Route: This was our last real day of riding, and it should have been smooth sailing except that it was so windy. (Yes, too windy for sailing. Take that, metaphor.) We rode around the end of Killary Harbor where Leenane sits, past the Doo Lough and numerous famine memorials, all directly into what seemed like a ridiculous headwind. The second part of the ride took us along another inlet, this time the one in which Westport sits, and past Croagh Patrick. We also encountered our first bike lane of the trip, on the road into Westport. In the evening, we had excellent oysters and chowder for dinner, then went to the recommended Matt Molloy's, where we listened to a nice jam session with a guitar, a fiddle (who sometimes played the concertina), two flutes, and occasional harmonica.
We started the day with a failed attempt to cruise Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord. Sadly, we were the only turnout for the 10:00 boat tour, so it was cancelled, after which we rode back to Leenane. |
Killary Harbor east of Leenane |
Nifty light patterns on mountains east of Leenane |
More light patterns on mountains east of Leenane |
River below Aasleagh Falls |
Aasleagh Falls |
Stone fences on the side of a mountain |
7.5km of riding, and we can still see our hotel! |
More Killary Harbor |
Some sort of traps in the water. (Samira learned what kind but i've forgotten. Maybe mussels?) |
Much of our early ride was near this pretty river |
River and mountains from a bridge |
Valley and mountains |
Doo Lough, looking ominous |
Mountains near Doo Lough |
Celebratory look back, having finally passed Doo Lough |
Long grass blowing in the wind |
We did, in fact. It was a very good museum, with a combination of well-designed text displays and local student and more professional art projects. Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) is a local hero, unsurprisingly. There is serious femslash potential in her meeting with Elizabeth I — check Wikipedia if you doubt me. |
Entering Louisburgh, home of us eating lunch. |
First view of the inlet which will lead to Westport |
Mountains across the water |
Croagh Patrick |
Murrisk Abbey |
Looking into Murrisk Abbey |
Window in Murrisk Abbey |
Murrisk Abbey courtyard |
IHNJ, IJLS "Emo, the gas station" |
Entering Westport |
Waves in Westport Harbor |
The Octagon! End of our official route instructions |
Our B&B in Westport had a peat-burning fireplace |
Bucket of peat |
Me, near bicycle-themed public art in Westport |