June 19/12 To Westport via Recess, Roundstone, Clifden and the Abby at Kylemore

From Galway we headed further toward the west coast and Westport, our next destination.  On the way we stopped at a very small place called Recess.  This is in "Joyce Country."  James Joyce's wife Nora was originally from nearby County Connemara so maybe that is why it is thus named?  Joyce's Antique and Gift Shop turned out to be a gem.  The young gentleman minding the shop encouraged Ann and I to "like" the Connemara Giant on Face Book and he would give us a free "worry stone" made from the local Irish marble. We did.  I love having the stone as a souvenir not to mention continuing access to The Giant's ongoing commentary on Face Book.  I could see an impressive looking giant statue across the road and when I left the shop went to investigate.  What a surprise and another great example of Irish humour!  It was worth the stop.  

We continued on our journey enjoying the countryside and "the haunted bog road."  It seemed harmless but maybe would be more scary at night.  Next we found ourselves in Roundstone and it was such a pretty fishing village we had to stop for a closer look at the harbour.  

It must seem like we are not progressing very far!  But this is about the journey and  we just had to stop yet again to look at this picturesque beach.  










Now, lunch at The Green Door Pub in Clifden, another gorgeous town.  

In this lovely little jewellery store I saw Claddagh rings which are uniquely Irish.  There are many heart shaped designs. If you are looking for love the heart points to the fingertips but if you are in love it points to the knuckles. Engaged or married people wear it on the left and singles on the right.  Liam, in Galway had explained this charming tradition


The sun was out in full force now as we headed toward the Abby at Kylmore.  At this site which began as an estate, there is now a church, a castle and a walled Victorian Garden in the process of restoration.  The history of this unique and beautiful place is compelling with stories of romance and happiness to sadness and courage.  It's a long tale but I will let the pictures do the talking.  

The Grounds

The Castle 

A palm tree from the turret.

A huge tree! 

The Church

The Garden

Looks like the Burren in the background! 

  

The tearoom. 

We enjoyed walking around the Abby, church and garden in the glorious sunshine but now it was time to hit the road and get to Wesport.  We stayed at the Westport Woods Hotel and Spa.  The rooms were spacious and the pub and dining room lovely with entertainment in the evening.  It was a nice change from the B and B's and breakfast was included.