Today I had an absolutely stunning drive from Doolin in County Clare to Murrisk in County Mayo, the weather was perfect, the scenery beyond words and the joy beyond explanation. I did stop for a walk in the Galway City, but was soon reminded that I am definitely not a city person.
Murrisk in Irish Gaelic Muraisc, meaning “sea marsh”, is located at the foot of Croagh Patrick (or Cruach Phádraig, meaning “St. Patrick's stack”), a mountain with a height of 764m (2507’) and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo. Apparently, every year, on the last Sunday of July, thousands of people converge on the village, with a population of about 266, to make the pilgrimage ~ I am delighted I came in June …!!
Below are today's pics ...
The Quiet
Man Bridge is more than just a movie location. It is also a historic and scenic
landmark in the beautiful region of Connemara, in County Galway. The bridge is
a humped back stone bridge with double Roman arches, built in the 19th century
over the Leam River. It is surrounded by stunning views of the mountains, lakes
and boglands that characterize Connemara’s landscape.
The other Quiet Man locations I visited today ~
Lettergesh and Glassillaun Beaches, that were used in the movie for the beach horse race ~ unfortunately the tide was in, so I did not get to see the vastness and beauty of the two beaches, that is so evident in the movie.
From the movie ..
Murrisk ~ my home for two nights ~ "Bertra House" ...
A very strong feeling has been growing within me over the past few days ~ Ireland is having a huge impact upon me, it has everything I thoroughly enjoy and thrive upon in life.
Today’s journey got me somewhat sentimental and a little emotional; the scenery north of Galway City was in many ways very similar to the North West Highlands of Scotland. It was there that I had many wonderful visits to when I was a Wee Laddie. So, driving the roads today brought back lots of incredibly happy memories of wandering hills and beaches, climbing over rocks, following rivers, watching the tide and much more, always with my dad.
It was in
June of last year, that I took my parent’s back home to the highlands for the last
time, which is why today’s journey and the memories that came with it, triggered the emotions.
You can
read about taking my parent's home and my highland journey from 2024 in the following blogs ~ click
on the images or the links …
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/euro-2024-you-may-be-gone-from-my-sight.html
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/euro-2024-road-to-highlands.html
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/euro-2024.html
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/euro-2024-wild-morning-wet-afternoon.html
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/today-i-ventured-to-other-side-of-gair.html
https://southshoretidewatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/mellon-udrigle-good-bye-to-highlands.html
Marty, one half of a couple we have seen for the last few years returned to Sooke today, his partner lost her life to cancer recently and did not return on this trip, she was a paddler, a lovely lady and enjoyed her time here on the west coast of Canada, and Maui where she lived, she loved time on the water and loved a beer with friends and was funny and wise. It is true that we never know when it will be our last time anywhere, but that is what life is and we all should all "drink it up" and enjoy every moment, it is great to see you doing just that Graham, I just worry that bringing 14 pairs of wellies back into Canada might be subject to tariffs.
ReplyDeleteAnother set of beautiful photos. I’ve watched the Quiet Man many a time as we used to have a video of it. I always like Maureen O’Hara’s comment that the seven mile walk to the town was just ‘a good stretch of the legs’. It’s interesting to see the locations themselves. And the sunset series of photos is stunning. It’s lucky you’re getting such good weather.
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