Ireland

Connemara Last Look

Leaving Connemara was bittersweet for me. I didn't want to leave though I knew it couldn't last forever. Luckily I was given such a farewell that I will always remember. I just happened to look back one last time to capture this before getting to my car and making the drive back to Dublin.

Snow Horse

This beauty was more than happy to greet me after the hike. Such a pretty area to have a small farm with horses and donkeys. This happy horse seemed like it just loved having visitors come by and tell her how gorgeous she is. I told her bye and left there happier than I already was.

Connemara Hills

This is the backend part of the trial I hicked in Connemara. You come down from the mountain and get into rolling hills with plenty of green grasses and these wonderful purple flowers. If I could have, I would have loved to have a tent available to stay the night!

Connemara Sun Spots

Typical Ireland wouldn't be typical without rain right? The storms tend to roll in quickly here, but luckily all I received was some light drizzle and awesome cloud formations allowing the sun to peek through from time to time. These sun spots created an interested contrast in warm and cool on the mountain.

Connemara Detail

A grand landscape, captivating it may be is not without the details. Like the ridges and valleys formed by the drainage of water. The lush grasses fed by the moisture laying like a pristine carpet across the mountainside. Nothing is symmetric, nor is it perfect, but all of that creates the most perfect views. I feel like you can almost feel the texture of the land without having to touch it.

Connemara Mountains

This was one of the best impromptu hikes I have done. I was driving around trying to figure out what to do with my remaining time before heading back to Dublin. There was a turn off for a park that I took and it led to a small parking lot. So, I get it and start walking and find there is a cafe a little ways in with several paths heading into the mountains. I had no idea how long the hike might be but decided I was going for it. Well worth my time!

Western Ireland

Here is another shot from Connemara National Park. This is a fairly short hike that summits a small peak at the edge of the park. Looking West we have amazing views over the ocean and shoreline communities. The storm rolled in of course, but was mild rain and cool temperatures which was refreshing.

Connemara National Park

This region of Ireland is special. Apart from the well known cliffs and geographical features. I happened upon this park in my travels and was not disappointed. It was peaceful even during the rain. I could see myself spending more time there if I could.

Ireland Hills

This view to me is a great example of how your perception and attitude can effect your experience. The storm clouds in the background are foreboding and threaten to disturb the peace brought on by the mountain flowers and rolling hills. We could easily say that a clear blue sky would make this day more beautiful, but then we would lose the depth and dynamic energy those clouds bring. Nothing is ever perfect. We can find flaws in almost anything. I think accepting outcomes as they are and living in the moment defines us. This world is beautiful, the bright and sunny to the dark and stormy. It is this contrast that adds color to our world.

Kylemore Lake

Leaving Kylemore Abbey I am greeted and farewelled with this view. The sun is getting low, just peeking through the clouds as if to say goodnight. The rain has started to fall lightly on my shoulders. The fresh smell fills my head and suddenly I realize I have grown tired from the long day of driving. I want to stay and lay the sun to rest as well, but I know I need to get on my way as well. I wave goodbye to the Abbey, and turn down the road happy.

Kylemore Staircase

The Abbey had all the decor you would expect. Vintage, but not overdone, designs in the wall paper. This stairwell struck me with the large set of windows behind it allowing the light inside. Again, guys I want a castle!

Kylemore Abbey

If you are ever in western Ireland I would recommend stopping by Kylemore Abbey. The architecture is stunning and has amazing views being situated on the lake. To quote a certain animated character "Guys, I want a castle."