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."

Lough Inagh

This lake is stunning. Obviously the rain moves in quickly here so bring a jacket. I believe I passed only one other vehicle while passing through this road. The lamb run around crossing the streets with their sides tagged with paint to identify them and prevent them from being used for their fur. I am curious as to how the fishing may be here, but unfortunately I did not have the time.

A Long Way Down

Wow! This location is unreal. Such amazing views around every corner! Nature really is awe inspiring and I am grateful to have been able to explore this area. If you can, I highly recommend getting out here to The Cliffs of Moher and walking the trail along the edge of the cliffs.

Cliffs In Movement

It is one thing to think about the immense size of the Cliffs of Moher. To look out and wonder in awe at the endless ocean stretching out in front of you. Or even to think about the power of the winds over time to erode away the cliff leaving only a spire raising from the water. Then, you think about how all of that is contained in this sphere spinning at 1600km/hr!! I truly feel small and dumb founded by it all. I am thankful though, for being able to experience it.

The Cliffs

Amazing views! I feel like with locations such as this you have heard how breath taking it is so that is what you expect, but the words that describe a place like this always fail to accurately depict the experience in person. It is a location you just have to see to believe and to fully understand what it really is like.

O'Brien's Tower - Another Look

Here we see O'Brien's Tower and Branaunmore again. This is a little further down the path and I think it shows the immense size of the cliffs. Imagine being one of the first people to see this view. Imagine how small that person felt. This must be the edge of the earth for sure for even if one scaled to the bottom there would be no way beyond the great blue of the ocean.

Cliffs of Moher - O'Brien's Tower

Imagine if this was your home away from home. It isn't much more than a short tower, but it offers a view like no other. This tower has been attracting tourists since the 16th century and is the highest point of the Cliffs.

Cliffs Of Moher - First View

This is the first view you come across when visiting the Cliffs of Moher. This is a straight walk in and up the stairs from the main entrance. I cannot believe how vast it actually is. See the tiny people on top!

Branaunmore

This is Branaunmore. A mighty sea stack that was once attached to the Cliffs of Moher. Standing 67 meters high it was seperated by erosion and now is a spire emerging from the water. If you go, get the boat tour, it is unreal.

Cliffs Of Moher - Castle

Seeing these cliffs from sea level is something else. You really get a perspective of just how big it is compared to everything else. This area is just below the castle which you can see up top. I was lucky on this day and had plenty of sunshine to fuly appreciate the cliffs!

Cliffs Of Moher - First Glimpse

Arriving from the Aran Islands these are just a small ridge on the horizon. The approach is surreal. The wall of rock rises above the ocean ever higher. If you look close enough you will see some dots atop of the cliff. Those are the collection of people walking the path above!

Inis Oirr Shore

Upon arriving at Inis Oirr you are greeted with amazing colored water. The island itself was beautiful, but I couldnt take my eyes off of the water. The greens and blues were inviting, but I would not go swimming just yet as it was still quite chilly out. Perfect for a stroll listening to the waves wash in.