We’re in the Republic of Ireland, for the fourth and final portion of our 20-day adventure in Great Britain and Ireland, a trip we’ve always hoped and dreamed we could make one day. We hope you enjoy coming along with us vicariously!

Today’s excursion transported us to the verdant green Irish countryside of the Connemara National Park. When we moved to Colorado Springs in 2001, we lived in Connemara Heights. We had no idea where the name came from until today.

Traveling west and north (see map above), we first stopped at Dan O’Hara Farmhouse B&B where we enjoyed tea, coffee, scones, and cream, as well as listening to an Irish historian. It was wonderful.

We stopped at a lakeside memorial. It caused us to laugh. Be careful to read the inscription.

Then we entered the magnificent Connemara National Park, a wonderland of scenic mountains, with expanses of lush grasslands and woodlands. The left picture is where they are digging peat from a peat bog. The red color on the lamb is paint that the shepherds use to mark the sheep that are theirs.

We spent three magical hours at the beautiful 38,000 acre Kylemore Abbey Estate. Here, we visited the magnificent lakeside abbey, which was set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop.

Once a castle, Kylemore is steeped in history and is now home to Ireland’s only community of Benedictine nuns.

We experience the Victorian atmosphere of the abbey’s restored rooms and strolled through the amazing 12-acre Victorian walled garden. The Tea House was a perfect place to relax and admire the views over Connemara National Park. We took a long hike with Joe and Connie and enjoyed a picnic.

We returned to Galway for an evening at leisure of shopping and a fresh seafood dinner in Galway. What a great day.

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