I would like to reach out to any of you from Ireland and to my International followers that have not yet been to visit The West of Ireland or indeed Ireland itself!
If you haven’t put it down on your list to do before you die! I promise you that you will be entertained from the moment you arrive and cry when its time to go home! You will see searing sights and take away lifelong memories!
Where will I start I guess I will have to start with my most recent visit to Killarney, Co. Kerry where I went on to see the Breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher and then onward to the Aran Islands, where the bicycle is both a reminder of the past and a gimpse of a carbon neutral future.
There are so many wonderful things to do and see where you will be kept amused by the love of the local people’s hospitality and of course not forgetting the craic agus the ceol! Bring plenty of tissues because you’ll be crying with the laughing. An unbelievable tonic for everyone (laughter)!
I arrived by open decked ferry on the Aran Islands where I get a little bit queezy from Sea Sickness unfortunately (and no it’s not in my head). It really affects me and I find it helps to lie down and sleep while travelling by sea. (That’s why I don’t do it often) I much rather fly like a bird!
What struck me on the Aran Islands was the shimmer of light that pours across the sparse hills and surrounding areas. A true Photographers Dream Natural Light!
There are three Islands on the Island of the Aran Islands, Inishmore (meaning large island) Inisheer (meaning east island) and the smallest Inismaan (meaning piggy in the middle island) which is the quietest Island.
Of course I island hopped because I can’t stay in the one spot for long. I am absolutely Hyper! So I hired a bicycle for 10euro because you can’t drive around the Islands and I like keep fit and active. You can really see how it gives you the feeling of what real old school Ireland was like. You’ll be knackered from all the peddling but will make a good excuse for some nice food and beers after it! It truly is a magical experience.
You can also hire a pony and trap around the Island for 50euro. If old Churches are your thing you can get plenty of Frank Snaps on the Island too. No shortage.
The food on the Islands is exceptional. They produce all their own home grown vegetables which is fertilised by native seaweed. They catch their own fresh fish. Expect locally caught mackerel for breaky, or Pollock or crab for dinner. You won’t be stuck for choice in the West Of Ireland I can assure you that!
In winter the locals hibernate and stay by their lovely cosy blazing fires and when the days start to lengthen they head out to get a start on their little patches of vegetables.
Depending on what seasons you like I recommend you visit in the Summer months where the Aran Islands comes alive. They have only one pub on the Island of Inishmoore which is absolutely hilarious to see. When you walk in you’d swear they had never seen a woman in their lives. But they are so so friendly and so welcoming. There is always live music in the pubs most nights and you will be guaranteed to leave there with a right steam on you whether you choose the Guinness or the local Beer.
However, on the Island of Inisheer they have three pubs and they are very popular with Stag parties and people just out having the craic enjoying themselves and if your like me and you would chat the ears off a pony you will not be short for conversation!
The very few habitants of the Aran Islands are so happy to see the tourists come along and are so grateful they look after you old Irish Style. You have to see it.
I highly recommend the Aran Islands to you all to visit. It will bring out your Romantic side and give you true lifelong memories. Don’t just rush out there on a day trip. Stay the Night you won’t regret do it Lolly Style!
Proud to be Irish!
Love, Live, Life
Lolly xxx
