2023-07-05 13:21:38
The longest marked coastal route in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way borrows from Connemara some of its wildest and most fascinating detours…
To start your iodized journey in eastern Ireland on the right foot, you can board at Ballynahinch, a romantic castle that once belonged to a maharajah and is set in an enchanting setting… Three hundred hectares of sublime nature, at the foot of the chain of Twelve Bens, where a popular fly fisherman meanders. We put on our rain boots and set off to roam the countryside, this marvelous moor of austere beauty, made of peat and heather, small ancestral stone bridges, lakes and rivers. Galvanized by the invigorating air, we snuggle up by the fire, in the company of a good book by Wilde or Shaw and a scone, before sitting down at the Fisherman’s Pub to eat flat oysters. and a lamb stew with Guiness.
Head south along the grandiose Wild Atlantic Way, for a succession of small fishing villages clinging to the tormented coasts. Roundstone, with its steep streets, colorful buildings and coracles, typical rowing boats, is the most charming of them. We have lunch there at O’Dowd’s, a picturesque restaurant on the port. A few kilometers to the north, and here we are in Clifden, a charming little town and capital of Connemara. We sleep there at the Quay House, a Alex Reed house overlooking the quay, decorated in a way that is as incredible as it is non-minimalist by a couple of former antique dealers. From there, we reach the very panoramic Sky Road and its fantastic light effects, then the Benedictine Abbey of Kylemore, a neo-Gothic fantasy on the hillside reflected in the water.
Short hike in the spectacular Connemara National Park, kingdom of foxes, ermines and the famous wild ponies, but also thousand-year-old megalithic tombs. After a few peaceful days spent at the Delphi Lodge or the Cashel House, two institutions that mightn’t be more cozy straight out of Agatha Christie, end of the journey in Galway and its medieval streets, the “most Irish city in Ireland”, for a pub crawl and a good shot of whiskey and traditional music. Don’t miss Tigh Neachtain and Tigh Choili, the most illustrious temples of banjo, stout and flûtiau!
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Note : from 280 euros the double room
Le must : romantic dinner at the Owenmore, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant
The board : learn regarding fly fishing during a private lesson!
Cashel House : a charming cottage, facing the sea, surrounded by a huge park. The impression of being in the middle of nowhere, like out of time. A dreamlike feeling that General de Gaulle no doubt experienced when he retired here with his wife for two weeks in 1969 and began to write his memoirs there… Double room from 205 euros.
Prepare your trip : with Tourism Ireland
Charming rental with Abritel
Abritel, expert in vacation rentals for families and groups of friends, offers more than 2 million rentals in 190 countries around the world. Including many splendid villas, lodges and cottages in Connemara and throughout Ireland. Like this stunning eco-friendly bungalow by the sea, offering a magnificent view of the rocky coastline and the mountains and surrounded by flowers and wild plants. Ideal for an unforgettable stay in the wildness and solitude of Connemara!
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By Sebastien Bardos
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#MYTHICAL #ROAD #TRIP #WILD #ATLANTIC
