts me up to another place.
Enjoy it all!!!!!
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