Living The Irish Dream - Part 7

     From County Clare, where the Cliffs of Moher are situated, our Irish dream continued in County Galway. We were there mainly for its beautiful 2,957 hectares big Connemara National Park. But in exploring County Galway, we also stumbled upon many gems.
     Castles abound in Ireland and as we drove around the Emerald Isle, we were getting used to all the pretty castles (especially the ruins). However, the sight of Dunguaire Castle at the shores of Galway Bay still managed to take our breaths away. Built in 1520, Dunguaire Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland.

A swan saunters over to complete the capture of Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara

     Taking a detour to the town of Clifden, we visited Clifden Castle. According to information obtained over the Internet, the castle is in ruins and has no owners. But as we were making our way there, we met a local vagabond-like farmer, who insisted that his family owns the castle and wanted to charge us for the visit!

The town of Clifden was founded by John D'Arcy and was one of the last towns to be built in Ireland

The road leads to Clifden Castle

In ruins, but spectacular anyhow!

     A visit to County Galway would not be complete without dropping by Kylemore Abbey. It was founded in 1920 for the Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World War 1. But it was originally built as a private home for a wealthy doctor from London.

Picturesque Kylemore Abbey

     We were staying very near Connemara National Park so we were able to be there for sunset. It is such a vast area and we could not do it justice. But we derived great pleasure just wandering around and enjoying nature. One tender scene of a pony faithfully following her mama around tugged at my heartstrings.

Love and affection in Connemara National Park

It reminded me of how I used to follow my mama around, hating to let her out of my sight and often asking her to reaffirm her love for me.

Connemara National Park --- truly breathtaking!

     County Galway may not be top on visitors' list, but it is indeed a trove of treasures. And it is often the less touristy places that turn out to be the most rewarding!