CHASING LEPRECHAUNS

[2wheels]

Tim Gnasher's Harley Davidson FXR 'SuperGlide' ...



… was again on offer as it was last year for this ride ...

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...rts/4054-steam-trains-castles-old-harley.html


… but this time for a tour of Ireland, so I took out two insurance policies; the saisin ...



... and one on offer from Bennetts which allowed me to be a 'named rider' on Tim's policy.



Inflight announcements Ch Mai to Bgk " We hope you enjoy your fright." and " We apologize for any convenience."

Eva Air has direct flights Bgk to Heathrow (11 hours 20 minutes) and there's a seat waiting for me.

Let the adventure begin!

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Alex.

 

[Lone Rider]

Yes, have a safe trip and above all have fun over there. Looking forward to the ride reports to be complimented from time to time with the usual small maps with the route.

 

[KTMphil]

Tried the real Guinness yet? Have a good time.

 

[The Bigfella]

Enjoy. Make sure you take a look at the Book of Kells

 

[2wheels]

16th July

Preparing the Harley.
Tim persuading the oil filter to co-operate.



This will have to do for the alternative if the Harley isn't ready in time.



Now, what goes well with Ferraris?
Yes, alcohol.
Here's my first 'drop' of this tour. 5/10.



For me (and others) a tour is also about interesting people met along the way, food consumed and drinks drank.
So here's my first ever fish pie. 10/10.



At a local cafe Tim and I were discussing ancient ruins and castles.
Vince here overheard the discussion and asked if he could join us.
Turns out he's a retired archaeologist who has done a lot of digging in this local Southampton area.
He shared a lot of local information.



Tomorrow, back to the Harley.
Oh, and a boat cruise.
Life's a bitch.

 

[brake034]

Have fun Ron! I will look forward to your reports and pictures!
I will be in Holland on August 5th and look forward to fire up the Enfield for some tours myself.

 

[2wheels]

Thanks for the kind words gentlemen.
Guinness? I'll wait until in Ireland Phil!

 

[2wheels]

17th July

Changed the oils in the Harley in the morning.
If the Harley can't be available then there are these alternatives.








Then R&R for the afternoon.

Captain Russ McD took us for a cruise along the Hamble River.



Warm sunshine and blue skies, pleasant company.
We stopped at the 'Jolly Sailor' for light refreshments and more research into the local brews.







Czech Pilsner 10/10!



'Tangle Foot' 8/10.
They've had enough time to get it right!



Some serious research here.



This was an excellent lunch break, then back along the Hamble to Hythe Marina.



Tim's new shirt.



Thanks Russ and Dawn for an excellent afternoon.

Back to the Harley, added engine oil and got it packed for an early departure tomorrow.
On the agenda tomorrow will be Governor Arthur Phillip, Sir Walter Raleigh and Lawrence of Arabia.

 

[2wheels]

Ist day riding
Friday 18th July


Set off from Tim's place in Southampton and rode to Lyndhurst which has a strong Aussie connection.



Turns out that a certain Arthur Phillip used to live there and by doing so acquired a lot of information that enabled him to go on and settle the new colony of New South Wales. By then he was Governor Arthur Phillip.



From Lyndhurst (a remote South Australian town shares the same name) it was along delightful B and A roads.

I've found the sandwiches at petrol stations make an adequate lunch.



I wanted to find the memorial stone erected beside the road out from Cloud Hill where TE Lawrence (of Arabia and Wales)) had his accident on his Brough Superior when he swerved to avoid a couple of schoolboys on bicycles. He died a few days later in a small local hospital. Found two stones, one beside the present road ...





It's adjacent to the Bovington Army Base.



... and the better one is along a walking track and closer to where the original road was.











http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._E._Lawrence


RIP Sir; what a guy.


Then just after Bovington I noticed some exotic looking car shells in a garage beside the road so stopped to meet owner Chris and have a look around.











Chris builds kit cars and specializes in transforming a, say, Mazda MX5 into a Cobra!

www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum

Excellent riding along these narrow rural roads.
So English.



Then to the magnificent Sherborne Castle, built by none other than Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594.

(F'N WiFi is wasting too much of my socialising time. To be completed tomorrow morning)



Good old 'Capability'; landscaper supremo.



The frustrations of delays caused by unattended roadworks. Grrrr.



Not a bad name for a road.



Reluctantly onto the M5 and M4, where drivers actually moved aside to allow bikes to filter through. Doesn't happen where I live! Then across the massive Severn bridge and into Wales and time to seek out some accommodation (7pm).

Lucky to find the lively and friendly 'Cross Keys' Pub which has rooms for 20 quid.



Recommended.

N 51.62171
W 03.12698

But extremely slow WiFi (not sure I'll be able to get the photos into this report tonight) but that is more than compensated by the fact that they have .....



... a magnificent deep bathtub in which I'll wallow with a red wine later tonight
'Serendipity' at work again.


10 hours in the saddle and 208 miles in excellent weather.

 

[2wheels]

Now at Fishguard (Wales) and have good WiFi, so pics have been added to yesterday's report.

 

[2wheels]

Day 2 19th July


An excellent sleep at the 'Cross Keys' and I let myself out before the staff had arisen from
'quite a night'. This was the scene that greeted me.



Fortunately, the clouds didn't drop any rain; that came later!

My intent today was to stick to my preferred A and B roads, with a few rural tracks thrown in.
Destination Fishguard and the Ferry to Ireland.

From 'Cross Keys' I rode the excellent A472 and the A470, then got onto the wonderful A4107, which winds its way through scenic mountains.



(such a pity about the rubbish some visitors leave behind though)

Through typical Welsh (former) mining villages

.

Through beautiful Abergwynfi, where I met locals (born there) Beryl and Joe.



They told me a lot about the history of the place, where they used to walk as youngsters (a bloody long way!), the seven Churches that were once there, the old picture theatre and where the coal mines were. Decades ago they had the chance to relocate to Melbourne (Oz) but made the right decision.



Through Pontrhydyfen (love those Welsh names), over Carmarthen Bay and along the A476 and various rural tracks.







Into St Clears then a stop at the rustic Laugharne Castle.

[SIZE=+1]"T[/SIZE]he castle stands on a low cliff by the side of the Coran stream, overlooking the estuary of the river Taf. Laugharne may be the castle mentioned in about 1116 as the castle of Robert Courtemain, but the first definite reference to the Norman castle is in 1189 when, after the death of King Henry II, it was seized by the Lord Rhys, prince of Deheubarth. It attracted further hostility from the Welsh in 1215 when it was destroyed by Llywelyn the Great and later, in 1257, when it was again taken and burnt.
[SIZE=+1]T[/SIZE]he early 12th century castle was probably a ringwork, and traces of an important building with a large hearth have been found during excavations at the site. The castle was remodelled in the second half of the 12th century; the interior of the ringwork was partially filled in, new defences were constructed and a large rectangular hall was built on the north. By the time of the Welsh attack in 1257, the castle was in the ownership of the de Brian family and it was Guy de Brian IV who, evidently determined to create a much more defensible structure, started to build the strong masonry castle which we see today." (Castles of Ireland)
​

Lunch



Then wet and cold stuff began to fall from the clouds and those rural tracks became a handful on the large, heavy Harley. No mishaps though.

Arrived at Fishguard (from where the Stena Lines Ferry for Rosslare (Ireland) will depart).

It was very difficult to find a room here, it being the commencement of school holidays.

I eventually found the last remaining cabin at the Fishguard Leisure Park.
Expensive (for me) at 50 quid but OK for a family or a group of 3-4 riders.
And their WiFi actually works!! (Postscript … well, sort of!)

N 51.98984
W 02.97898






153 miles today.

 

[Captain_Slash]

Enjoy your trip Ron, hopefully you will have much better weather than on your last trip here

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Colin. Got 5 minutes of sunshine this morning!

Day 3, 20th July.

Morning at and around Fishguard waiting for the Ferry to Ireland.



Rode to Fishguard Fort.





Fishguard Bay.



Why is there a fort there?

http://www.fishguardonline.com/Last_Inv.html


I took some tracks ...





Then, for a few minutes, the sun appeared and this place appeared.



It's the Fishguard Bay Caravan Park!

Tent sites for 18 quid.

N 51.98984
W 04.97898



OK, the boat is here.
247 cars and 15 bikes.
I'll go and look at the bikes.

 

[2wheels]

Day 3, 20th July continued







The couple in the Bently were to tour Ireland over two weeks for the first time.
I feel I'll meet them somewhere again.



The ticket for bike and myself was 50 quid each way.
The sea was glass smooth, which is apparently quite unusual.
One bonus was that golf devotees got to see local lad Rory win the Open Golf tournament.



Not far out from Rosslare I found this B&B off the main road near Tagoat.
I thought I'd stop riding (6-30 pm), check in and some domestic chores.
Excellent place to stay and their WiFi is better than anything I've used in Wales.

N 52.24233
W 06. 39687





Nice little touch; an energy boost.



Then a walk down to the local where they were celebrating Rory's victory.
Guinness? 7/10.



Tomorrow to the southern tip of Ireland.

Oh, Margaret of the B&B has promised seven days of 'hot weather'.
ie 27-28 degrees Celcius. Luvly.

 

[KTMphil]

Good luck in Ireland!

 

[2wheels]

Day 4, 21st July


The aim today was to get from Rosslare to as near Mizan Head, the southern-most tip of Ireland, as possible yet still enjoy the rural roads. Almost made it!



Lots or roads like this today and many rural lanes.



Retired farm workers.



Typical rural view.



Thomastown.





The hauntingly attractive Jerpoint Abbey





N 52.51162
W 07.15771

"An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition. Access for visitors with disabilities. Guided tours available. "

Location: 2.5km south west from Thomastown on the N9

This is a very religious area.



The Church, Holy Well and Round Tower at Croan.

N 52. 46524
W 07.26844









I stopped for fuel and a stretch at ‘Nine Mile House’ and ‘Jim’ wandered over to inspect the Harley and have a chat. He’s worked the local land for more than 50 years and has recently suffered a ‘stroke’ so is now unable to do most things he once enjoyed. His treat now-a-days is to wait at the petrol station to chat with folk who happen by.

Jim knows a heck of a lot about the archaeology of this area and explained a lot of the local history to me. Sadly, Jim’s 70 year old Irish accent was a huge challenge for me and I took in about 10% of what he was telling me. A wonderful Irish gentleman.
Here's a pint of Guinness coming your way Jim.



I saw quite a few of these road-side memorials.



I popped into Cork and popped out again.



Yep, I really enjoy the rural tracks. Never know who you might meet.



I called into the ‘Henry Ford Pub’ near Ahalisky around 6pm to see if they had a room.
‘No, but I’ll call for you’. (in broad Irish accent).
A few minutes later a patron hopped into his car and escorted me to this nearby and very rural B&B.





Owned by the genial Norma, who immediately gave me a pot of tea, fresh scones and jam and some sandwiches.



9-40 pm !!!



222 miles today.

 

[2wheels]

'dodgy' WiFi again

 

[2wheels]

Day 5, 22nd July

No WiFi at the B&B last night, so here goes.



A ride through the rural roads and lanes in persistent drizzle from Clonakilty to Bantry.





Then onto the 'Wild Atlantic Way' and 'Ring of Beara' roads to Adrigole and the commencement of a ride in a life-time along the Tim Healy Pass. If you're ever in southern Ireland do yourself a favour and ride this road.







































A Spirit house at the junction (and the end of the Healy Pass)







Bridge on 'Ring of Beara' road.



Along the 'Ring of Beara'.







On the excellent N71.



Dear Norma back at last night's B&B had packed a couple of scones, bread and cheese for me to eat along the way.



Then into busy, bustling Blarney to inspect Blarney Castle.
It's massive.
12 Euro entry fee and the only exit is via their gift shop, so the place is a real Pot of Gold.









These were the pens in which the Castle Guards kept the wild dogs.



No, I didn't join the throngs to kiss the Blarney Stone as I didn't want to get lip rot.





There were no rooms at Blarney but I recalled passing a nice looking B&B back at Dripsey and the friendly Maude and Liam gave me a warm welcome, tea and scones and the best sleep since I've been here.

No WiFi though, so I did a brisk walk down to the 'Weigh Inn' for some research and consumed three quick Beamish. 10/10.



When at the Inn I noticed this but missed the event by a couple of days.
Imagine how small the jockeys must be.



Next stop Ross Castle.

174 miles today.

 

[The Bigfella]

Great stuff. Enjoying it..... but, having been to Blarney Castle... I know the real reason you didn't kiss the stone.

 

[Ally]

Nice journey Ron, thanks for sharing.

Here is some music & aerial view to help lift the drizzle thats following you.

[video=youtube_share;PkhdktDm99g]http://youtu.be/PkhdktDm99g[/video]

Ally

 

[2wheels]

Yes Ally, it's hauntingly beautiful music. Love it. Thank you.

More music coming later.

And Ian; it has nothing to do with lack of agility!

 

[2wheels]

Poor WiFi, so I'll do yesterday's Ring of Kerry ride later!

 

[2wheels]

Day 6, 23rd July







Maude and Liam back at the B&B recommended that I go back to look at Ross Castle. Their suggestion, plus the fact that my old mate 'Steaminjungle' has his regal ancestry dating back to that castle, meant a U-Turn and some doubling-up of tracks. But it was worth it.


The B&B at Dripsey, County Cork.









Bridge out from Dripsey.



Another road-side memorial.



More rural roads and laneways …

(Sheep thinking, "Noisy iron horse."
Me thinking, "Barbecue."



... then onto the excellent N71 and the 'Wild Atlantic Way Road' again and into bustling Killarney.











And onto the wonderful 'Ring of Kerry'.























A break beside the Ring road.



And into the very impressive Ross Castle (free!)






















The story of the castle.









Like Blarney Castle this is a touristy place but not so blatently commercial; more class about it.














Then out of town, past this ..



... to Dingle Peninsular, where it was pouring cold rain!



So I retreated and turned right at Inch and headed inland towards Tralee, through Castlemaine with its Aussie connection. (more about this later).



I stopped just before Tralee at this excellent pub/B&B at Curraheen.



Then a group of Belgian riders arrived.











A meal, some socialising and some more research.



Smithwicks 9/10


Tomorrow to King John's Castle in Limmerick (although I've heard weather reports of afternoon hail!)

210 miles

 

[2wheels]

So who's this 'Wild Colonial Boy' then?



It's Jack Duggan.

Wild Colonial Boy Irish folk song


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgbxh8Lsgx4


[SIZE=+1]The Wild Colonial Boy[/SIZE]
Traditional Irish Songs

There was a wild colonial boy, Jack Dugan was his name
He was born and raised in Ireland, in a place called Castlemaine
He was his father's only son, his mother's pride and joy
And dearly did his parents love the wild colonial boy

At the early age of sixteen years, he left his native home
And to Australia's sunny shores he was inclined to roam
He robbed the rich and he helped the poor, he stabbed James MacEvoy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy

For two long years this daring youth ran on his wild career
With a heart that knew no danger, and their justice he did not fear
He robbed the lordly squatters, their flocks he would destroy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy

He bade the judge "Good morning!" and he told him to beware
For he never robbed an honest judge who acted "on the square"
"Yet you would rob a mother of her son and only joy
And breed a race of outlaws like the wild colonial boy!&uot;

One morning on the prairie while Jack Dugan rode along
While listening to the mocking bird singing a cheerful song
Out jumped three troopers fierce and grim Kelly, Davis, and Fitzroy
They all set out to capture him, the wild colonial boy

Surrender now, Jack Dugan, for you see there's three to one
Surrender in the Queen's name, sir, you are a plundering son
Jack drew two pistols from his side and glared upon Fitzroy
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy

He fired a shot at Kelly, which brought him to the ground
And turning round to Davis he received his fatal wound
But a bullet pierced his brave young heart from the pistol of Fitzroy
And that was how they captured him the wild colonial boy

 

[2wheels]

Day 7, 24th July





A very comfortable and pretty ride today in mostly fine weather. None of the predicted hail!
Not where I was anyway.

From Tralee the plan was to settle into a nice B&B (ie one that has functioning WiFi!) as close to the Cliffs of Moher as reasonable.

So it was along the N69 to a bay of the Atlantic where I spotted this castle, which is actually privately owned and is 'strictly no admittance'. Gun Castle just past Tarbert.



Continuing along the N69 and into Limerick to look at King John's Castle.

Built 1197 on what was an ancient Viking settlement.

http://www.britainirelandcastles.com/Ireland/County-Limerick/King-Johns-Castle.html




Then R roads and lanes ...



... to Ennis and the N85 to the Castle View B&B at Lehinch.

Checked in and walked down to the sea, consumed a meal and watched the locals swimming and surfing in the frigid water.











118 miles

 

[Gnasher328]

Like the Irish themed biker pics. Interesting, saw more religious icons than I could shake a stick at but don't remember seeing a 'spirit house' there. Was it something to do with the pass?

 

[bigalmorris]

Stunning pictures and words Ron

 

[The Bigfella]

Is Tim OK with the repaint you've done to his Harley?

Day 7, 24th July


View attachment 30079

 

[2wheels]

Don't think he'll notice it Ian.

'Spirit House' was only my term for it Tim.

Thanks Al; still want to see something from you on that big Yammy … maybe a ride through the Flinders Ranges?

 

[2wheels]

Day 7, 25th July




The Cliffs of Moher were high on my 'must see' list.

An ancient 'look-out tower' now in the middle of a golf course.



I've taken a liking to these old stone cottages and can't help but wonder who they sheltered over the years and what conversations went on between those walls.



I managed to get a discount for the carpark at the Cliffs of Moher because "you are all the way from Australia." Or maybe she knew something.

Good security there.



And this is what we saw of the Cliffs.





And this is what we should have seen!



However, the foggy conditions didn't prevent folk from enjoying their picnic.



So I headed inland and away from the fog. It was a 'heat wave' of 25 degrees Celcius and the riding was perfect.





I rode back through Ennis along the N85 and through many quaint sounding villages ... Knockanoura, Ballynahinch, Knockaphort, along the R352, Ballynager, Cossaunaclamper, around Lough Rea, Cloghastookeen etc through big and bustling Galway, along the N59, past some of the Twelve Bens (Pins) and into Roundstone where I'll linger for a couple of days.





The country is different here; sort of swampy and moors-like.



Entering Roundstone.







Another nice B&B.





Then into town to socialize at the Shamrock.



(Yes, Irish Stew, Guinness, Shamrock ... all the cliches there. Except the elusive Leprechaun.)
10/10 for the Guinness tonight. In fact, 10/10 for everything!

This place opposite has been abandoned and, according to a local lady, is haunted.
Looks like a prime investment to me.



A very nice day and evening.
Now to tend to some domestic chores while the sun is shining.

164 miles.

 

[2wheels]

Yesterday I rode through the county and very near the place of birth of one Robert O'Hara Burke of the famous (infamous?) Burke and Wills Expedition from Australia south to north and half way back again.

Robert O'Hara Burke (1820/1 - 1861)


There seems to be no monument for Burke in his 'home-town' of St Clerans, County Galway.

Regardless of the mistakes Burke made on that incredible journey, these were very tough (foolish?) guys.
They travelled in the worst of the Aussie Outback heat, when temperatures are into the mid 40 degree Celcius; a massive contrast to their home conditions.

 

[2wheels]

And another young Irishman and survivor of the 'Burke and Wills Expedition' was John King.
However, his name has never been highlighted and seems to have been 'airbrushed from history'; maybe because he was not from 'landed gentry' as Burke was and/or because he befriended the Aboriginal people (and therefore survived).

John King - Ireland's Forgotten Explorer - Australia's First Hero - Book


More about King and something that is not generally know in Oz.

http://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/new...k-linked-a-lord-with-the-aborigines-1-5561074


He has a monument in his 'home-town' of Moy.

 

[2wheels]

And speaking of famous/infamous Irish Australians, here's just a few.


Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Former governor general Sir William Deane
Former prime minister John Curtin
Former prime minister Ben Chifley
Former prime minister Paul Keating
Former NSW premier John Fahey
Former Victorian premier John O'Shanessy
Award-winning author Tom Keneally
Former Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly
Socceroo Lucas Neill
Actor Nicole Kidman
Artist Sidney Nolan
Eureka Stockade leader Peter Lalor
Musician Kev Carmody
Surfer Mick Fanning
Singer Damien Leith
Sprinter Patrick Johnson
AFL great Jim Stynes
Foreign correspondent Paul McGeough
Olympic swimmer Sarah Frances "Fanny'' Durack
Actor Errol Flynn
Politician Arthur Calwell
Lawyer Frank Costigan
Engineer CY O'Connor
Philanthropist Daisy Bates
Musician Doc Neeson
Bushranger Ned Kelly (more about Ned later)

 

[2wheels]

And re the name 'Roundstone'.

"Roundstone (Irish: Cloch na Rón, meaning "seal's rock") is a village on the west coast ofIreland, in the Connemara region of County Galway. The town of Clifden is nearby to the north.
The anglicised name is usually considered an error on the part of the British colonial Ordnance Survey who translated the village name; while Cloch certainly means Stone or Rock, Rón means Seal, not Round. Still, the names Cloch na Rón and Roundstone may be totally independent.[SUP][1][/SUP]The bay is referred to as Round-stone Haven as early as 1684 (Roderick O'Flaherty), and the rock after which it is named stands like a marker at the entrance and is strikingly round."

(WikiPedia)

 

[2wheels]

Day 8, 26th July




Spent the day in and around Roundstone, mainly because it's an interesting, picturesque place and some interesting people can be found here.

Spent some time talking to this lady who was painting 'The Haunted House'.



About an hour later.



Views of the bay and 'Twelve Bens'.







Another hot day (for the locals).



Ooops!
A high speed parking incident.
Two burst tyres and a shattered sump.



OK, some exploring to do tomorrow.



I had a riding partner for a while; 1962 model.







Back to the Shamrock to socialise.
8/10 today.



Tomorrow through the 'Twelve Bens', something Bronze Age, aeronautical history and an ancient Abbey.

 

[Lone Rider]

Day 7, 25th July

I’ve taken a liking to these old stone cottages and can’t help but wonder who they sheltered over the years and what conversations went on between those walls.

View attachment 30084

Stellar pictures Ron and every morning I look forward to the next post on your trip and yes, just like you I have that same "wonderment" about what happened a long and not so long time ago at the places I see, stop and reminisce about what is going on around me.

 

[2wheels]

Day 8, 27th July

OK, THIS IS A MESS WHICH I CAN'T CLEAN UP UNTIL TOMORROW WHEN I HAVE ACCESS TO THE ONE ROOM THAT HAS STRONG WIFI. GRRRRRRR.





Battery recharged during two delightful days in Roundstone, I headed off in light drizzle towards Clifden.


This area is significant for a number of reasons.

1 "In 1998 Sean Gorham of Inishnee, Roundstone, County Galway, was engaged in turf-cutting in Roundstone Bog "when he noticed what appeared to be a series of flat stones laid at regular intervals ... Believing them to be the remains of an ancient trackway, Mr. Gorham left the stones undisturbed, and through the good offices of Martin O'Malley, Roundstone, and Michael Gibbons, Clifden, his discovery was brought to the attention of the National Museum of Ireland."
Gorham's find was located in the townland of Derrycunlagh. Investigation revealed that earlier turf-cutters had removed part of the trackway but its two extant stretches determine its route. The trackway appeared to date from the early Bronze Age, while the field wall may have been of an earlier date." (Wiki)


2 "Clifden gained prominence after 1905 when Guglielmo Marconi decided to build his first high power transatlantic long wavewireless telegraphy station four miles (6 km) south of the town to minimize the distance to its sister station in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The first point-to-point fixed wireless service connecting Europe with North America opened for public service with the transmission of 10,000 words on 17 October 1907. At peak times, over 400 people were employed by the Clifden wireless station, among them Jack Phillips, who later died as chief Radio Operator on the Titanic."


"On 19 June 1919 the first transatlantic flight by Alcock and Brown crashlanded in Derrygimlagh bog, close to Marconi's transatlantic wireless station."



Then to the amazing Kylemore Abbey.



"If you've traveled through the West of Ireland, you have almost certainly stopped to visit Kylemore Abbey, built in the 1800s by Mitchell Henry for his wife, Margaret. Kylemore is one of Ireland's top tourist attractions for so many reasons—the fascinating history of the castle and the Henry family's many contributions to life in Connemara, the wonderfully well-stocked gift shop, delicious meals and snacks in the Mitchell cafe and Tea House, the restored Victorian Walled Garden, beautiful Neo-Gothic Church, and the vast array of programs held on site during the height of the tourist season.
The story goes that Mitchell and Margaret visited Connemara on their honeymoon in 1850 and she was so enthralled by a hunting lodge, set on the banks of picturesque Pollacappul Lake, that he later returned, bought the 15,000 acres and built the castle as their home. The Henrys raised nine children there.
A doctor in Manchester, England, Mitchell Henry was amazingly forward thinking for his time and a real innovator: He created the first model farm in the west of Ireland; cultivated the largest Victorian Walled Garden in Ireland, with 21 glasshouses heated by a vast network of water pipes; rerouted the public road to facilitate construction of the castle; generated his own hydro-electricity; and set up a school on the grounds for the tenants' children. He also represented Galway in the House of Commons for 14 years and was a keen advocate of home rule for the Irish.
Henry died in 1910 and Kylemore went through a series of owners before the property was purchased in 1920 by Benedictine nuns from Ypres, Belgium, who had fled to Ireland after their abbey was destroyed in WWI. They ran a highly regarded girls' school at Kylemore until 2010. A Galway development company now manages the property, although the nuns are still very much in evidence as some live on the property and in a nearby farmhouse."

(Boston Irish Reporter)





Ashford Castle was next on my shopping list, so I took the very rideable R345/346 into Cong and to the Castle.
Along R345/346.







A couple for you Auke.





They sure love their stone walls here.



Turns out Ashford is now a private Hotel but the staff were very friendly towards me.

Nice location for a round of golf then off to the 19th hole afterwards.







Jeeves was driving Ma'am home after a wedding reception. Yes, she was actually sitting in the back drinking champaign (well, it was a champaigne glass in her hand) as they glided past.





Others had to do by making a helicopter departure.




Here's the Castle story and a few pics.

History "The Norman castle dates back to 1228 when it was founded by the de Burgo family, they were defeated in a battle in 1589 and lost their home to Lord Ingham governor of Connaught. It was transformed in 1715 by the Oranmore and Browne family with the addition of a French style chateau and in 1852 it's owner Sir Benjamin Guinness (of the brewing family) extended the estate to 26,000 acres planting trees and adding a further two Victorian extensions. During this time George V, Prince of Wales and many other important guests stayed with the Guiness family. In the 19th century Arthur Guinness incorporated both the castle and the chateau into the one large building it is today. From 1939 onwards Ashford Castle has also welcomed many famous guests amongst them the then president of America Ronald Regan. The Arts The 1950's film 'The Quiet Man' by John Ford was filmed in Cong and there are nightly showings at the castle."

(Britain-Ireland-Castles.com)













I've only seen four 'road kills' so far. Two foxes and two wabbits.
(What decent trip report doesn't have 'road kill' in it?)



Back along the wonderful R345/346 again, heading for Crough Patrick.



"The Holy Mountain

Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.
The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season.

Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. The Black Bell of Saint Patrick was a highly venerated relic on Croagh Patrick for many years.

The first stop on the pilgrimage is Saint Patrick's statue erected in 1928 by Reverend Father Patterson with money he collected in America towards the rebuilding of Saint Mary's Church in Westport.
Each year, The Reek, as it is colloquially known, attracts about 1 million pilgrims. On 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims visit the Reek. At the top, there is a modern chapel where mass is celebrated and confessions are heard. Individuals and groups come from all over the world and include pilgrims, hill climbers, historians, archaeologists and nature lovers."








Until now the riding had been in sunny but cool weather.
That is, until an hour before B&B at Eden Villa (with poor WiFi) Tubbercurry, County Sligo.


173 miles.

 

[2wheels]

Thank you Auke.

 

[2wheels]

Monday 28th.

Lousy WiFi again so I won't even start today's ride report until tomorrow!!