No, not hell, but to Ireland. They are everywhere. We went for a drive out to Achill Island today because the weather was so perfect again, and there were goats everywhere. On the road, on the golf course, on the beach. Most curious. No fences and most of the locals don't even slow down as they speed past.
Aside from the goats, the speeding motorists, the tractors and the bikes, another interesting road side thing is the name of the servos. I have rarely seen the same company name twice. But my favourite is pictured below. Too funny. It must be a very specialized clientele. I haven't seen goth or rock or dubstep servo yet.
The Coast
The drive out to Achill Island was beautiful and the Atlantic Coast drive was spectacular, however the wild Atlantic Ocean was having a rest and it was peaceful and placid and there were a number of fishing boats out there making best use of the weather.
The map we were using actually suggested that the coast road was only for confident drivers, so we had visions of plunging cliffs - and there were, but I found it far more stressful driving down the little country roads with their ridiculous 100kmh speed limits.
Croagh Patrick
On the drive back we decided to visit Croagh Patrick, which is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Apparently St Patrick climbed the mountain to fast for 40 days and so each year there is a pilgrimage to the top. We walked as far as the statue. The track beyond was rough and uneven so we thought the better of the climb and we have been doing a lot of walking anyway. (OK, Jayne wouldn't do it and didn't want to leave her waiting for 3 hours). There is a church at the top and a return walk takes around 3 and a half hours, although it looked like it would take a whole lot more. Maybe I'll find out on my return visit.
The sign near the statue describes what pilgrims have to do on the walk to obtain a plenary indulgence (clearly the Counter Reformation didn't work). Would give the Hajj a run for its money in terms of effort - I guess if I tried to do the walk and died of a heart attack due to the over-exertion, at least I would die pure. Walking sticks were available in the carpark for purchase or rent - needed more than that to attempt this. No prizes for guessing Jayne wrote this paragraph.
After having a chat with St Patrick and taking a few pictures, we wandered back down the hill to Campbell's Pub for Guinness. It is tiny little pub with a number of rooms and open fireplaces. very cosy.
And then it was back to Augusta Lodge, where we are staying, to write this blog before walking back over to Quay for dinner.
Aside from the goats, the speeding motorists, the tractors and the bikes, another interesting road side thing is the name of the servos. I have rarely seen the same company name twice. But my favourite is pictured below. Too funny. It must be a very specialized clientele. I haven't seen goth or rock or dubstep servo yet.
The Coast
The drive out to Achill Island was beautiful and the Atlantic Coast drive was spectacular, however the wild Atlantic Ocean was having a rest and it was peaceful and placid and there were a number of fishing boats out there making best use of the weather.
The map we were using actually suggested that the coast road was only for confident drivers, so we had visions of plunging cliffs - and there were, but I found it far more stressful driving down the little country roads with their ridiculous 100kmh speed limits.
Croagh Patrick
On the drive back we decided to visit Croagh Patrick, which is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Apparently St Patrick climbed the mountain to fast for 40 days and so each year there is a pilgrimage to the top. We walked as far as the statue. The track beyond was rough and uneven so we thought the better of the climb and we have been doing a lot of walking anyway. (OK, Jayne wouldn't do it and didn't want to leave her waiting for 3 hours). There is a church at the top and a return walk takes around 3 and a half hours, although it looked like it would take a whole lot more. Maybe I'll find out on my return visit.
The sign near the statue describes what pilgrims have to do on the walk to obtain a plenary indulgence (clearly the Counter Reformation didn't work). Would give the Hajj a run for its money in terms of effort - I guess if I tried to do the walk and died of a heart attack due to the over-exertion, at least I would die pure. Walking sticks were available in the carpark for purchase or rent - needed more than that to attempt this. No prizes for guessing Jayne wrote this paragraph.
After having a chat with St Patrick and taking a few pictures, we wandered back down the hill to Campbell's Pub for Guinness. It is tiny little pub with a number of rooms and open fireplaces. very cosy.
And then it was back to Augusta Lodge, where we are staying, to write this blog before walking back over to Quay for dinner.
Hi, sounds like you are having a great time. Have tried to post a few comments but signing into google has presented probs. Hope this works. Great photos and keep enjoying.
ReplyDeleteGot this one, changed some settings this morning, so it should make it easier for everyone.
ReplyDelete