We discovered that Sligo has absolutely loads of beautiful clean empty beaches and coves. Really dramatic sandy shores with not another person in sight. We went to the beach every day and really got the cobwebs blown out of our heads.
I can’t wait to go back!
So I am back from Sligo in Ireland. I have divided up the photos into two posts because there are so many I want to show. We stayed in my aunts’ cottage (first picture) which had a mountain rising straight up out the back. I liked going out in the morning in wellies and my nightie to have a look at the weather and the mountain while waiting for the kettle to boil. The cottage itself was wonderful, and because there was no TV, internet, or any mobile signal it feels really cut off and peaceful, especially in the evenings when we would light the woodburning stove and play Scrabble while listening to a crackly radio.
The landscape is really beautiful with lakes, mountains, and the sea. There is a scenic view around every corner. It is WB Yeats country and he is buried there. The weather changed from minute to minute with sun, rain, wind, fog, drizzle possible at any moment. One morning when it was a little rainy we went to have an Irish seaweed bath which involves having a steam and then sitting in a bathtub filled with seaweed, I recommend it.
As the cottage is my aunts’ I hope that they will let us come back to stay again soon. So much clean fresh air.
The holiday! It was a real break to get away from everything and just hang out with my family. The main reason that we were there was for the opening of an exhibition about my archaeologist grandparents. It was really an honour to meet all these people who knew them and hearing all the stories.
Newgrange at sunset.
You can see more pictures from the trip here. We really only had one proper day in Dublin to see the sights so we went to The National Museum, the Guinness factory, the Museum of Modern Art, and then walked around Temple Bar. Dublin is interesting and has a lot to see and do but hopefully Simon and I can go back to Ireland soon and I can show him the more scenic areas of the country.
I’m back. It has been a lovely holiday.
(I will elaborate soon but my dad has just called because he is around the corner with a puncture and I am going to help out.)
