Honeymoon In Ireland - Clifden, Croagh Patrick and Westport

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5 July, 2008

We got on the 9:15 flight off the island.  We had not, however, informed the Fear An Tighe (Man of the House) of this.  So, at 8:30 (breakfast) we told him.  He was disappointed that we hadn't informed him and was extremely nice, offering anything he could think of for breakfast (He said he would have cooked us breakfast early if he had known).  We had tea, cereal and toast and then were off.

The flights (to and from the island) were very smooth, in spite of this morning's rain.  We hopped right in the car and headed for Clifden.  Clifden (and the drive to it) are beautiful and have been supplying romantic memories to tourists for ages.  We reached Clifden in about 1 1/2 hours and got some coffee and tea and split a bagel at a nice place on Main Street called Upstairs/Downstairs Cafe.  Then we walked around the city centre for a while before spotting a health food store, An Bhean Feasa.  The lady got us some stuff for Sarah's sore throat and it turns out that she's from California.  She was very friendly and chatty and then sent us on our way.  The weather had been crappy the whole day, but it cleared up just as we reached Clifden.

We drove on toward Westport.  We reached our destination, Croagh Patrick, about 1 hour later.  We were starving, so we ate at the Information Centre (Teach na Miasa).  We both had soup and brown bread and split an order of chips (french fries).  It was really good and warmed us up from the rain.  Then we set off up the Reek.

The bottom of Croagh Patrick looking up

The entire top of the mountain was covered in fog and mist.  It looked like a joke, but we decided to head up.  My memories from my other visit were useless this time.  I had factored in the additional eight years of age, the fact that I might not be as fit (though certainly in fine shape), but I hadn't thought about the weather.  The path was a lot more difficult when it was wet.  It was still beautiful and wonderful, but it was a lot more work!  We ascended into the clouds, but bailed out out just before reaching the first station.

The peaceful base of the mountain

The fog kept coming and so did we

I turned around and couldn't see the foot of the mountain

To be fair, we had passed this sign

After that we thought we'd go for a cup of tea in Westport, but the Fleadh was on.  It was a big party!  People were everywhere, and there were no easy parking spaces.

I didn't film this, but this is the event.

So, we went to our B&B, Seapoint House.  It is AMAZING!  Really incredible views of the ocean and the beds here are comfortable!.  The house is almost in the water.  We hung out here a while and took a shower (the one at Claí Bán left something to be desired) and then headed back in to Westport for supper.

Our room at Seapoint House

Our shower at Seapoint House

Bathroom at Seapoint House

Dusk from our window at Seapoint House

We ate at Sol Rio.  We didn't have a reservation, but they squeezed us in even though it was 7 PM on Saturday night during the Fleadh.  Everyone after us got turned away!  The food was great.  We had a 1/2 bottle of wine, split a pizza and had chocolate cake (we split the cake too) and coffee for desert for €46.

From Sol Rio, we drove through Newport to get a look at Rockfleet Castle.  I love this place.  It's such a dominating building, sticking right out into the water.  The idea of Grace O'Malley's ship docked beside the castle with the rope through the window helps it all to sink in.

Rockfleet at Dusk

Rockfleet with the tide out

Rockfleet from the land side

Rockfleet up close

 Day 7 Ireland Itinerary

Clifden (1 1/2 hour drive from Connemara Airport)

Croagh Patrick (1 hour drive from Clifden)
Westport (15 minutes from Croagh Patrick)
Rockfleet Castle/Carraigahowley Castle (25-30 minutes from Westport)