Connemara, Ireland Images
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My sister lives in a small village in County Galway, Southern Ireland. Her beautiful thatched cottages have been transformed into a little bed and breakfast, which are usually booked a year in advance with repeat bookings, not just because of the warm hospitality, but because you become a member of the family. The traditional cottages and gardens are so pretty; tour buses make a stop to view them. They grow all their own vegetables and all the food is homemade.
The thatched roofs are low so men have to bend their head to get in through the door. They have en-suite bathrooms in the bedrooms, and all modern comforts, but no internet, as they chose to live a simple life. Lawns and seasonal flowers surround the whitewash cottages and the garden is also home to the ‘chucks’ (for fresh eggs), two dogs, three cats,a donkey and in the adjacent field roam a couple of wild horses. It is an idyllic setting close to Lough Corrib.
On our last visit, the men went off to cut the peat squares out from the ‘bog’ (you see many Irish families using this natural resource for fires and cooking) to stack by the side of the fire for evening. The Lough (lake) was hauntingly beautiful on that late Spring day we arrived. The early morning mist hung low, then as the sun rose higher it pierced through to the surface, which mirrored the surrounding purple mountains and blue sky. Wild blood-red Fuchsias grew along the hedgerows along with wild Iris and Poppies. Ireland is truly different, not just because of the flora and landscape, but because of the way the light plays on the different textures and shapes of the terrain.
That afternoon my sister and I visited Connemara; just a few miles from Lough Corrib. Connemara is a visual delight; from the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through the lakes of Roundstone, to the golden beaches reaching to the Atlantic Ocean. The light constantly changes the mood and tone of purple mountains, silver loughs and emerald green hills and valleys. As such, Connemara has long been regarded as the jewel of Ireland. We saw some of the famous ponies (wild for centuries and still to this day roam free) which just add to the charm of the place.
The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland. We found it amazing that grass and flowers grow right down to the beach and the cows sit on the sand waiting until low tide, swim over to one of the islands to eat the sweet grass, and then swim back on the next low tide!
We were equally amazed that a grocery or clothes or paint shop is also a bar. The locals are kind and love Americans. They will entertain you with their jokes and wonderful Irish music; all they want in return is for you to drink with them and tell them about yourself. Southern Ireland is a truly magical and wonderful place ~ well worth a visit if you ever get the chance.
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To rent the adjacent small thatched cottage at Fairy Bridge see here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g212089-d264109-Fairybridge_Cottage-Oughterard_Connemara_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html#24258483
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Hi hafeezrm, thanks for your comments. Are you going to Southern Ireland?
It's hard to believe such a place exists! It sounds so wonderful!
Hi Rose, yes it exists. It is magical; one of the only downsides is the weather - it rains a lot and can be cold, even in the summer
What a fantastic place to visit. You are very lucky to have been able to see all these wonderful places. I have never been there and from all the beautiful places to go in this world, seems this would be was atop of the list. Thanks for sharing.
Hi ehern33 ~ If you like lots of Guinness, all shades of green, beautiful countryside, warm people and don't mind rain and a little cold... then its for you! (Thanks for your continued support in reading my hubs)!
It sounds like Heaven on earth. I would dearly love to visit there. The pictures are beautiful. Thanks for a lovely hub.
Hi Pamela99 thank you for your kind comments ~ I hope you get to visit there one day!
I love the Irish hospitality ~ and the Guinness, thanks for reminding me.
You are welcome petermdhart - thanks for stopping by!
We had our honeymoon in Ireland and are planning to return next year which will be our Silver anniversary. We did not get as far as Connemara the first time, but your pictures certainly show where we should head in 2011!
Thanks for your comments The Indexer, and for stopping by. Glad I inspired you for your trip to Ireland next year!
Better than a travel brochure. I'm ready to book my flight now.
Hi theguru-reports, thanks for your comment and for stopping by. I'm glad I have whetted your appetite! Not sure you'd like it right now because UK is snowed under!
Hi well done!Galway looks well and your description of your travels were excellent.The detailed account gives you a sneak preview of what to expect!!!
Hi Katie2010, thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments. Do you know Ireland?
Fuschia, my favorite one, What more can you ask from that visit - you saw your sister and Connemara is like a good place and a heaven like -- what with the people you described as very hospitable too,Thank you, Maita
Glad you enjoyed it Maita - thanks for stopping by!
Very enjoyable Hub. Perhaps one day I will go there. I never say never.
Thanks laringo! I hope you get there...
Beautiful place, Ireland! Nice Pictures.
Wow, beautiful photos! I've never been to Ireland.
Hi thims and Betty Reid, very nice to meet you - Ireland is well worth a visit if you don't mind a bit of rain, but love beautiful countryside and wonderful people! Thanks for stopping by.. look forward to reading your hubs.
The beauty of it all. The colors of a painters palette. Thatched roofs and peat burning in the hearth exudes the aromas while sipping a spot of tea or two. That breakfast I can taste as I type here.
They must do a lot of walking and plenty of scenic views to keep their interest. Irish are friendly and fun loving and tough when they need be. I had two Irish brothers as friends when I was studying the martial arts and they were as tough as nails to go up against. Thanks for this link, I truly appreciated the tour.
Thanks again saddlerider1. My sister is kept busy all the time as they grow all their own vegetables and make home-made cakes and pies for the local shops (as well as their B&B). I love that they make their own fun. A good night out includes the pub and of course lots of Guiness or lager. Then home with friends for a good-old sing-song. Someone may play the guitar, another the spoons and yet another the 'washboard.' I loved every minute of my time there.
I'm happy you enjoyed it and thanks again for your support!
Gorgeous photos! I remember the fuscia from our visit to Clifden. The fuscia is everywhere! Congratulations on a great hub...hopefully we'll hear more about Ireland from you :)
Hi Neverbetter - thank you - I thought you would like them. The wild fuschia is amazing - I will be writing more about my trip shortly - just need to recover from the jetlag!
Absolutely stunning pictures!
Thanks rmcrayne, glad you enjoyed them! I look forward to reading your hubs.
Beautiful hub.... Thank you-from an Irish-woman living on the East coast.
Hi itakins - you are very welcome! I love your country - looking forward to reading your hubs, thanks for stopping by.
Hi there. Thought I'd visit to see your pictures of Connemara...which has made me "homesick" for the old sod after being away for 25 years. They are GORGEOUS! They truly capture the charm of the West coast of the country...just love the Irish countryside and the smell of fresh Irish air. :0) We would love to stay at your sister's B & B when we do finally arrive! Can't wait!
Hi seafarer Mama - after a year in Galway, I'm surprised you made it out without becoming an alcoholic - I need rehab after just 5 days there LOL! Thanks for your comments - Ireland is so unique and the people so lovely you just can't forget it - ever! My sister rents out the teeny tiny thatch cottage seen in the photos. So if you like cramped spaces and traditionalism, then that's for you. Nice to meet you and look forward to reading more of your hubs.
.. such fabulous images Brightforyou... they almost make me homesick and I live here... :-) except for the weather it really is as beautiful as the pictures depict...
Hi Drax
I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Its funny because I live in Florida and its only when people come over and stay, that I realize there are some lovely places to go and visit - strangers often see more of the place we live in than we do! I look forward to reading more of your hubs, thanks for stopping by.
You have the best of both worlds living in the warmth of FLA and having a sister with a B&B in Galway. I love Connemarra. Thank you for sharing thes lovely images. Cheers.
Hi Sligobay, indeed I do, what a lucky person I am. I too love Connemara. You are welcome and I am so pleased to have met you. Cheers (or should I say) sláinte!
Beautiful! It's where my folks came from. You are so beautiful with such a great heart. God bless you brightforyou!
Ah..I knew there was some Irish in you Micky! You are so kind and generous with your comments God bless you (and also your hub score) for all the lovely comments you leave for people - it makes their day special. Thank you!
dear Brightforyou, Thank you for some awesome photos. they are wonderful and the view of them is magnificent. This is exactly how I've always pictured Ireland in my mind from all that I've been told over the years. I am also of Irish heritage and German as well. I do plan someday to go visit both, possibly on the same trip.
Hi msleen - thank you for your kind comments. I'm glad you were able to experience Ireland through the pnotos. Believe me, it is beautiful, especially around Conamara in County Galway. I hope you get there one day! :-) Best Wishes, Helen
hafeezrm Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
nice hub and very timely for me as I am planning to spend a month in Ireland. Thanks for sharing.