Family Adventure in Connemara: A Week in Ireland's Natural Beauty

A Day of Beauty and Reflection in Connemara

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Mitchell's Restaurant in Clifden. The cozy atmosphere, with its open fires and stone and wood décor, was the perfect start to a day of exploration. I opted for the locally sourced fish, a dish I always enjoy when I'm back in Ireland, while Jan enjoyed a traditional Irish breakfast, fueling up for our adventures. Aoife, ever the adventurous one, tried the Killary mussels, a local delicacy.

After breakfast, we set off for Kylemore Abbey. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the rugged Connemara landscape unfolding before us in all its glory. As we approached the Abbey, its stunning lakeside setting, nestled at the foot of the Twelve Bens Mountains, took my breath away. I’ve visited Kylemore countless times, but its beauty never fails to move me.

We spent the morning exploring the Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden. The Abbey, originally built as Kylemore Castle by Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret, is steeped in history and romance. I was telling Jan and Aoife the story of Mitchell and Margaret Henry, their love for each other, and Mitchell's vision for creating an estate that would showcase the potential of Connemara. Walking through the restored period rooms, we learned about the Abbey's fascinating history, from its construction in the 1800s to its time as a Benedictine monastery after nuns fled Belgium during World War I.

The Victorian Walled Garden was a delight, an oasis of ordered splendor amidst the wild Connemara countryside. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the meticulously maintained vegetable and herb gardens were a testament to the dedication of the gardeners. Aoife, who has a keen interest in sustainable living, was particularly fascinated by the garden's design and its role in providing fresh produce for the Abbey. We wandered through the woodland and lakeshore walks, enjoying the serene beauty of the estate. The neo-Gothic Church, with its intricate details and peaceful atmosphere, offered a moment of quiet reflection.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

For lunch, we decided to try the Misunderstood Heron, a food truck near Leenane known for its local and seasonal cuisine. The food truck is located with views of the Killary Fjord in County Galway's Connemara coast. The quirky, uniquely styled outdoor seating added to the charm, and the focus on environmental sustainability was commendable. Jan and Aoife were both impressed with the unique menu. I had the Killary mussels, which were incredibly fresh and flavorful, while Jan opted for the pasties, miniature pies stuffed with mushrooms, smoked haddock, and wild garlic. Aoife, always on the lookout for vegetarian options, enjoyed a dish with roasted root vegetables, hummus, and braised cabbage served on a rustic flatbread. The coffee, as the Heron boasts, was indeed the best in Connemara.

After our delightful lunch, we drove to Lettergesh Beach. As we arrived, the sight of the soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters was simply breathtaking. The weather was kind, with spells of sunshine breaking through the clouds, and the temperature hovering around a comfortable 14°C. We strolled along the shoreline, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Lettergesh Beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, and today was no exception. Aoife and I went for a refreshing swim in the clear waters, while Jan, ever the historian, explored the beach, searching for interesting shells and stones. The beach is also famous for its sunsets, but we decided to head back to our campsite before evening.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at the Fisherman's Pub, located in Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. The pub has a cozy and casual spot with a big fire, Connemara marble bar and fishing paraphernalia. The pub is known for serving the best bar food in Ireland. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a roaring fire and friendly staff. I chose the classic fish and chips, while Jan enjoyed the venison pie special. Aoife opted for the seafood chowder, which she declared was the best she had ever tasted.

To cap off our day, we visited Lowry's Bar in Clifden for a traditional Irish music session. The bar was lively, with both locals and tourists enjoying the music and the craic. We sat in a cozy corner, sipping on Guinness and listening to the talented musicians playing traditional Irish tunes. Aoife even tried her hand at playing the bodhrán, much to the amusement of the locals. The warm and friendly atmosphere of Lowry's was the perfect end to a day filled with beauty, history, and laughter.

As I sit here now, writing in my journal by the light of our campfire, I can’t help but feel grateful for days like these. Sharing the beauty of Connemara with my family, revisiting cherished places, and making new memories – it’s what life is all about. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Connemara Heritage & History Centre and Renvyle Beach. I am looking forward to discovering more about the rich history and natural beauty of this region, and sharing it all with you. And of course, we'll be stopping by the Aran Woollen Store for a bit of shopping!

The weather forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with temperatures around 15°C, so hopefully we'll have another beautiful day to explore.