On a wet and windy day in June 2019 we braved the elements and took the road to Aughnanure.
 | Castle in Oughterard. Built by the O’fflaherties c. 1500 it lies in the picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O’Flahertys and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O’Flaherty and Granuaile/ Grace O'Malley. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island the castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. You also find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower and an unusual double bawn, bastions and a dry harbour. |
We enjoyed early morning coffee and scones at the Castle Restaurant at Oughterard Golf Club.
Leaving the warmth of the Golf Club we made our way to Glengowla Mines – a family farm complex experience which is a remarkable example of how part of our industrial heritage and way of life has been reclaimed, restored and transformed into an outstanding visitor attraction.
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| Digging for gold at \Glengowla Mines! |
We were guided by Jonathan to view underground large marble chambers and magnificent crystal and mineral formations of lead and silver. We were given a vivid account of the working lives of the miners and their struggle to survive. The Mine Site has a museum, miners cottage, gun powder house, blacksmith’s work shop, spring-well, gift shop where one can have light refreshments while you relax by the turf fire.
Keith, 6th generation sheep farmer who runs the Experience gives pre-booked skilled Sheepdog and Turf-Cutting demonstrations. The award winning film set “An Klondike” is located here alongside farm walks.
Uaidh seo buaileamar bóthar go Rosmuc chuig Teach an Phiarsaigh áit a raibh lón againn. Thugamar cuairt ar an teachín atá athcóirithe agus atá ag breathnú amach ar lochanna agus ar shléibhte iontacha Chonamara a bhíodh in úsáid ag Padraig Mac Piarais (1879-1916), ceannaire Éiri Amach 1916,mar theach samhraidh agus mar scoil samhraidh dá dhaltaí ó Choláiste Éanna i mBaile Átha Cliath. Tháinig Desmond Ryan, iarscoláire, in éineacht leis an Piarsach ar cuairt go Ros Muc sa bhliain 1915 agus scríobh sé níos déanaí faoin diograis a spreagtaí sa Phiarsach agus é ar cuairt san áit. Is anseo a scríobh sé and oráid a thug sé ag uaigh O Donavan Rossa.
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| Teach an Phiarsaigh |
Is fiú cuairt a thabhairt ar an áit seo.
We travelled home by the coast road through Spiddal into Galway. Bhí lá iontach againn i deanta a chéile.
Maary Kyne