Coolloney to Galway

After spending the afternoon drinking pints of Guiness n Smithwicks whilst watching the All Ireland Footy Finals (Kerry beat Donegal by 2 points), inside a Castle that dates back to the 1600's, we are off around the Coast to Galway today.  Our occupation of the Markree Castle has ended. It is a glorious old castle, set in acres of garden and wooded lands, quiet and a welcome interlude in the middle of our week.

It was a leisurely drive today, stopping at Westport and Clifden then into Galway via the Connemarra Nafional Park it was really interesting to see the change in landscapes as we turned to travel along the west coast, the wild Atlantic Way. The contrasting colours from the trees, the rocks, the windflowers, the loughs.. Makes for some beautifully rugged landscapes. 

Arrived into Galway and once again lucked our way into finding the hotel. Checked in and walked into town having dinner in the Italian Quarter, having being served by a lovely Aussie girl from Hepburn Springs in Victoria.

Westport and Clifden have some incredible local crafts shops that featured jewellery, artwork and glass ware that you'll not see anywhere else. I'm already kicking myself for not purchasing some things there. Galway is the beginning of the tourist trail, every second shop is a souvenir store, all quite over priced and mass produced. 

Once again the weather is beautiful, the Irish are out in droves, walking their dogs, playing ball with their kids in the glorious sunshine. Hugo and I walked along the bay, and spent some time watching the boats arrive home.

Off to Adare tomorrow via the Cliffs of Moher.