A Wild Hair

We all know that I've had my itinerary for this adventure established since January, right? I knew exactly where I'd be each day/night while hiking The Kerry Way, as well as afterward when I hop in a rental car and drive 300+ miles to Mayo. Well, things have changed!

Whilst driving home Wednesday evening after work, the proverbial hair worked its magic. I was in a daze somewhere around mile marker 97 when BAM! Achill Island popped into my head uninvited and unexpected. I decided right then and there that I HAD to include it on this year's trip. Once home,I changed into my favorite camo shorts and a T-shirt and went outside with the dogs to have a beer and inspect my plants. Eventually, the mosquitoes forced us inside where I plopped down at my computer to see what sort of miracles I could work. (Trying to find accommodations this late in a place like that is foolhardy.)

Less than an hour later, I was set on Achill Island. It, much like Wesport and Newport where I'd planned to visit, is in Mayo...but it's an island. You know my affinity for the water. Turns out there's a half marathon and some sort of maritime celebration taking place the weekend that I plan to visit, so it'll be busy and full of interesting characters. As I searched for reasonably priced accommodations on the beach (the island is famous for them), I stumbled across a quaint little place called Lavelle's Seaside House. Need I say more?

For thirty euros, I have a room with a view and breakfast... in a seaside home bearing my family's name. In addition to walking the beach, there are "hills" nearby for climbing. They are actually mountains and it goes without saying that they shall be explored. I'll arrive late in the afternoon of July 2nd, spend the night, and have all the next day to explore and search for family. I'll spend a second night and then drive to New port to meet with Mr. Joe Reid and Padder (Yoda reincarnate)

I'm excited about this last minute change in plan. The island has at least one castle that I plan to visit and hopeful a cemetery or two. Did I mention that Lavell's houses a pub? Duh. They are Lavelle's.