Derry through Galway

An amazing inland scenic journey through farmlands of Strabane, Donegal Ballyshannon and a stop at the Belleek Pottery factory. We crossed the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic several times without noticing differences or interferences. The farms are mainly sheep and cattle with multiple beautiful greens of early barley, wheat and corn. The grazing pastures are demarcated by centuries' old dry stone fences, most of which stand without benefit of mortar. The Belleek factory has a museum and we toured the interior where workers painstakingly made the intricate woven baskets and other hand-painted items. We could not avoid making purchases of a pair of mugs, vases and some jewelry.

Belleek

Samples of the weaving patterns

W.B. Yeats' Grave w/ wife, George

A combination of modern and medieval, Galway is a charming and comfortable city. Spent a lot of time roaming the pedestrian streets, checking out shops and restaurants along Shop Street. Visited two in-town museums and participated in two optional excursions. Able to purchase 4 pieces of marble core from the non-negotiating owner, Mr. Joyce.

Galway

Shop St. Facade

Connemara Marble Factory – Ambros Joyce

New Friends

Fish & Chips Lunch

Pub Night Entertainment w/ singing & dancing

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Gothic Church

Kylemore Tulips

Killary Fjord Lunch Cruise w/ Irish coffee

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Abandoned farms & houses from “The Famine” (ca. 1847)