First full day on Inishturk. Full Irish breakfast that was yummy. Then we set out to do 2 looped hikes. They weren’t well marked but we used our compass and map to find our way. Beautiful cliff views of the sea all along the way. Came upon a memorial of some sort honoring the island’s families and those that left. Stopped by the school on our way back to learn that 20 of 50 voters had voted as of 2 pm. Napped and rested then had a delicious curry dinner and full dessert for each of us. Beautiful sunny day for walking.Read more
John drove us through the Doolough Valley and told us famine stories non-stop. The enmity between Ireland and Britain goes deep. Our ferry ride lasted one hour and was smooth and sun-filled. I am sunburned. Inishturk is beautiful, only one retail shop and restaurant. We are tired from Diamond Hill so only walked for a couple of hours. Might check out the stars tonight.Read more
We had a little concern about finding a ride from Letterfrack to Roonagh Pier tomorrow but Hilda, our hostess, found John who will pick us up at 8:30 on Wednesday.
Today we hard-hiked up Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. We took it slow and were among the oldest who did it, but we did it! A beautiful day for it. Cool sun and almost no wind to blow us off the mountainside. Feeling it now!Read more
Rainy and cold when we started the day but it turned sunny and beautiful by lunch time. We walked to the grocery shop and then into Connemara National Park. We took 2 easy-ish walks then back to the visitor center for lunch. Then we followed the Letterfrack Poetry Trail around the village. For 90 years there was an “industrial school” here for boys run by the RC Church. And, of course, the boys were abused and mistreated. Almost 150 of them died. Theres a children’s cemetery here for some if them. Back to our cool funky hostel for tea and then supper at an Indian restaurant.Read more
Tried to wash clothes yesterday but the washer was messed up so we hung them out in the rain last night! Terri who owns the lighthouse keeper’s house where we stayed had offered to drive us to Letterfrack so she took them and said she’d dry them and bring them to us tomorrow. So kind! She and her husband Jerry did drive us to Letterfrack.
Letterfrack Lodge is a cool, funky place and we like it. We walked to get lunch and then into Connemara National Park. Had tea to dry out and warm up then walked a lovely trail with waterfalls and primroses and wild garlic and the last of the bluebells. We needed this “easy” day.
Forgot to say I went to Christ Church in Clifden for morning services. Only 20 or so people there. No live music; we sang the hymns along with a tape of an organ and congregation. We prayed for Texas.
Terri and Jerry think the young people will come out to vote for abortion on Friday. It will be interesting to watch.Read more
Ferry to Inishbofin Island. Rough water so Jamie and I both had to deep breathe and concentrate on not throwing up. Couldn’t follow hike directions but found our way down to the beach and then walked back to the harbor on rocky, unmarked “trails,” along with sheep and cows. Gorgeous views on the cliff tops. Return ferry was smoother. We had a great dinner that we had earned!
Inishshark Island is near where we were today. That’s the Island that was vacated in the 1960s. The book “The Stolen Child” tells that story.Read more
Met 2 locals at the library and had a great talk about American politics. Taxi driver took us to the trailhead for Mamean. Hard, rocky trail but we made it. Had lunch at the top with 2 Frenchmen doing long distance walks. We went further but turned around when we started to wear out. I slept 10 hours last night!Read more
