Simone1

Thank you for your report. I will use your tip and avoid DownPatrick Head whenever I visit Ireland.

I share your fear of driving on a never-ending uphill road. Several years ago in Colorado I found myself in a very small car (absolutely no power) with my two little kids in the back. The road had a precipice on one side, solid rock on the other. I kept mumbling, “we are going to make it, we are going to make it” but in reality I wanted to scream or maybe cry. Of course, the only thing my sons remember is having a blast.

Thanks again.

chatham

Dear NJSaly. Thank you for your interesting and informative report. You did cover some miles in just 6 days. I hope one day to get up to Mayo. I've just been as far as Leenane. Happy Travels, Joan

NJSally

Thanks to all for your encouragement. Now that I have been back for a couple of weeks, I have been putting the whole trip into perspective and as I tell EVERYONE about the trip, I synthesize it into a couple factoids which will help me and hopefully others in the future.
1. I had a great time (so did my sister)
2. The memories that I have are treasured and vivid
3. I wished I'd gone for 10 days at least
4. We would not have changed the itinerary on such a short trip - it just meant that we passed through a lot of great towns that all had a lot to offer in pursuit of specific venues I had in mind - at least I know where they are and when I go back can revise the planning to see some of those things
5. My favorite places were Dingle Peninsula and Clew Bay Area
6. I might not book B&B's the next time from the internet - particularly if going in the off season. I suppose that it is much harder during the high seasons to find rooms, but we had our pick and many of the B&B's I picked were too far out of town and shabby.
7. It is not only possible but the best way to see Ireland to rent a car and drive around Ireland - it was very independent and after the initial (1st and 2nd day) adjustment - I just don't think I would have wanted it any other way.
8. I read everything I could get my hands on about all of the places I wanted to visit. I am still reading - I purchased a book about Granuaile(Grace O'Malley) the Pirate Queen of Mayo and am FASCINATED. I also bought an additional book on the Great Blasket Island - which is also great!
This definitely enhanced my understanding of what I was looking at - such as Doo Lough Pass and Rockfleet Castle, even Down Patrick Head, which is why I went there.
Finally, I forgot a couple of other items of interest. We spent a couple of hours in the Shrine of Knock. I am not Catholic but this was an important stop on my agenda - this is a very peaceful and beautiful place to stop - if you are in the area, you would be wise to include it.
Secondly, my father's great grandfather, Thomas Stanton, came from County Mayo. Westport area, that's all we knew. Imagine my surprise rounding the bend between Murrisk and Kilsalla to see T. Staunton's Pub/Restaurant and Staunton's garage. In speaking with the pub owner, Theresa, we have now found out that the Stauntons (Stanton is the same) were Normans who settled in Partry, in the Westport Area. Our whole genealogical search has broadened. I felt like I'd found my cousin. I felt very connected to the area and Mayo would definitely be on the top of my list for a future trip. In fact I'd like to stay for longer - a week maybe, just in that area. Thanks to everyone for reading my postings. I know that I didn't title this thread properly, because I didn't know how it would be posted and I appreciate everyone's replies. NJSally