Day 12: (Westport to Belmullet)

I admit that I left Westport with a wee hangover, but thanks to a very strong cup of coffee, a bowl of fortifying porridge, and the beautiful sunshine, I was still going strong. First stop was Burrishoole Abbey. Secluded and full of ghosts.

Next the coast. First up was Dumhach Bheag followed by the Spanish Armada Viewpoint. I much preferred the former. On to Achill Island and Grace O'Malley's (The Pirate Queen of the 16th century) Carrickkildavnet Castle. Continuing along, I stopped at Cloughmore where the water was a pristine blue and the coast rugged yet beautiful. But, the most extraordinary place this day was the White Cliffs of Ashleam. Breathtaking in every direction.

Then the crazy in and out steep and precarious cliff road to Keem Bay Beach. Full of people enjoying the sunny weather. To get out on the one road in and out you have to back up for about a quarter mile up a very steep hill and around a corner. I was cracking up at the absurdity the whole time. From there a long 1 hour+ drive to Belmullet. This is a major golf destination apparently with people traveling in from around the world to play the scenic Carne Golf Links. After checking in and dropping off my bag, I went back out to stop at Dún na mBó, an old coastal battery. There I found a stunning rock with glittering silver flecks as a souvenir. It looks like pyrite but flecked with silver not gold. I’ll need to find out what it is.

And then back to my hotel, easily one of the most stunningly decorated hotels I have ever seen. A couple pints accompanied by a long chat with yet another total stranger, a delicious fish pie, and yours truly tucked in for an early night!

Tomorrow a slow drive to Sligo, the home of one of my favorite gins, Gunpowder Gin.

My route for the day:



Burrishoole Abbey (Just look at that sky, from first thing in the morning!)



Dumhach Bheag (Panoramic shot)



Grace O'Malley's Castle



Cloughmore (view looking to the right)



Cloughmore (view looking to the left)



Cloughmore (center view)



White Cliffs of Ashleam (the cove)



The cliffs



Wider angle view of the cliffs



Keem Bay Beach



Dún na mBó (from the battery looking along the coast)



The coolest hotel of the trip