New Plan!

Since we began dreaming this adventure, I'd planned to train from the Dingleberry Forest to County Mayo and then cab here and there.  That is no longer the plan.  Brace yourself.  We're renting a car instead!!!

The great part about that, aside from the fact that the steering wheel will be on the wrong side, is that we will be in complete control.  We won't have to plan around train schedules or stop doing something we're enjoying because we've got to catch the last train out.  We can wander wherever our hearts lead, stay as long as we want and let Ireland decide where we go.

I'm so very glad I hadn't booked accommodations for the second part of our trip, because now we don't have to plan to be in any particular place at any particular time.  The freedom of that is exhilarating!!!  That means whenever we see a pub that looks like it needs our company, we pull over and have a pint.  Whenever we stumble upon ruins or castles that call to us, we'll be free to reply.  I think that's how Ireland is meant to be traveled; free from schedules, without a plan and with a carefree spirit.

I definitely want to spend part of a day doing the Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, which is in Westport.  It's not too far from Lavell's Bar...convenient.  The island is about 60 square miles, but it's actual coastline, including all the inlets and spars, measures over 80 miles.  In many places, the road follows the shoreline and two particular stretches are damn near legendary because of the spectacular views they afford.

Along the route, we'll find Kildavnet Tower (Cill Damhnait if you speak the lingo) overlooking the waters of Achill Sound.  The name means "the small church of Davenet" and refers to the 7th century Saint Dympna who built a small church nearby.  I'll have to get busy building something cool so that when I am sainted, it can be named after me.  I think Pub Saint Pattie sounds nice.

The tower is three stories (about 40 ft tall) and is believed to be built by the O'Malley Clan in 1429.  That's older than Dougie for those of you keeping track.  Its most famous tenant was the legendary pirate queen Granuaille.  That is until, of course, I move in and change all that.

Rumor is that the stretch from Cloughmore to Dooega offers the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland - except for that found on the Dingle Peninsula.  Lucky us...we get to see both!  Along the way we'll find some wonderful pubs and traditional music.  As this area is part of Gaeltacht, meaning Irish speaking, we'll be swimming in history.  I look forward to hearing the speech of my forefathers...and drinking their national drink.  Often and with regularity.