Yesterday, after a wonderful day at Kylemore Abbey, we arrived at The Connemara Country Lodge, and it was love at first sight! Mary (our third hostess/owner in a row named Mary!) made us feel so welcome and showed us to our fabulous rooms. We also met her parents, and then this morning at breakfast we met her daughter, who runs the wool store next door. Mary cooked a delicious breakfast and then entertained us with her delightful music!
After leaving the lovely Connemara Lodge, we happened to see a sign for the Sky Loop Road and decided to investigate. So beautiful!
We stopped at the Connemara Visitors Centre, and learned, among other things, how peat is harvested. Peat, or turf, has been harvested in Ireland for centuries, and has been used as a source of heat throughout history. (Our cottage in Lahinch burned peat in the fireplace!) Peat forms over time from decaying vegetation and is harvested from the bogs scattered throughout the Irish landscape. It was very interesting to see the countryside where peat had been harvested, and to see the trailers that transport it. It's big business in Ireland now, but there is concern that the bogs are disappearing.
We traveled through the Connemara National Park, and were able to see the views little better today. No rain!
The "dots" in the water are fish pots.
We were delighted to see sheep in and all along the roads in the park. This picture was taken through the windshield, and isn't very clear, but that's a lamb nursing its mother right in the road!
We made our way to Ennis, enjoying the beautiful scenery, but sad because this would be our last night in Ireland. Our GPS didn't take us to the Railway View House B & B where we were staying, but we thought we were in the general area, so Tim and Art walked to see if they could ask someone for directions. They met a woman on the sidewalk, and as it turned out, she was the owner! The Railway View House was perfect. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the hostess was so accommodating. We knew that we would have to leave for the airport before breakfast was served, and she offered to prepare something early for us. So kind!
We walked into Ennis for dinner, and FINALLY heard the traditional Irish music that we had been wishing for! Ennis was a pretty town, and we enjoyed walking around looking in the shop windows. We ate dinner at Cruises, and it was a great choice for our last Irish meal!
What a wonderful way to spend our last night in Ireland!
No comments:
Post a Comment