Friday, we had a very special treat, a 20 mile bike ride on a bike and walk only trail. We rented bikes and were dropped off at Achill Sound, the end of a peninsula surrounded by sea. We rode back through exquisite countryside to Newport, where we were met by our shuttle and driven the remaining few miles back to Westport just as the rain began to pour.
The trail started in open country. We had to battle strong head and side winds for the first few miles.
Berta and Paul pose on the trail that used to be a railway.
Berta and Gail.
Gail and I.
A bronze luggage monument (to those fleeing the famine?).
Berta and Paul taken by my "camera over the shoulder on a bicycle maneuver".
A beautiful stone bridge, strong enough to support bicycles.
River, bluebells, yellow gorse, ruins, and sheep in green pastures - is this heaven or what?
Nearby were several extreme sheep.
There is something very special about the permanence of stone versus stick construction or ugly concrete.
We crossed Seven Arches Bridge moments later.
When we arrived back in Westport we headed for Matt Molloy's, owned by Matt Molloy, the flute player for The Chieftans. This intimate pub is a mecca for musicians, and we enjoyed the musical jamming that was going on in the back room. One of the musicians turned out to be a band member we saw in concert the next night in Sligo. The pub has small cozy spaces, perfect for gathering with friends and enjoying a Guiness.
We then went for a fine dining experience (still no match for Paul's culinary skills) at Sol Rio Restaurant.
An artful presentation!
Saturday, our last day, we had a fire down in the garden before dinner for a little happy hour goodbye. Check out what Oran is doing while everyone is looking at Karl!
No Crows
Our grand finale! Paul and Berta took us to hear a wonderful concert by one of their favorite groups, No Crows, based in Sligo. The concert was also a new CD release party for their 4th CD.
Tomorrow, we fly home - ugh!
Back home, Monday morning, reflecting on all our fun times, and our amazing hosts, Berta and Paul, and the life they have carved out for themselves in Ireland.
Yummy Delicious getting a sniff of Irish soil. Thank you Berta and Paul!!!
1 comment:
What an enchanting place. I really enjoyed each and every one of the photos. I don't think there was a bad one in the lot.
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