We stopped first at the Aasleagh Waterfall on the Erriff River. The waterfall wasn't huge, but still pretty, and there were a couple of rams roaming along the river banks. We drove through the Erriff Valley, known for its Maumtrasna and Partry Mountains and the Sheefry Hills flanking the road. The town of Westport is quite charming, with lots of shops and a small town square, but we opted to continue driving to find more inspiring landscapes for photos. We stumbled upon Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, located about 30 minutes north of Westport. The typography reminded us a little bit of the Aran Islands, though the Minaun Cliffs and Cathedral Rocks here were much smaller than the cliffs along Inishmore. The Atlantic Coast Drive along the southern tip of the island was very pretty. The island is 87% peat bog, and there is also an abandoned village here called Slievemore, which has been vacant since the Great Irish Potato Famine. We hope to return and see the north part of the island another weekend.
We then drove back to Westport to see Clew Bay. There is a famous mountain here called Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. We did not make the two-hour climb up, but we did take some pictures of the famous statue of St. Patrick overlooking Clew Bay near the base of the mountain. On "Reek Sunday", the last Sunday in July every year, more than 25,000 pilgrims climb the mountain, many of whom climb barefoot. Mass is celebrated on Reek Sunday on the peak in a modern chapel. There is also a visitor center at the top. Perhaps we will make the climb this summer, but not on a holy day! I would have to teach Damon the "Our Father" or maybe have him baptized. Not sure if he's ready for that! :)
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