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
The Irish Dance
Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glencar
In pools above the rushes that
Scarce could bathe a star
- W.B Yeats
Happy St Patricks Day folks
Ring of Kerry
County Kerry, Ireland
Heart of the Isles
I had never expected a country filled with beautiful scenery, with windswept mountains alternating with blissfulyl green hills, with rugged coastlines interspersed by petite towns, to be also so culturally rich and full of character and passion. It was a study in contrast going from the capital city of Dublin, where tradition and modernity wove a tangled web of commerce and industry, to the pastoral countryside replete with old castles, charming town centers, delightful bed-and-breakfasts, and the ever-ubiquitous Irish pubs with lively folk music.
It wasn't a country that wowed me with grand spectacle the likes of Iceland and Chile, but it was the hidden charm of the little things that I got to discover exploring around. I wish I could return there under better conditions. Meanwhile, here is a sampling from the heart of the isles
Ireland
Irish Sun
On a late afternoon drive on the windy roads and rolling landscapes of Ireland, I spied this beautiful pastoral scene out of the corner of my eye. Swinging the car around on that narrow road while driving a manual wasn't particularly easy, but after two days of grey skies and gloomy weather, I was ready for a break in the sun.
Sometimes chance encounters offer great rewards.
Cork
Ireland