Walking around Dublin.

On our last day in Ireland, we head to Tokyo tomorrow via London Heathrow Airport.      I got a map of Dublin at the Tourist Information Office.

Map of Dublin

My friend likes to take pictures of flowers in parks, so I walked around the city of Dublin alone.

First to O’Connell Street.

O’Connell Street is a street in the centre of Dublin, Ireland, running north from the River Liffey.

General Post Office on O’Connell Street.

The General Post Office is the headquarters of the Irish postal service and is one of Ireland’s most famous buildings. It was the last of the great Georgian public buildings erected in the capital and during the Easter Rising of 1916, the GPO served as the headquarters of the uprising’s leaders. The original columns outside are still pocked with bullet-marks from the assault by the British forces.

From O’Connell Street to the River Liffey.

Statue of Daniel O’Connell on O’Connell Street.

Daniel O’Connell (1775 –1847), hailed in his time as The Liberator, was the acknowledged political leader of Ireland’s Roman Catholic majority in the first half of the 19th century.

O’Connell Bridge over River Liffey.

The original bridge was designed by James Gandon (English architect), and built between 1791 and 1794. 　I walked from the O’Connell Bridge through Pearse Street to Trinity College, which took about 15 minutes.

Pearse Street

Pearse Street is a major street in Dublin. It runs from College Street in the west to MacMahon Bridge in the east, and is one of the city’s longest streets.

Arrived in front of Trinity College.

Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, a research university in Dublin, Ireland.

Trinity College campus.

Queen Elizabeth I founded the college in 1592 as “the mother of a university” that was modelled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Campanile (Trinity College Dublin)

Interior of the old library at Trinity College.

Oldest harp in Ireland

Large collection of books.

The Campanile of Trinity College Dublin is a bell tower and one of its most iconic landmarks.  I would like to see The Book of Kells again on my last day in Dublin.

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

I left Trinity College after having thoroughly enjoyed the Book of Kells.

Trinity College, Dublin.

Parliament Square is nearby.

A street called College Green.

I left Trinity College and walked aimlessly through the streets of Dublin.

Dublin City Hall comes into view.

Dublin City Hall

Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the province of Leinster, bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range. At the 2016 census, it had a population of 1,173,179. A settlement was established in the area by the Gaels during or before the 7th century, followed by the Vikings.

I wanted to see The Book of Kells again on my last day in Dublin.

The O’Connell Bridge was built in the 1700s and connects the north and south of Dublin. It joins O’Connell Street to D’Olier Street. I walked south across the O’Connell Bridge.

I became paralyzed on the right side of my body due to the aftereffects of a stroke. No more blogs can be created. thank you very much. And goodbye.

Going to Dublin

We returned the rental car at the Galway airport a few days ago. And today we are going to Dublin by train.

Galway National Railway Station.

Diesel locmotive and carriages. Lovely Inter City to Dublin.

Shortly after departure, cross the iron bridge of Lough Atalia.

Shortly after departure, we crossed the iron bridge of Lough Atalia.　　　　　　　　After leaving Galway, we arrived at Dublin in about three hours.

Dublin Pearse St. Station.

We asked the locals where the booked hotel was and walked over. We arrived at the hotel  called “The Mont” near Merrion Square Park in about 10 minutes.

Merrion Square Park

Hotel “The Mont”

Our hotel room.

I was very tired, so I lay down on the bed and rested for a while. I slept for a while. After taking a rest for a while, I went out for a walk in the city of Dublin. It seems that it rained while I was resting in my hotel room.

Custom House, magnificent building facing the river Liffey.

From here I walked along the river Liffey and a large bronze statue appeared.

Statue of Daniel O’Connell.

He was a great Irish independence leader, which stands at the entrance to the street.

Daniel O’Connell Street.

It seems that it rained while I was resting in my hotel room.

Abbey Street. (Side street of O’Connell Street.)

I was walking down O’Connell Street and getting into Eari Street, I encountered James Joyce. He was walking as usual. (It’s from my diary.)

James Joyce Statue on Earl Street North.

I greeted James, “Hi James, how are you?” He smiled and waved at me. (James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (1882 – 1941) was an Irish novelist, poet and literary critic. He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century. Joyce’s novel Ulysses (1922) is a landmark in which the episodes of Homer’s Odyssey are paralleled in a variety of literary styles, particularly stream of consciousness.)

View of the Parnell Monument from Parnell Square. It began to rain again.

Temple Bar, a cobbled area on the south bank of the Liffey River.

Temple Bar, a cobbled area on the south bank of the Liffey River. Today, it is a hub of art and culture.

Bedford Tower and Main Gate in Dublin Castle.

Dublin Castle. (19th century Gothic Chapel Royal and Record Tower.)

Dublin Castle was built by King John in 1204 and was for many years a symbol of British rule.

Trinity College Library (Exhibition of the Book of Kells)

I entered the Old Library through the south entrance, so I could see the Book of Kells first.

Interior of the old Trinity College.

The Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells was produced in a monastery in Ireland, from late 6th century to early 9th century.

The Gospel of John and 2 others.

The Book of Kells is a manuscript of the Bible and is a national treasure of Ireland.

The Book of Kells is known as the most beautiful book in the world.

I was very moved by the Book of Kells. As I was exposed to Irish culture, I was very happy.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College was founded by Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1592.

Campanile and Courtyard at Trinity College

As I cycled through Inishmore in the Aran Islands and ran up the hill to take some pictures. So I was very tired coming this far.

I’m going back to the hotel now, and I’m going to bed as soon as possible tonight. Tomorrow is our last day in Ireland, I will be walking around the town of Dublin taking pictures.

Trinity College Dublin

Campanile (Trinity College Dublin)

As I cycled through Inishmore in the Aran Islands and ran up the hill to take some pictures. So I was very tired coming this far.

I’m going back to the hotel now, and I’m going to bed as soon as possible tonight. Tomorrow is our last day in Ireland, I will be walking around the town of Dublin taking pictures.

Good night, see you tomorrow.

Night walk in Galway.

Tomorrow, we will leave the city of Galway and take a train to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. So I decided to take a walk around the city of Galway at night.

I came to the Eyre Spuare Center first.

Interior of the Eyre Spuare Center.

Near the center of the building, the remains of a stone wall.

This is the terrace seat of the cafe across the passage.

Galway history on the part of the wall. (I hate Thomas Cromwell.)

Once a poor village, Galway was conquered by the Norman nobleman Richard de Burgo in the 13th century during the English invasion of Ireland. This wall was built to protect him from the threat of the native lords, the O’Flaherty clan. At that time, Galway, with a population of about 6,000, was swelled with refugees fleeing the advance of Cromwell’s army. After nine months of siege warfare, they finally surrender. Wealthy city leaders fled to their own fiefs, while the poorer townspeople were sold into slavery in the West Indies after the war.

The Eyre Spuare Center closed at 7pm. So I walked from the Eyre Spuare Center to the shop street.

Shop Street

Shop Street is the main thoroughfare of the city of Galway in the west of Ireland. It has been pedestrianised since the late 20th century. As its name suggests, it is Galway’s main shopping street, and was one of the first streets in the city to develop a retail focus.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I walked from Shop Street to Quay Street without any particular purpose.

Quay Street

Quay Street is one of Galway’s most popular and busy pedestrian areas. Here you will find great irish pubs and restaurants, as well as museums and tourist attractions.     After walking for about 5 minutes from Quay Street, I passed the Latin Quarter and arrived at Lynch Castle.

Latin Quarter.

The Latin Quarter of Galway City extends from the Spanish Arch to O’Brien’s Bridge to St Nicholas’ Church to Middle Street and features many well fine examples of the city’s medieval heritage.

Lynch’s Castle

Lynch’s Castle is now used as a branch of AIB Bank. Lynch’s Castle is a solid 14th-century limestone building and the only surviving mansion of the “14 Tribes” that ruled the city of Galway.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I walked down the main street for about 5 minutes and came to River Corrib, the west end of downtown Galway.

River Corrib

There are few people walking along the Corrib River, and it seems somewhat lonely.

Spanish Arch

Along the River Corrib is part of the walls that surrounded the city of Galway. This wall with two arches is called “Spanish Arch” which was built in 1584 to protect the wharf. Named for the city of Galway, which traded with Spain, there were four arches in all when it was built.

Leave the lonely riverside area and return to the main street.

I was busy and hadn’t had dinner so looked for a restaurant. So I asked a local, “Are there any good restaurants near here?” He took me to Mc Donagh’s Galway, a seafood restaurant.

Seafood restaurant Mc Donagh’s Galway

Mc Donagh’s have been tantalising the taste buds of both Visitor and Local for four generations. The Family knowledge of Fish and dedication to their customers has earned them the reputation of being one of Ireland’s best.

Inside of Mc Donagh’s. It seems to be a very old house.

When I went inside, the locals were lined up at the counter drinking beer, and it was quite busy.

I ordered Fish & Chips.

I left the restaurant very satisfied with the delicious fish and chips and headed back to Main Street.

Street musicians were playing.

It was 7:45pm, but it was still light outside and the street musicians were starting to play.

I passed St.Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Said to be the oldest church in Galway, this church was built in the early 14th century to dedicate it to St. Nicholas, and was expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries. “Saint Nicholas” is the archbishop of the city of Mira in Asia Minor who was active in the first half of the 4th century, and is considered the patron saint of shipping, travelers, children, merchants, and scholars.

(Left, Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900.  Right, Eduard Wilde, 1865-1933.)

Sitting under a street lamp in front of a jewelery store are the “Two Wildes” by British aesthetic poet Oscar Wilde and Estonian writer Eduardo Wilde.　”Jonathan Swift” (1667-1745) who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels”, “James Joyce” (1882-1941) of “Ulysses”, and “Bernard Shaw” (1856-1950), All of them are from Ireland, and Ireland is the world’s leading literary country.

After 8pm, the wind got stronger and it got a bit chilly, but it was still too early to go back to the hotel, so I went to see the city’s cathedral, “Galway Cathedral”.

I walked north along the Corrib River alley.

As I approached the Salmon Ware Bridge over the Corrib River, I looked across the river to a magnificent stone cathedral.

Galway Cathedral on the Corrib River.

As it was built after Irish independence, it is a Catholic cathedral rather than an Anglican church.

Facade of Galway Cathedral.

The wind is getting stronger, and it’s starting to feel quite cold in my spring clothes, so it’s time to head back to the hotel.

Upper Corrib River

After taking pictures of the upper Corrib River, I walked along the river toward the hote. On the way, I took a wrong turn and it was past 9pm when I got back to the Park House Hotel.

Park House Hotel Galway.

I was a little tired from my last Galway walk. But after this, I have a pleasure. It is to enjoy Irish Whiskey Jameson in my hotel room. (I am writing this blog while drinking Jameson.)

Good night, see you tomorrow.

(I haven’t been good at English since I was a student, so please let me know if there are any mistakes in my writing.)

Inishmore, Aran Islands (Ⅱ)

Ballydavock, on the western edge of Inishmore. (This photo is taken from a booklet.)

I cycled east of the island from Ballydavock on the western edge of Inishmore. Yellow flowers were blooming when I ran a little east by bicycle.

Yellow blossoms in shrubs.

I rode my bike to the north side of Inishmore.

After about 12 minutes by bicycle from Ballydavock, an old ruin appeared.

Roofless stone houses.

It looked like an extremely old church.

It’s called the Seven Churches.

Situated in the west of Inishmore at the village of Eoghanacht the seven churches or Dísert Bhreacáin as it is also known was for centuries one of the biggest monastic foundations and centres of pilgrimage along the west coast of Ireland.

Cemetery of the Seven Churches

Is it a Celtic magical pattern?

I ride my bike to the east.

On the way I found a strange of stone block.What’s this.

Chunk of stone. (It’s called Clochán_na_Carraige).

Entrance to the stone block.

Inside a block of stones.

The Clochán na Carraige is a beehive hut of dry stone vaults. When I took these pictures I didn’t know what this rock block was.

I rode my bike again east.

As I cycled eastward, I saw a stone building without a roof.

Temple MacDuagh

The church is in ruin and is without a roof. There is an archway in the foreground.

Interior of Temple MacDuagh. (This photo is from a tourist brochure.)

The church is in ruin and is without a roof. There is an archway in the foreground. After this I passed by a beautiful beach.

Kilmurvey Beach.

Kilmurvey Beach is located 20 minutes cycle from Kilronan Village. It is accessible via the main road and the coastal road. In the middle of summer, the beach is crowded with many bathers.

I left Kilmurvey Beach and ran further east.

There was a plate on the way that indicated the direction, so I ran towards it.

It was written as “Temple 7 “bed” of the Che beautiful change”. (I don’t understand.)

This ruin has appeared. What is this?

Wall-plaque, Teampall an cheathrair alainn. (The temple of the beautiful four.)

On the wall is a statue of the Holy Virgin.

Teampall an Ceathrar Álainn (The Church of the Four Beauties) is in the middle of Inishmore. It is a small ruined church. In a window is a statue of the Virgin Mary donated by Bridget Dirrane. She wrote the book “The Woman of Aran”. The four beauties are said to be buried in an enclosure just east of the church. The 4 beauties (saints) are identified on a wall-plaque as; SS Conall, Berchan, Brendan of Birr and Fursey. 　From here I cycled east again.

Going to east in inishmore.

Cycling east from The Church of the Four Beauties, I came across a modern tower.

I don’t think it’s a ruins.

It’s called ‘Dún Árann Signal Tower’.

Built in 1799, this substantial complex was constructed as part of an extended network of fortifications by the British government along the Atlantic seaboard of Ireland (which was a British colony at the time). Now disused, the fortification, consisting of a signal tower, would have been used as early warning to the British government should there have been a French invasion on Ireland which was threatened by Napoleon at the time.

I left the Dún Ár ann Signal Tower and quickly cycled east. It took longer than planned.

At the end of the maze-like stone wall, you can see the village.

The village with ferry port.

I arrived at the south of the village where the ferry port is located. I looked for a shop that sold Aran sweaters there. There was an Aran sweater shop!

Aran sweater shop of Inishmore.

I bought an Aran sweater at this store.

I bought an Aran sweater at this shop. By the way, looking at the port, it seems that the ferry has already arrived.

Inishmore Ferry Port.

Although it was still early for the departure time, I returned the rental bicycle and decided to take a rest in the ferry. Eventually the ferry left Inishmore and set sail for Rossaveal.

Goodbye Inishmore, it was a lot of fun. Sayonara Inishmore!

The ferry arrived at the port of Rossaveal, west of Galway, in about an hour. I was a little tired, so I could take a rest.

Ferry Port of Rossaveal.

From Rossaveal to City of Galway.

I arrived at Eyre Square in the center of Galway after 6pm.

Eyre Square in the center of Galway.

I saw a rainbow in the sky and though the heaven was blessing my safe return. I made a sign of the cross for the heaven.

(To avoid the heat and humidity of Tokyo, I am staying in the city of Kushiro, Hokkaido. Therefore, I cannot post the purchased Aran sweater. After returning to Tokyo, I will exhibit my Aran sweater here.)

Inishmore, Aran Islands (Ⅰ)

I headed to a town of Rossaveal to go to the Aran Islands. On the way, I passed a village called Spiddal.

Spiddal.

Spiddal is a village on the shore of Galway Bay in County Galway, Ireland. It is 18 kilometres west of Galway city, on the R336 road.

We entered Rossaveal village along Galway Bay.

Rossaveal is a Gaeltacht village and townland in the Connemara area of County Galway, Ireland. It is the main ferry port for the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. It is about 37 kilometres from Galway city. (Gaeltacht are the districts of Ireland, individually or collectively, where the Irish government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant vernacular, or language of the home.)

To the center of Rossaveal.

From the center of Rossaveal to the ferry port.

I boarded this ferry and headed t 

The name of this ferry is Ceol Na Farraige (Music of the Sea).

I crossed over to Inishmore on this boat. I took some pictures of the surroundings from the ferry.

The ferry left the port.

the waves are calm.

Eventually Inishmore came into view.

Let me explain the Aran Islands here.

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands (Irish: Oileáin Árann) are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a total area around 46 km2. They constitute the historic barony of Aran in County Galway.                                         From west to east, the islands are: Inishmore, which is the largest; Inishmaan, the second-largest; and Inisheer, the smallest. There are also several islets.                 The population of 1,226 (2016) primarily speak Irish, the language of local placenames, making the islands a part of the Gaeltacht. Most islanders are also fluent or proficient in English.

Arrive at Inishmore Ferry Port.

At the reception of the Park House Hotel, I was told that I should use a bicycle because Inishmore is so large, so I decided to rent a bicycle.

Landed at Inishmore.

Let’s explain about Inishmore first.

Map of Inishmore.

Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland. With an area of 31 km2 and a population of 762 (2016), it is the second-largest island off the Irish coast and most populous of the Aran Islands. The island is in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht and has a strong Irish culture. Much of the island is karst landscape and it has a wealth of ancient and medieval sites including Dún Aonghasa, described as “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe” by George Petrie.

I walked into the island from the ferry port.

You can tour the islands of Inishmore by horse-drawn carriage.

At the reception of the Park House Hotel, I was told that I should use a bicycle because Inishmore is so large, so I decided to rent a bicycle.

Bicycle rental shop.

A view of the vicinity of the ferry port.

A masonry fence around precious pasture grass.

On the way, I got off my bike and walked to the beach.

Arrived at the visitor center leading to Dún Aonghasa Hill.

Interior of the visitor center.

The history and geology are explained in detail.

From the visitor center to Dún Aonghasa.

From here I headed to the famous Dun Aonghasa.

Dún Aonghasa (Dun means Fortress) is the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands of County Galway. It lies on Inishmore, at the edge of a 100-metre-high cliff.

Dun Aengus comes into view.

The west side of Dún Aonghasa.

Enter Dun Aonghasa.

Interior of Dun Aonghasa.

Inner enclosure wall.

It is not known exactly when Dún Aonghasa was built, though it is now thought that most of the structures date from the Bronze Age and Iron Age.

View from Dun Aonghasa.

Leave Dun Aonghasa.

From Dun Aonghasa I went to the cliffs on the western coast.

Going to the western coast.

I arrived at the west coast called Ballydavock, and I can see what looks like an ancient ruin on the edge of the cliff. Ballydavock is a townland in the civil parish of Drum, County Mayo, Ireland. It lies in the Roman Catholic parish of Drum and barony of Carra.

The western coast cliffs, Inishmore.

Cliffs of Aran is 8 km in length.

The entrance of the stone walls.

When I went inside, there was now nothing but a little grass.

I leave Ballydavock.

Brochure got at the visitor center.

My English is not good enough, so you should read this booklet.

Walking around the town of Galway. (Ⅱ)

I left St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church and decided to walk along the Corrib River.

St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church

I walked from St. Nicholas Church through the Latin Quarter to the Spanish Arch.

Latin Quarter

Latin Quarter retains the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

The Latin Quarter of Galway City extends from St Nicholas’ Church to O’Brien’s Bridge to the Spanish Arch and features many well fine examples of the city’s medieval heritage.

Arrived at Spanish Arch.

The two arches were part of the extension of the city wall from Martin’s Tower to the bank of the River Corrib, as a measure to protect the city’s quays, which were in the area once known as the Fish Market (now Spanish Parade). It was constructed during the mayoralty of Wylliam Martin in 1584, being called the head of the wall. The arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Galway City Museum

Until 2006, part of the Arch housed the Galway City Museum. At that time, the museum  was moved to a new, dedicated building located just behind the Arch.

Arrived at the banks of the Corrib River.

The River Corrib in the west of Ireland flows from Lough Corrib through Galway to Galway Bay.

The opposite bank of the Corrib River

I walked around upstream along the banks of the River Corrib.

There used to be water mills in this area.

O’Brien’s Bridge across River Corrib.

Galway  Cathedral

Promenade on the banks of the Corrib River

A small side stream on the River Corrib.

Galway Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Galway, Ireland, and one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city.

Cross the Salmon Weir Bridge to the opposite bank.

Facade of Galway Cathedral

Construction began in 1958 on the site of the old city prison. It was completed in 1965, making it the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe. It was dedicated, jointly, to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and to St. Nicholas.

Interior of Galway Cathedral.

Leaving Galway Cathedral and walking northwest for about 10 minutes, Galway University appeared.

University road

 

Galway University

The National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) is a public research university located in the city of Galway, Ireland.

NUI Galway

A tertiary education and research institution, the university has been awarded the full five QS stars for excellence, and is ranked among the top 1 percent of universities according to the 2018 QS World University Rankings. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland.

Cloister of NUI Galway

I walked further from Galway University to the departure point of the River Corrib Cruise.

Sightseeing boat Corrib Princess

I walked about 16 minutes from here to the estuary of River Corrib.

Estuary of the Corrib River that flows into Galway Bay.

I crossed the Wolfe Tone Bridge at the lowest point of the Corrib River to the opposite bank and walked to South Park.

Wolfe Tone Bridge

After crossing this bridge, I entered an area called Claddagh.

Claddagh

Claddagh is a notable area in Galway, on the western side of the city. The Claddagh was once an ancient fishing village, dating from the fifth century. This community, most of whom sold their daily catches at market near the Spanish Arch, lived in thatched cottages. They sailed in the famous Galway Hooker boats. They even had their own king.

I passed in front of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Claddagh.

I arrived at South Park.

I walked through South Park.

Old Hookers were on display.

The Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat used in Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland. The hooker was developed for the strong seas there.

After this, I went back to Shop Street and took a late lunch.

Lunch at Public House

I was wearing a hunting cap that I bought in Ireland. I still use it sometimes in Japan.

After this I plan to visit the Aran Islands.

Walking around the town of Galway. (Ⅰ)

We returned to Galway from Lough Corrib and entered the Park House Hotel we booked.

Park House Hotel Galway

The hotel is located on R336 Forster Street, near Eyre Square.

Our hotel room.

We took a rest in our room and got out to explore the city of Galway on foot. I went to the nearby park “Kennedy Park Playground” first.

Kennedy Park Playground

William Street, the busiest street in Galway.

William Street is also called ‘Shop Street’.

Eyre Square, Inperial Hotel and a superstore.

Located in the heart of Galway, Eyre Square Centre has been described as Irelands most modern and yet historic shopping centre.

Eyre Square Centere

The centre is Galway City’s liveliest and attractive meeting place incorporating over 60 national and international shopping outlets.

A medieval wall that still remains beneath the Eyre Square Centere.

Medieval stone walls.

A wedding ring shop is near Eyre Square Centre.

Two statues in front of Lazlo Jewelers.

Oscar Wilde and his son.

Born in Dublin, Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s.

I remembered. When I was taking a walk around here after dinner last night, a drunkard was talking to these statues.

So I also spoke to them.

I greeted them and said that I am a traveler from Japan. They said, “Enjoy the trip.” “Let’s meet in heaven next time,” I said, and they smiled a little.

Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street. (Medieval Lynch Castle, the etymology of lynching.)

Lynch Castle is now AIB Bank.

I went to St. Nicholas Church from Shop Street through Market Street.

Market Street

Market Street is often referred to as the Saturday Market or Farmer’s Market.

There are many shops for fresh vegetables and fruits in this market.

St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

The altar of St. Nicholas Church.

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is a medieval church building in Galway. It is a collegiate church and the parish church of St. Nicholas Church of Ireland parish, which covers Galway city. It was founded in 1320 and dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers, in recognition of Galway’s status as a port.

After this, I walk along the River Corrib.

(The summer in Tokyo is very hot and humid, so I decided to evacuate to Kushiro , where I spent last summer. Below is the Kushiro blog at that time.)

Fishermans Wharf Moo, Kushiro

Going to Lough Corrib

That morning we left Lough Inagh Lodge and headed for Cong. Headed north on R334 and east on N59 for about 10km to reach Leenaum, the center of Killary Harbor.

Leave Lough Inagh Lodge.

We drove R334 northwest from Lough Inagh Lodge for about 5 minutes and entered N59 near the Lake of kylemore lough.

Scenery on road R334.

Driving east on N59, a small church appeared on the left side of the road. At first I thought it was an ordinary private house, but I saw a cross on the top. I went inside and took a few pictures.

Our Lady of the Roadside Church Connemara.

Inside of “Church of Our Lady on the Roadside”.

When I heard from nearby resident, it was for people who were traveling by car and couldn’t go to Mass. After this we ran northeast on N59 to Leenaun, the center of the Killary Harbor.

Killary Harbour

Scenery of Killary Harbour.

Killary Harbour (or Killary Fjord) is a fjord or fjard on the west coast of Ireland, in northern Connemara. To its north is County Mayo and the mountains of Mweelrea and Ben Gorm; to its south is County Galway and the Maumturk Mountains.

Leenaun Pier

The center of Leenaun.

Leenaun is a village and 1,845 acre townland in County Galway, Ireland, on the southern shore of Killary Harbour and the northern edge of Connemara.

Leenaun landscape.

We took a few pictures of the village of Leenaun and then headed southeast on the　road R336 to Lake Lough Corrib. From Leenaun, drive southeast on R336 for about 10 minutes and we passed a village called Maum.

The village center of Maum.

Maum is a small village and its surrounding lands in Connemara, County Galway.

The scenery of Maum village.

The village is located at the southern end of the Maam Valley, where it comes to Lough Corrib; the other end lies at Leenaun on Killary Harbour.

Statue of Saint Patrick and the Chapel in Maam Valley. Maam Valley is a glacial valley in County Galway(I couldn’t enter the chapel.)

St. Patrick is a monk and bishop who spread Christianity to Ireland first. I have always respected him. We left the village of Maum and headed for Lake of Lough Corrib. It was 15 minutes on road R345.

Lake of Lough Corrib

Lough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland. The River Corrib or Galway River connects the lake to the sea at Galway. It is the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland and the second largest on the island of Ireland (after Lough Neagh). It covers 176 km² and lies mostly in County Galway with a small area of its northeast corner in County Mayo.

The Lough Corrib was very beautiful.

Photos on the shore of Lough Corrib.

After taking a few of picture of the shores of Lough Corrib, I walked to the nearby village of Cong. I walked through the Cong Woods Walk to the center of Cong village.

Cong Woods Walk

It is a beautiful place to take a gentle stroll through lovely nature.

The village center of Cong.

Cong is a village straddling the borders of County Galway and County Mayo. It has a population of 145 (2016 census). It’s main industry is tourism.

I didn’t have much time, so I walked to the nearby Cong Abbey.

Arrived at Cong Abbey.

The remains of Cong Abbey.

Cong Abbey also known as the Royal Abbey of Cong, is a historic site located at Cong Mayo, in Ireland’s province of Connacht. The ruins of the former Augustinian abbey mostly date to the 13th century and have been described as featuring some of finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland. I didn’t know anything about Cong Abbey at this point, so I strolled around and took pictures.

Cong Abbey Cemetery. This graveyard is still in use.

Stone Tower of Cong Abbey

Solid stone entrance.

Various gates of Cong Abbey

Part of the old Cloister

Monks’ Fishing House

In the early 7th century, a church was built at this site, reportedly by Saint Feichin. A later building was destroyed by fire in 1114. Within the next twenty years or so, Turlough Mor O’Connor, the High King of Ireland, refounded the abbey.

Cong Abbey

Part of the outer wall of Cong Abbey.

Doorway in Cong Abbey grounds with carving of Rory O’Connor.

In 1198, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (Rory O’Connor), Ireland’s last High King, constructed new buildings and also lived the last 15 years of his life at the abbey.

Cong Abbey Garden.

It feels good to walk in the green.

Cong Abbey from the garden.

After taking this picture I decided to leave Cong Abbey.

Goodbye Cong Abbey.

After this I headed to Ashford Castle.

Walking to Ashford Castle from Cong Abbey.

On the way to Ashford Castle, there was a little church on the left. I approached and took a few of picture.

The church in the woods.

Parish Church of St. Mary, Cong Ireland.

I arrived at Ashford Castle in about 10 minutes from Cong Abbey.

The gate of Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle is a medieval and Victorian castle that has been expanded over the centuries and turned into a five star luxury hotel near Cong on Lough Corrib.

I entered the backyard of Ashford Castle.

Backyard of Ashford Castle.

Really gorgeous! Hotel of Ashford.

There are several such towers.

Huge Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle is too big to fit in one photo.

4 photos of Ashford Castle.

After this, I left Ashford Castle and took a few pictures of Lough Corrib.

Lough Corrib

The bright red blossoms on the shores of Lake Corrib were impressive.

We headed to the Park House hotel on Eyre Square in Galway.

(The printing press broke while creating the blog. I bought a Canon printing press online because the Chinese corona was widespread. However, it took about 5 days to use the scanner. They are nasty and it’s fun that we’re having a hard time.)

Kylemore Abbey Ireland

We headed north on the road N59 from Clifden to Kylemore Abbey. It’s a 20km 25 minute drive. First we were getting into a village called Townland Moyard.

Townland Moyard

The center of Townland Moyard

Moyard Bay

We left Townland Moyard and ran east on Road N59 and into the village of Letterfrack.

Village of Letterfrack

To the center of Letterfrack.

The village center of Letterfrack.

Letterfrack is a small village in the Connemara area of County Galway. It was founded by Quakers in the mid-19th century. The village is south-east of Renvyle peninsula and 15 kilometres north-east of Clifden on Barnaderg Bay and lies at the head of Ballinakill  Harbour. Letterfrack contains the visitors centre for Connemara National Park.

St Joseph’s Church, Letterfrack

Interior of St Joseph’s Church

Interior of St Joseph’s Church

St. Joseph’s Church is Roman Catholic parish church in Letterfrack, County Galway.

A funny-named hostel near St. Joseph’s Church.

Connemara National Park Visitor Center near the old monastery hostel.

We walked around the Visitor Center for a while and took pictures of Connemara National Park.

It’s called Diamond Hill.

Diamond Hill is an isolated peak overlooking the village of Letterfrack, in the northwest corner on the mountain range of Twelve Bens in Connemara National Park in County Galway. The height of Diamond Hill is 442 meters.

The scenery of the skirt of Diamond Hill.

Range-land around Diamond Hill.

The red wildflowers and greenery were beautiful.

I walked around a little.

Horse pasture.

There were many white horses.

I have been riding horses in Switzerland and the Great Plains of Hangers (Pusta).

Cute white horses.

I walked a little from the horse pasture

I went up a narrow slope.

I took a beautiful green from a high place.

Pretty wild flowers at my feet.

It took longer than I expected. I have to hurry back to the parking lot of the visitor center.

Connemara Visitor Center

We drove on the road N59 from Connemara National Park Visitor Center to Kylemore Abbey. It is about 6 km.

We arrived at the lakeside where we could see Kylemore Abbey.

Kylemore Abbey with Lake of Pollacapall Lough front.

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The abbey was founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

Scenery of Lough Pollucapal.

Beautiful lake of Pollacapall Lough.

The building over there is the Kylemore’s Neo-Gothic Church.

Kylemore’s Neo-Gothic Church

We left the car and walked to Kylemore Abbey.

We arrived in front of Kylemore Abbey.

When Mitchell Henry, a doctor and industry tycoon, visited Connectara on a newlyweds trip in 1850, his wife Margaret loved Connectara very much. There Mitchell bought 15,000 acres of land, built the castle in 1867 and gave it to Margaret.

Guide map of Abbey and Garden.

I didn’t have much time, but I went inside Kylemore Abbey and took pictures.

I entered the Abbey from here.

Portrait of Margaret

They were blessed with nine children and enjoyed a happy life, but Margaret died in 1874 at the age of 45 due to a fever.

It feels like a time slip in the Middle Ages.

Interior of Kylemore Abbey.

We left Kylemore Abbey and went to the garden.

Entrance to Victorian Walled Garden

Kylemore Abbey Garden

High Walled Garden

The garden of Kylemore Abbey is very large.

A lovely pink flower.

White flower that I don’t know the name.

My friend who likes wild flowers was overjoyed and took many pictures.

Flowers in the Kylemore Abbey Garden.

We left Kylemore Abbey and walked along the shores of Lake Pollacapall Lough to Kylemore’s Neo-Gothic Church. We arrived at the church in about 10 minutes on foot.

Sidewalk to Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church

Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church

So Mitchell Henry built a beautiful neo-Gothic church in 1877 for a memory with Margaret.

Interior of Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church.

Beautiful stained glass

I took a few pictures in the Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church and left the church and walked to Kylemore Abbey.

Walking to Kylemore Abbey from the neo-Gothic church.

I was thinking about Margaret while walking. At that time, I heard my mother’s voice. She said, “Don’t worry, Margaret gave birth to and raised nine children. She had a very happy life. I also enjoyed raising children the most, I wanted more children.”

I saw my mother’s expression on the lake of Pollacapall Lough.

I muttered, “Thanks, mom.” Tears ran down my cheeks.

I arrived at Kylemore Abbey.

After this we headed to today’s accommodation, Lough Inagh Lodge Recess. It will take about 12 minutes (12.4 km) through the roads N59 and R344.

Lake of kylemore lough Connemara

We ran east on N59, the north bank of the Lake of kylemore lough.

The north bank of the Lake of kylemore lough.

After passing the Lake of kylemore lough, we took road R344 from N59 and headed southeast.

Road R344

Driving to our accommodation.

Near our accommodation ‘Lough Inagh Lodge’.

Lough Inagh Lodge, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway

Our hotel Lough Inagh Lodge.

We immediately entered the Hotel Lough Inagh Lodge.

Interior of Lough Inagh Lodge.

Bed room at Lough Inagh Lodge.

It was a little more luxurious than the bed and breakfast I stayed at so far. We took a rest in the room and then went out to take a short walk around the area.

Get out through this little door.

Sheep are grazing in front of the hotel.

I walked across the road in front of the hotel towards the lake.

A large lake in front of Lough Inagh Lodge. It is called “Lough-Inagh”. I walked across the road in front of the hotel towards the lake.

Walking to the lake of Lough Inagh.

Lough Inagh

Lough Inagh is a freshwater lake in the Inagh Valley, in Connemara, Galway, in the west of Ireland. As I was walking along the lake, a few of donkeys came near me.
As I have never got along with donkeys, I lit a cigarette.

Donkeys on the shore of the lake.

I left the donkeys and took pictures of Lough Inagh.

Scenery around Lough Inagh

Sheep playing on a road.

I have to go back to Lough Inagh Lodge and look up the course of tomorrow’s drive on the Irish road map. Sayonara (Goodbye) sheep.

(I was using a Fujitsu computer and it looked like a children’s toy. I called Fujitsu about how to handle the computer, but I didn’t get a satisfactory answer. Besides, I was contacted to pay the question. One day the Fujitsu computer suddenly went crazy and I couldn’t create a blog. Therefore, it took time to make this post. I’m currently using a Hulett Packard computer.)

Clifden Connemara

Clifden is a coastal town in County Galway, Ireland, in the region of Connemara, located on the Owenglin River where it flows into Clifden Bay. As the largest town in the region, it is often referred to as “the Capital of Connemara”.

Farmer’s house in the Connemara region.

Sheep rangeland.

Arrived in the city of Clifden.

We arrived in the city of Clifden in about 10 minutes from the Connemara Heritage and History Center.

Clifden Market Square

The church on the left is Saint Joseph Church.

Clifden walking map.

1. Market Square  2. Stone bridge  3. Connemara Pony Breeders  4. Station House Bar  5. Former Convent of Mercy  5 6. Saint Joseph’s Church  7. Anglican church  8. John D’Arcy Monument  9. Clifden Town Hall  10. Thomas Whelan Monument

I walked through the town of Clifden with the map.

Market Square, Connemara Pony Breeder, Station House, Former Convent of Mercy.

Saint Joseph’s Church, Anglican church, John D’Arcy Monument.

Thomas Whelan Monument.

Thomas Whelan (1898 – 1921) was one of six men executed for his Bloody Sunday case in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin on 14 March 1921. He was 22 years old at the time of his death.

Clifden Town Hall

Clifden has a population of 2,609 but the hinterland which it serves as the administrative and economic capital to has almost 10,000 inhabitants (2011). The town known as the “Capital of Connemara” boasts a thriving tourism industry as its unique and picturesque setting between the foothills of the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean attracts thousands of visitors annually. (Twelve Bens is a mountain range of mostly sharp-peaked quartzite summits and ridges in the Connemara National Park.)

After this, we headed to Clifden Castle. It is about 2km from here to the castle. I walked west from the front of a supermarket in Clifden city through the grazing land for about 30 minutes.

The supermarket and the pasture.

The Clifden castle is now visible.

Arrived at Clifden Castle.

I went inside from here.

Interior of Clifden Castle.

The building is about to collapse, so I took a photo and got out early.

Clifden Castle is a ruined manor house west of the town of Clifden in the Connemara region of County Galway. It was built c.1818 for John D’Arcy, the local landowner, in the Gothic Revival style. It fell into disrepair after becoming uninhabited in 1894.

Left the Clifden castle, we will head to the booked bed and breakfast. I decided to stop by Kylemore Abbey on the way.