Connemara & Galway

I made sure to see all I wanted to see in Dublin in the first two days so that I could spend today in Connemara. What a magnificent place! 

Here is a brief overview of the area: Connemara is one of the most scenic regions in all of Ireland. It's craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and laced network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of The West of Ireland. Many visitors come to Ireland to visit the beauty of this area, but are surprised to discover that they may not find it on a map. This is because Connemara is not an administrative entity like a town or county. It is the name given to the western portion of County Galway, which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic. Connemara is dominated by the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range, dotted with lakes, and fringed by the deeply indented Atlantic coastline. It is broken into innumerable creeks, bays and little harbours, and it is one of Ireland’s most popular and memorable touring areas. It's unique landscape, varying settlement patterns, and dramatic contrasts of sea, sky, land and bog, have inspired many famous paintings and literary figures over the years.

I spent the day touring the area, taking picture after picture of the beautiful landscape and visiting Kylemore Abbey - a benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, which then turned into an international boarding school and a day school for local girls, which closed in June 2010. Look at the photos to understand the beauty I'm talking about. 

I got back into Dublin at around 7PM and then met up with James for a pint and take-out Thai. My flight tomorrow is at 6AM so I'm calling it an early early night tonight. I had the most amazing week though; I'll have to come back soon. 


xoxo

Alexis