Chauffeurdrive holidays in Ireland with Dave Hogan

The ruin of an old cottage in the Maam valley in Connemara.

Just one of many runied cottages in the Connemara region. It is hard to imagine how large families were reared in tiny homes like these. It was not unusual for families to have at least 10 children in those days. Now the normal family would have maybe one or two children. How people existed at all in this region where the land was so poor is hard to imagine. The potato was their saviour and when the great famine put paid to that this area was devastated. Huge numbers of people boarded the emigrant ships for the USA from here and today large numbers of their descendants return here to search for their roots. Depending on the amount of information they have the success of their mission is mainly hinged. Even if they do not find any definite evidence, they do get a wonderful sense of satisfaction out of just being there. I think that there is a spiritual connection there for these people and i find it most rewarding when i see just how moved they can be by walking in the footsteps of their ancerstors.

Lemenagh Castle in the heart of the Burren in County Clare.

This fine old castle in located in the heart of the Burren and was an O'Brien castle. They were one of the most powerful clans in this country and were descended from that great High King Brian Boru who defeated the Vikings at the battle of Clontarf in 1014. This victory was Ireland's greatest victory over any invader and was the begining of the end for Viking rule in Western Europe.

Our weather at the moment is not great as it is quiet cold, indeed unnaturally cold for June. It is also showery, and these showers are sometimes very heavy. Lets hope that it warms up soon as June should be one of our better months.

I do have openings for the latter half of July and for August and September so if you need me just let me know.