Ireland: Which 4 Counties Would You Spend A Week In, And Why?
Jul 23rd, 2006, 06:45 AM
#21
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sullivan1212. I appreciate your replying to my post. I also use Harbison's Guide, and peruse it in detail. I do go on the internet to the megalithic monuments sites, very helpful. Also have "In Search of Ireland's Holy Wells" by Elizabeth Healy. Have you been to the Tobernault Holy Well in Sligo, south of Lough Gill? One of my favorites.
I agreee that the more research we do on our own is the answer. We must keep some secrets, right?
Thanks again for replying...Helen
I agreee that the more research we do on our own is the answer. We must keep some secrets, right?
Thanks again for replying...Helen
Jul 23rd, 2006, 09:03 AM
#22
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Laoghaire
I have been to Tobernault a few times. Sligo--Leitrim is one of our favorite areas, and we often spend a week up there. Tobernault is a great, and very beautiful stop. Seems the Church has tried to protect the nature of the place, with good results. Other wells that they have taken, show much less respect. We go the Carrowkeel for hikes all around, it is another very special place, where we are frequently alone.
Since we now have a common language, I would recommend chapter 12 in the Healy book as another great place for you to go. There is a good place to park, and the hike is moderate. I would plan 1/2 a day up there for exploration. When you are in the area, check out the island well in chapter 14, first picture. Only possible at low tide. Another great tidal well is across the river from Kenmare, posted at the cemetary. Again, only seen at low tide, but used often.
An old book that I got from amazon.com is a better source for a lot of things. "The Holy Wells of Ireland", by Patrick Logan. An 1980 copyright, a little wrong on some things, but good for plenty of information, cheap, shipped from England!
A picture opposite page *52 is very remarkable. The rather ugly Church statue was not there when I was there. All the true parts of the ancient tradition is just sitting there, next to a rural highway, It is one of the most remarkable wells I have seen. Plus, Ireland's greatest composer, and song writer, is buried just across the road in a ruined church. This has been an important site since pre-Christian times. Go there!
I have been to Tobernault a few times. Sligo--Leitrim is one of our favorite areas, and we often spend a week up there. Tobernault is a great, and very beautiful stop. Seems the Church has tried to protect the nature of the place, with good results. Other wells that they have taken, show much less respect. We go the Carrowkeel for hikes all around, it is another very special place, where we are frequently alone.
Since we now have a common language, I would recommend chapter 12 in the Healy book as another great place for you to go. There is a good place to park, and the hike is moderate. I would plan 1/2 a day up there for exploration. When you are in the area, check out the island well in chapter 14, first picture. Only possible at low tide. Another great tidal well is across the river from Kenmare, posted at the cemetary. Again, only seen at low tide, but used often.
An old book that I got from amazon.com is a better source for a lot of things. "The Holy Wells of Ireland", by Patrick Logan. An 1980 copyright, a little wrong on some things, but good for plenty of information, cheap, shipped from England!
A picture opposite page *52 is very remarkable. The rather ugly Church statue was not there when I was there. All the true parts of the ancient tradition is just sitting there, next to a rural highway, It is one of the most remarkable wells I have seen. Plus, Ireland's greatest composer, and song writer, is buried just across the road in a ruined church. This has been an important site since pre-Christian times. Go there!
Jul 24th, 2006, 12:11 PM
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To sullivan1212~
I hope you are still around, need to ask you something. First, thanks for the heads up on the Logan book, will try to find a copy. My dilemma is, chapter 12 doesn't give the area in the Maamturks that the well is located in. Would it be off R344 or R336? My detailed OS map is #44, which covers lower Connemara. I think I need #37 and #38. I also use The Complete Road Atlas of Ireland--Ordinance Survey. We are spending 3 nights in rhe Connemara, hope that is time to do this.
Thanks...Helen
I hope you are still around, need to ask you something. First, thanks for the heads up on the Logan book, will try to find a copy. My dilemma is, chapter 12 doesn't give the area in the Maamturks that the well is located in. Would it be off R344 or R336? My detailed OS map is #44, which covers lower Connemara. I think I need #37 and #38. I also use The Complete Road Atlas of Ireland--Ordinance Survey. We are spending 3 nights in rhe Connemara, hope that is time to do this.
Thanks...Helen
Jul 24th, 2006, 01:17 PM
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laoghaire
I am looking on the O.S.I.*44 where I have it mapped, also shown on the O.S.I. *37, but trail is better shown, off the road, on the *44. The highway is the R344, but notice the secondary road east. That road takes off near Recess, and comes back to the R344 at Lough Inagh. The trail will be marked "Western Way", as it crosses the road and that is where you will start the hike, south of Lough Lehanagh, and up the ridge. Actually, the OSI Road Atlas is very poor at times, and I never take it Ireland. The new Frommer's is much better, or the Michlin. I can answer more, if you need it.
I am looking on the O.S.I.*44 where I have it mapped, also shown on the O.S.I. *37, but trail is better shown, off the road, on the *44. The highway is the R344, but notice the secondary road east. That road takes off near Recess, and comes back to the R344 at Lough Inagh. The trail will be marked "Western Way", as it crosses the road and that is where you will start the hike, south of Lough Lehanagh, and up the ridge. Actually, the OSI Road Atlas is very poor at times, and I never take it Ireland. The new Frommer's is much better, or the Michlin. I can answer more, if you need it.
Jul 26th, 2006, 07:29 AM
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Hi sullivan1212..Hope this doesn't post twice--thought I sent this yesterday, but didn't find it. So here we go again.
Now I see the road from Recess, and ending at Lake Inagh, bypassing Loughs Lehanaugh.
Now for Omey Island, what kind of time frame did you have to get there from Clilden, explore, and leave, considering the tide? Three to four hours? The reason I ask is, we only have three nights (probably staying in Ballintoy)in Connemara, so have to plan ahead a little. Realizing one must leave room to wander the area, of course.
I really appreciate your comments. It nice to communicate with a knowledgable person, instead of a book or internet! Thanks, Helen
Now I see the road from Recess, and ending at Lake Inagh, bypassing Loughs Lehanaugh.
Now for Omey Island, what kind of time frame did you have to get there from Clilden, explore, and leave, considering the tide? Three to four hours? The reason I ask is, we only have three nights (probably staying in Ballintoy)in Connemara, so have to plan ahead a little. Realizing one must leave room to wander the area, of course.
I really appreciate your comments. It nice to communicate with a knowledgable person, instead of a book or internet! Thanks, Helen
Jul 26th, 2006, 10:39 AM
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Laoghaire
Getting the time for the low tide will be tricky. Tidal tables can be found on the the Internet. Cleggan, just around the point from Omey Island, might show up. A fishing shop in Clifden could give you the time. Some cars drive out to the island at low tide! I think three hours would do it. Ballyconeely has a great smokehouse for lunch items, or whatever. Don't go to Clifden, without going there. -- www.smokehouse.ie This might be the best in Ireland.
When you get to Roundstone, go into Folding Landscapes, buy the best map of the Connemara, Burren, and Aran Islands. Tim Robinson, inside, made them, he is an English scholar that took up residence, there, many years ago. They are very special. A little paperback, "Setting Foot on the Shores of Connemara", is one of my favorites, and will be one yours. Get his autograph! Great pub grub at O'Dowds in Roundstone.
Getting the time for the low tide will be tricky. Tidal tables can be found on the the Internet. Cleggan, just around the point from Omey Island, might show up. A fishing shop in Clifden could give you the time. Some cars drive out to the island at low tide! I think three hours would do it. Ballyconeely has a great smokehouse for lunch items, or whatever. Don't go to Clifden, without going there. -- www.smokehouse.ie This might be the best in Ireland.
When you get to Roundstone, go into Folding Landscapes, buy the best map of the Connemara, Burren, and Aran Islands. Tim Robinson, inside, made them, he is an English scholar that took up residence, there, many years ago. They are very special. A little paperback, "Setting Foot on the Shores of Connemara", is one of my favorites, and will be one yours. Get his autograph! Great pub grub at O'Dowds in Roundstone.
Jul 28th, 2006, 07:17 AM
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beach_dweller
You might also consider spending a week cruising the River Shannon. Of my adventures, this one was perhaps the most enjoyable for many reasons. I, who have never piloted any type of powered floating machine, managed without too many major disasters, to make it feom Carrick on Shannon to Banagher and have the time of my life. It is not luxurious, but it's a blast. If you want a varied itinerary, this would do the trick.
Bill
You might also consider spending a week cruising the River Shannon. Of my adventures, this one was perhaps the most enjoyable for many reasons. I, who have never piloted any type of powered floating machine, managed without too many major disasters, to make it feom Carrick on Shannon to Banagher and have the time of my life. It is not luxurious, but it's a blast. If you want a varied itinerary, this would do the trick.
Bill
Jul 30th, 2006, 10:31 AM
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beach_dweller,
I completely love Bill's suggestion of a week on the river.
If I were to spend 1 week in each of 4 counties:
Co. Mayo: for Westport, Croagh Patrick, Clare and Achill Islands.
Co. Donegal: for St. John's Point, Kilcar, the Cliffs, Glengesh Pass, Glenveigh & Errigal Mountain
Co. Kerry: for Kenmare, Skellig Michael (while it's still permitted - the damage is too high), Bantry Bay, Sheepshead, Derrynane, the drive through the Borlin Valley (that absolutely no-one takes) & the great farm cheeses in the area. OK, maybe some of that's in west Cork.
Co. Antrim: Giant's Causeway and there's a charming cottage on the beach I want to rent for a week. It was booked last time.
That's my list!
I completely love Bill's suggestion of a week on the river.
If I were to spend 1 week in each of 4 counties:
Co. Mayo: for Westport, Croagh Patrick, Clare and Achill Islands.
Co. Donegal: for St. John's Point, Kilcar, the Cliffs, Glengesh Pass, Glenveigh & Errigal Mountain
Co. Kerry: for Kenmare, Skellig Michael (while it's still permitted - the damage is too high), Bantry Bay, Sheepshead, Derrynane, the drive through the Borlin Valley (that absolutely no-one takes) & the great farm cheeses in the area. OK, maybe some of that's in west Cork.
Co. Antrim: Giant's Causeway and there's a charming cottage on the beach I want to rent for a week. It was booked last time.
That's my list!
Jul 31st, 2006, 07:57 AM
#29
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Bill,
I can see Mrs. Beach Dweller on a boat, with me at the helm . . . unfortunately, I can also see that she is about to push me overboard and get back on land ASAP!
Rosetravels,
wow! I think I am ready to leave now. I'll just need to collect a few charitable donations for the Send Beach Dweller to Ireland Stress Relief Fund. Who's first? I am sure it's tax deductible. ;-)
I can see Mrs. Beach Dweller on a boat, with me at the helm . . . unfortunately, I can also see that she is about to push me overboard and get back on land ASAP!
Rosetravels,
wow! I think I am ready to leave now. I'll just need to collect a few charitable donations for the Send Beach Dweller to Ireland Stress Relief Fund. Who's first? I am sure it's tax deductible. ;-)
Jul 31st, 2006, 09:30 AM
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Well, Mrs. wojazz was quite concerned also, but in the end, she loved it. Even after she ran us aground while I was preparing lunch. She never again took the wheel. Nothing really compares to walking up to Clonmacnoise from the pier.
Bill
Bill
Jul 31st, 2006, 01:39 PM
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To sullivan1212. Took youe advice, and am ordering the Logan book from Amazon.com. Also, Michael Carrolls "Holy Wells and Popular Catholic Devotion". Are you familiar with this one?
Helen
Helen
Jul 31st, 2006, 06:32 PM
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Laoghaire
Looks interesting for the late history. I'm still interested in the ancient motives that the Church does not allow. The Church does not sanctify the wells outside the church. The "holy water" is inside the church, and has an official blessing. I like the pagan wells, or the ones that have kept their pre-Christian nature. Vaginal looking springs, clooties, old cups, sea shells, old bones, rounded stones, stone tables, "serpant eggs", spiral patterns, very small stone circles, all show the well as Celtic influenced, or before.
I will be in Ireland for a month next Spring to continue the search.
Looks interesting for the late history. I'm still interested in the ancient motives that the Church does not allow. The Church does not sanctify the wells outside the church. The "holy water" is inside the church, and has an official blessing. I like the pagan wells, or the ones that have kept their pre-Christian nature. Vaginal looking springs, clooties, old cups, sea shells, old bones, rounded stones, stone tables, "serpant eggs", spiral patterns, very small stone circles, all show the well as Celtic influenced, or before.
I will be in Ireland for a month next Spring to continue the search.
Aug 1st, 2006, 07:29 AM
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Sullivan1212 and Laoghaire,
Congratulations! You have just proven the existence of parallel universes! I am sure you will be receiving one of those nice little prizes in Stockholm soon . . . but wait
I am sorry, I seem to have gotten carried away. It appears you have simply hijacked this thread
Congratulations! You have just proven the existence of parallel universes! I am sure you will be receiving one of those nice little prizes in Stockholm soon . . . but wait
I am sorry, I seem to have gotten carried away. It appears you have simply hijacked this thread
Aug 2nd, 2006, 09:10 AM
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thanks Ann41, great suggestions from what I know and what I've learned with this thread.
Helen, I was just being silly--no need for shame (I am glad you and Sullivan 1212 have been able to further a common interest).
Sullivan 1212, you haven't won yet. I believe I am close to cracking the code you and Helen have been using.
Helen, I was just being silly--no need for shame (I am glad you and Sullivan 1212 have been able to further a common interest).
Sullivan 1212, you haven't won yet. I believe I am close to cracking the code you and Helen have been using.
Aug 8th, 2006, 10:59 AM
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Beach, to be a more specific on Down, I used to live in a great little village called Killyleagh on the Strangford Lough. Killyleagh Castle is the oldest privately inhabited castle in Ireland, and across the street is a fabulous deli called Picnic.
Aug 10th, 2006, 02:16 AM
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I live in Ireland and, although I have spent a lot of time travelling around the country and staying in different places, I still find new places to explore.
If you want to get away from the usual places - my 4 suggestions are -(still find it hard to call them favourites as there are so many more places that I love).
County Antrim, using Cushendall as a base to explore Antrim Coast and Glens of Antrim.
Sligo/Leitrim - Dromahair, Lough Gill, or any small towns in Co. Sligo.
North Mayo - if you find a base near Sligo/Mayo border you have a lot of scope for touring both counties.
Mayo - Foxford, Belmullet.
County Clare - I keep going back to it.
Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Doolin, etc.
I would also suggest you consider the islands. If you havent visited the islands off the irish coast they are another experience altogether. If you are interested in islands post back and I will post further information.
If you want to get away from the usual places - my 4 suggestions are -(still find it hard to call them favourites as there are so many more places that I love).
County Antrim, using Cushendall as a base to explore Antrim Coast and Glens of Antrim.
Sligo/Leitrim - Dromahair, Lough Gill, or any small towns in Co. Sligo.
North Mayo - if you find a base near Sligo/Mayo border you have a lot of scope for touring both counties.
Mayo - Foxford, Belmullet.
County Clare - I keep going back to it.
Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Doolin, etc.
I would also suggest you consider the islands. If you havent visited the islands off the irish coast they are another experience altogether. If you are interested in islands post back and I will post further information.
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