Day 16 - Leenane & Killary Fjord
/The day started with some breakfast and seashell painting.
Kian painting his seashells
Hannah showing off her painted seashells
The sun was shining beautifully so we decided it was great day to head to Leenaun (also spelled as Leenane) and see the Killary Fjord. We practically live on a part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way is about 1500 miles around the north and west coast of Ireland with magnificent views and lots of small villages full of Irish culture and history.
A sign for the Wild Atlantic Way
As we drove down the typical very narrow roads, we were rewarded by incredible scenery.
Panorama view on the route to Killary Fjord (Doolough Lake)
We also saw a monument dedicated to those who died during the famine. The event is now known as the Doolough Tragedy.
Monument site marked with, "To commemorate the hungry poor who walked here in 1849 and walk the third world today." followed by a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, "How can men feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings?"
We arrived in Leenane around lunch time and decided to eat at The Village Grill.
Leenaun also spelled as Leenane
We had a simple and quick lunch.
Fried Cod with Chips and Mushy Peas
After lunch we were able to enjoy incredible views of the Killary Fjord.
Killary Fjord
As an added bonus to our day trip we checked out the Sheep & Wool Centre. We arrived at a good time and were able to go on a tour and check out the demonstrations of how the sheep are sheared and how the wool is turned into yarn (known here as thread). Since there were only 4 other people on the tour the kids had the chance to help with some of the demonstrations and had a great time. We all learned a lot!
The Killary Fjord stretches out for 16 Km. We drove a bit further to see what other landscapes waited ahead. We are so glad we did since we came across the Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Abbey was built by Henry Mitchell as a present to his wife. We did not go inside the abbey but were able to check out the structure and learn about the history. It is even more magnificent to see in person.
Kylemore Abbey
We drove just a bit longer, continuing on the Wild Atlantic Way and saw some really gorgeous beaches. It was much too late to get out an play and we had a long drive home, so we just took in the views and started our journey home.
One of the beaches we saw on the Wild Atlantic Way on the Killary Fjord route
We made and enjoyed some charcoal grilled cheese burgers when we arrived home. Mmmm Mmmm.
Charcoal Grilled Cheese Burger
We will leave you with an Irishman's Philosophy :)
A Post card at the Sheep and Wool Center