Family Weekend in Connemarra

Only a few days in Dublin with the visiting McDonalds’ when it’s time to take to the open road, or the wee roads, to Connemara!

With ten of us in tow, we need to rent two cars. Fortunately, I practiced the weekend prior driving to Arklow. Yes, I had not driven in Ireland up until then, only in Spain when we were on holiday. Griff was a fantastic and a very calm co-pilot.

First though, we stop in Galway for lunch and a wander! No pictures for the moment!

A lovely drive up toward a Loch near Connemara to find yet another terrific Airbnb accommodation !

One end of the loch. Look what was waiting….

Emmie named the swan Rebecca! Its wing is injured, so we imagined she was a permanent resident.

We loved the house and wished we could have spent more time there!

Creative juices were flowing as the kids wrote acrostic poetry about each other over dinner. Quite entertaining!

The restaurant owner’s dog worked hard to get our attention and play with him. So cute!

A Grandma sandwich after dinner.

~ Next Day – Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle- Incredible gardens! Griff, Pat, Emmie and Christine are first to arrive and explore.

Emmie checks out the turret which lines the perimeter of the garden. A fun play area; too bad we don’t have one in our backyard at home.

Emmie checks out a turret, one of which line the perimeter of the garden. A fun play area; too bad we don’t have one in our backyard at home.

A perfect tree for play & posing!

Griff and Pat with the vibrant rhododendron plants which was quite plentiful around the grounds!

Emmie finds a friend!

On site was the School of falconry. What a sight to spy a falcon fly from on tree to another. They had a bell attached to one of their talons, so we could also hear them coming.

We read about the private Hawk Walk you could take.

We read about the private Hawk Walks they offered.

Falcon spotting

Naturally we had to show Spenser, Tristyn and Grace the amazing climbing tree!

All four cousins on the tree – indulging their parents and grandparents for a photo.

Ashford Castle Garden.

Kyle Moore Abby was one of the inspirations for our trip to Connemara. We had a nice lunch and then took in the views of the Abby and former school.

Christine & Marti

Griff & Scott

Pat & Marti- Mother & daughter

We also had the chance to spend time in Connemara National Park. We learned about the various types of bogs and the Parks and areas’ commitment to preserving them.