Exploring County Mayo

We stopped to visit the National Museum of Ireland near Castlebar.   I didn't take that many pictures of the displays but they were numerous and in depth and left an impression that these folks could make shelter and a living from very little when they had to out of necessity.  

And they could make most anything out of straw.  Very practical for a land that didn't always provide a variety of materials to work with.

The big rig, the bit smaller rig and our wee small rig on the right.....

The tide was out.

And another hike.

Dee said we didn't have time to walk all the way to the top of the mountain on the right but she recommended that even walking part way up would be worth it.  We believed her, again.

We hiked.

And we hiked some more, until.....

We made our way carefully back down.

Several of us wondered at the sanity of parents and took bets on how long it would be before the second boy started fussing and wanted to be carried, also.  The rocky, uneven footing was not for the faint hearted.

Our next stop was a chance to see one of Dee's favorite surfing beaches. Seems that she had several.  It was the one time that the rain did not hold off. Those of us that got close enough to see the beach also got wet jogging back to the bus through the shower.   Moments later as we drove farther down the road and once again it did clear.  

The white things in the water are part of the mussel farming industry.

A fairy tree with messages tied to it.

We made a quick stop at the Kylemore Abby for pictures but it was too late in the day to tour the actual Abby. At one time it had been used as an exclusive girls school but when the numbers of pupils dwindled the Nuns shut down the school and now open the Abby and extensive grounds for tourists.

Liz, Dee and I.....with our rain gear.

Liz and Tom make their way to our own castle for the night's lodging.

The next day we are out and about again. Anne (from Australia) exploring the art work,

We did make our way to the ferry to the Island of Inisheer, part of the Aran Islands.  Some folks stayed outside in the blustery wind.  Danielle, her mother Ann, Anne, Monica and I were not part of that crowd.  

The blocks used in the harbor to form a sea wall.

Inisheer is small and rural and makes it easy to see the Ireland of years ago.   They do have  a few cars on the Island and order food and supplies in bulk.  We watch several boxes and some dog food get delivered from our boat.

The boys were practicing "Hurling."  This exposure to the sport will come in handy later.  Watching and listening to the crack of the bats built a lot of respect for what those little balls could do when hit.

Ann sat up front. Murphy was the horse.  We found out the cart driver was single. We got as much information as we could from him as several of our group were not above match making for Dee.  I didn't think the quiet island life would give her enough opportunities to walk up the sides of mountains, surf, kayak or use the other dozen or so outdoor skills she enjoys.

What an uncleared field looks like.....

Liz walking out towards the shipwreck which was about the time another rain shower cam through but again it didn't last long and we were back on our way exploring the island first by cart and then by foot.

You can see where the ferry land on the far right.

We hiked here and there down the paths between the fields.

Through the maze of paths lined with stones we made it back to the village.

And someone knows where each pasture is......

 I will leave the pictures from the second ferry ride, which took us past the Cliffs of Mohr, for another post.   I liked the fences on the island. Could you tell?