West of Ireland:Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey

Back on the motorbike I decided to head to the West of Ireland but not to the Cliffs of Moher where most of the tourists tend to dash toward when arriving here. I headed west and into the untouched, unspoilt countryside and mountains of Connemara. This was unchartered territory for me and it was early on in the trip that I realised how lost I had gotten in this area when my bike broke down. It was very hot at the time, VERY hot and I was sweating and cursing trying to figure out what was wrong - It was simple enough in the end, some loose connections on the battery.

Anyway during this time and many, many others I came to appreciate just how beautiful the countryside is in the West of Ireland. You can see by the photos!!

I visited many small country roads on my journey but amongst my favourite spots were Ross Errilly Friary (Amazing and remote) and Killary Fjord below.

 

I wasn't done there, I visited Cong - Home to Irelands last King Rory O'Connor where I visited the historic abbey/town and the enchanting forest next to it. Once I had left the tourists behind I really felt like I was in a scene from the Lord of the Rings (pictured below)

 

 

These places really are amongst the best places I have ever seen in Ireland and knowing the history that surrounded me while I took a look about added to the awesome feeling I had throughout the trip.

I got caught in the rain many, many times which wasnt surprising given how little cover I had!! But the truth was I couldnt have cared less, I was on a magical journey into the heart of my own country...just me and my bike :)

The highlight however came in Kylemore Abbey, For fear of ruining the treat you may have ahead I would like to avoid telling you the unbelievable real life story behind this wondersome place. It is both hard to believe, terribly sad and incredibly inspiring. I have left a few photos below to show you a glimpse of what I mean.

 

Connemara is one of the most beautiful places in the Ireland and I feel so privileged to have travelled through it knowing the amazing history of the area. There is really too much behind it all to go into for this blog. It can be reached by car or some of the multiday tours around Ireland spend quite a bit of time here hiking etc. Alternatively check out the many day tours that go here from Dublin and Galway. Seriously......you'll be be lost in it all....and you'll never wanna be found !!