Another early banting breakast (although I confess that this is the only time of the day that I do bant) and I was off to see Ben Bulben just north of Sligo town. Also the grave of W.B. Yeats.

Ben Bulben is a mountain at the foot of the Dartry range, which looks like a table (heard that before).
One of the legends surrounding Ben Bulben is the claim that this is this is the only place in Ireland where fairies, also known as ‘gentry’, are visible to mortals. In the east side of Ben Bulben’s north face is a “black patch on a bare hollow” referred to by the people of the area as the ‘Fairy Door,’ It is believed by the locals that whenever the door opens, the weather is bound to be good for the next few days.

The church and grave site of W. B. Yeats was also interesting. I did not know that Yeats actually died in France and was only reinterred here in the shadow of Ben Bulben 10 years after his death, it was his last wish to be buried here.

I then headed south on the journey towards my stop for the next 3 days, in Clifden, County Galway. Again I stayed off the main roads and drove along the Wild Atlantic way, which offered up some spectacular scenery. Rugged coaslines, beautiful lush green farms, fat sheep, huge cows, craggy hills ….you name it.

A big headline in the news over here has been a guy who bought Boeing  767 to convert into glamping accomodation. He lives in Enniscrone….I actually drove past the house and saw the plane. It was brought there by ship and was a mammoth undertaking to get it into his back yard!

From there I headed to Ballina and the past the Ballycroy National park in County Mayo. One of the best things about having a car, is the freedom to stop and explore along the way. I saw some incredible scenery, with rugged coastlines, lush farms, barren craggy hills, fat cows, fleecy sheep, bridges, churches and ruins. There is so much to photograph, but I am trying to be a bit discerning.

Drumcliff church where Yeats is buroed

Ben Bulben near Drumcliff

This is the route I followed

Yep this is the end of the pier

The boeing at Enniscrone

Flowers in Ballycroy Park

More flowers

Fat and hairy sheep

A donkey, I think

Beatiful bridge in Newport

The band playing at dinner

Apple and strawberry ceumble

My apartment is in this block

Yeats tombstone

Another view Ben Bulben

The road ahead

The roads are in pretty good condition, with some roadworks in a few areas. Not too much traffic congestion this side fortunately. The roads are very narrow and have a generous speed limit of 100km in kost areas. Lots of tractors and ploughs and sheep in the road, to keep you on your toes (er ….brakes). Despite the fact that I spent 6 hours in the car today, I still managed to walk 10 000 steps.

Have a great apartment here in Clifden…which is a tupical beach town. Lots of seafood, so tonight I had a crab salad for dinner, followed by an apple and strawberry crumble. Salad was divine…crumble not so noteworthy. Excellent music playing in the pub while I ate.

Still not a fairy nor a leprechaun in sight…..but I am looking hard!