Hello again my lovelies, I hope you're all doing well, and you're not sick of my updates yet! Here are some more photos from our adventures in County Mayo back in March. It was a mixed day, weather-wise, but as I've mentioned before, if you waited for the rain to stop in Ireland, you might never get out, so we bundled up and went on a road trip down to Achill Island, a place I've always wanted to visit. We drove through the stunning Wild Nephin National Park on the way there and back, and stopped at several gift shops throughout the day too. I have a penchant for jewelry, and love to find something unique to remember my travels by. I was also on the lookout for Achill Island Sea Salt, a brand I discovered some years back and absolutely adore. There is even a visitor centre where they produce the salt on the island, at Bunacurry, but it's only open during summer months. I was disappointed not to be able to take a look around, but it just means I will have to go back another time! You can shop online for Achill Island Sea Salt HERE.
Waiting for the pub to open. Amethyst Bar, Achill Island.
We stopped at Gielty's Bar and Restaurant, "The Most Westerly Pub In Europe" for some lunch. I had the seafood chowder, which was delicious, and a pint of Guinness, of course. Gielty's is known for it's traditional music sessions, which is another reason to go back and visit, as we didn't get to see any this time. You can find out more about Gielty's HERE.
Pint of Guinness at Gielty's.
From Gielty's we drove to the famous Keem Beach, almost at the very westernmost point of the island. Keem is known as one of the most picturesque beaches in Ireland, with clean white sands, blue sea, and protected on either side by green hills and cliffs. In fact, it was used as one of the filming locations for The Banshees of Inisherin! It is also a haven for divers, and basking sharks are often seen swimming in the clear waters. The coastal road to get there provided some stunning views also, despite the overcast weather. I can only imagine how glorious it would all look on a sunny day! As it was, we enjoyed a brisk windswept walk along the beach and back, and got to witness a baby waterspout in the rough sea.
Overlooking Keem Beach, Achill Island.
Grey Day at Keem Beach, Achill Island.
A brisk, windswept walk along Keem Beach with my love.
From Keem we drove to the north side of the island, and stopped at the tiny Red Fox Press and Art Gallery in Dugort, which is well worth a visit if you're interested in photography and quirky art. I never did find any jewelry I wanted on this trip, but I bought a print from there to make up for it, haha. After that we stopped at Masterson's Bar, also known as the Golden Strand, which did indeed have a fabulous view over Dugort East Beach.
Another Pub, Another Pint. Golden Strand Bar, Achill Island.
I had seen signs for a place called Lynott's, known as the smallest pub on Achill, so of course we had to give them a visit on the way back. Located in Bunacurry, it is indeed tiny, consisting on one small, very old stone room. Since it is also the oldest licensed pub on Achill, it is rumoured to be one of the oldest and the smallest pubs in all of Ireland. Whether those stats are true or not, it is well worth a visit, and we dried off next to a peat fire and soaked up the atmosphere. You can discover more about Lynott's HERE.
Lynott's Pub, Achill Island.
Pint. Peat. Perfection.
The drive back to the Mullet Peninsula through Wild Nephin National Park provided more beautiful views. When the sun is shining, the colours are all so bright and vibrant, even before spring brings forth new growth, but I love the grey skies and brooding colours as well. I never get tired of the changing light and the effect it has on the landscape around me, and find I am endlessly inspired by this beautiful country!
Mist and Gorse, somewhere in Wild Nephin National Park, County Mayo.
The Road Goes Ever On And On. Wild Nephin National Park, County Mayo.
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