From high atop the Connemara, the vast Irish landscape opened up. Bays and inlets dotted with quaint villages and rustic farmhouses punctuated rolling landscape of heather and bog which were turning orange in this late autumn day. Just an hour earlier, I had driven through those picturesque villages past whitewashed cottages and grazing lands divided up by moss-covered stone walls still dripping the morning dew. After stopping at a cafe drawn in by the strong scent of Earl Grey and the sweet aromas of scones, I decided to tackle one of the highest spot on the land around, hoping to see the lay of the land.

The cheerful volunteer at the visitor center prodded me on to climb up the nearby hill, and promised me, after seeing my camera, that it will be worth carrying it up. With caffeine in my veins and the curiosity to seek a new vista on my minds, I started my ascent. And in a few short minutes, the vast landscape opened up, helped by the complete lack of trees anywhere. A muddy path winding through rolling grassy hills soon turned into a steep ascent on a rocky mountain trail, but I pushed on, with views getting better with every step. Eventually, I summited the high seat of the Connemara which presented a panoramic view of the vast lands lit up by the soft light of an autumnal day.

Such were the wonderful memories of my short trip to Ireland, where I got to savor a sampling of the rich Gaelic culture and traditions, and enjoy the vast landscape that inspired Yeats and Joyce

Connemara National Park
County Galway, Ireland