Car and driver Ireland West

This photo was taken yesterday as we crossed over the mountains from the Carraroe side to the Oughterard side in Connemara. The golden brown colours of the boglands with their many scattered lakes and the magnificent Twelve Pins (mountains) on the horizon made this a real treat yesterday.This area is quiet unknown and that is another really good reason for travelling with someone who knows their country (like me of course). You will never meet a tour bus up here.
Our main reason for travelling to Carraroe yesterday was to visit Patrick Folan, a traditional Currach builder. Here we see Patrick with Clare discussing an almost completed new Currach. These were the traditional light framed boats used by the fishermen on the west coast of Ireland. I will write more about these boats again when i have more time.
This curious cat appeared as i was doing some investigative work for Clare in the Kiltimagh area. We did have quiet a lot of success and met with many relatives of Clare's in the Swinford and Kiltimagh area. Exciting times.
This is the old Fitzgerald Mansion in Turlough Castlebar where we visited a wonderful museum and centre. The restaurant was also delightful and the Chef, Ann, was every bit as nice as the wonderful range of desserts. This place definitely goes on my list of special places to visit. The extra bonus to be found there at the moment is that they have the magnificent Cross of Cong on view for a limited period of time. This cross is famous as it has a fragment of the cross of Christ enclosed in a small glass ball in the centre of the cross. If you do happen to be in the Castlebar area of county Mayo, or indeed anywhere near it, then i would highly recommend this place for a visit.

The cross of Cong, on view in the museum at Turlough near Castlebar.

My present tour is still ongoing and ends on Friday when i start immiediately with another group as we head once again for Killarney. I am truly amazed at how long my season is lasting this year and indeed when i finish with the next group i start straight away with another couple for a few days. More to follow when i get the time. Stayed tuned.

Dave