Last night was rough. Windy and wet with the exposed Droichid Rois viewpoint resulting in the van being somewhat buffeted. I should have expected no less when I saw the signage that the storm scene for Ryan's Daughter had been filmed here. After eventually being rocked (more accurately bounced) to sleep in 50+ kmh winds, today a big drive was not on the cards. So hang the expense a campsite is booked.
First stop was to drive out to the end of the peninsula, to Ceann Leime and the Loop End Lighthouse. The current Lighthouse was built in 1854, and automated in 1991. It remains operational marking the end of the Galway Bay and Shannon Estuary. Tours of the lighthouse and keepers' cottage are available. Of course the headland has more cliffs and and an Eire stone marker. The weather in this part of the world can change fast. It was wet as I arrived and bright sun as I left.
Turning back on myself I followed the south coast. At Cattigaholt, a small Irish coastal town, there remains a tower house castle, quite well preserved. These were common from the 1400s amongst the Gaelic Chieftains. Usually 4 stories, the ground was storage, 1st the servants, 2nd the main living quarters and top the grand hall.
As I drove on inland along the estuary route I left the Wild Atlantic Way. A ferry link crossed at Killimer but I drove inward along the Shannon Estuary Route. This became a little more populated with a number of small harbours. Ultimately the countryside became less interesting. Shock horror I then encountered a 2 lane motorway including toll tunnel at €2 for my small van to bypass Shannon and Limerick (can't think of one to describe this trip).
I've now arrived at a campsite, Curraghchase in a forest park area. Grass pitch, non electric €19 one person. Showers and suchlike available. It even has a drive over motorhome service point. Looking forward to a peaceful sleep. Unfortunately no pub in proximity for any Guinness.
First stop was to drive out to the end of the peninsula, to Ceann Leime and the Loop End Lighthouse. The current Lighthouse was built in 1854, and automated in 1991. It remains operational marking the end of the Galway Bay and Shannon Estuary. Tours of the lighthouse and keepers' cottage are available. Of course the headland has more cliffs and and an Eire stone marker. The weather in this part of the world can change fast. It was wet as I arrived and bright sun as I left.
Turning back on myself I followed the south coast. At Cattigaholt, a small Irish coastal town, there remains a tower house castle, quite well preserved. These were common from the 1400s amongst the Gaelic Chieftains. Usually 4 stories, the ground was storage, 1st the servants, 2nd the main living quarters and top the grand hall.
As I drove on inland along the estuary route I left the Wild Atlantic Way. A ferry link crossed at Killimer but I drove inward along the Shannon Estuary Route. This became a little more populated with a number of small harbours. Ultimately the countryside became less interesting. Shock horror I then encountered a 2 lane motorway including toll tunnel at €2 for my small van to bypass Shannon and Limerick (can't think of one to describe this trip).
I've now arrived at a campsite, Curraghchase in a forest park area. Grass pitch, non electric €19 one person. Showers and suchlike available. It even has a drive over motorhome service point. Looking forward to a peaceful sleep. Unfortunately no pub in proximity for any Guinness.
