Following a breakfast of Irish sausage, eggs, special bread and coffee, we said goodbye to Ballina headed toward two main destinations — Kylemore Abbey and Connemara Marble Factory — with various stops along the way.
We stopped at Westport, just 7 miles from Sister Virginia’s hometown of Sister Virginia, where Sister was met by three of her nieces who still live in that part of Ireland. I was able to also attend daily Mass in Westport, making it even a more special day.
Then, back on the bus, for a long, bumpy ride on narrow country roads to Kylemore Abbey, a picturesque castle-style “Big House” built out of love by a very rich man, Mitchell Henry for his new bride, Margaret. As with most Irish stories, this has a happy/sad/satisfying ending that continues to this day, and which I will share in all detail with you when we meet in person. Suffice it to say the place beautiful structure among the Irish mountains eventually became a school for girls run by the Benedictine Sisters who still own the grounds. We spent a very short two and a half hours touring the castle, a gothic style church and huge formal gardens. As I said, more on this later.
We reluctantly took leave of this magnificent part of Ireland and crossed the border from County Mayo (banner colors, green and orange) into County Galway (banner colors, purple and white). Here we toured an interesting marble factory that today sells gold, and silver jewelry containing the “only truly authentic Irish product available in Ireland” — that is, Connemara Marble quarried in the west of Ireland.
We ended the day at the Connemara Coast Hotel, on the shores of Galway Bay. After an awesome stroll along the edge of the bay, with three very interesting islands just offshore in the Atlantic, we gathered for another excellent Irish dinner and retired for the evening.
Long morning ride on N-4 highway to Longsworth, for rest stop, coffee, and to change larger Euro notes to 1-Euro coins.
On to Strokestown, where we viewed one of the 600 remaining “Great Houses” of 19th century Ireland. The Lord of the manor here had somewhat difficult times with his thousands of tenants. Magnificent living within the manor but squalid conditions for the tenants, brought to a climax 1864-67 during the Potato Famine. The original Lord was shot to death one night. Not exactly Downton Abbey…
River Shannon and a river cruise while eating sandwiches, chips and enjoying the music two Irish musicians on board. Swans on the river and peaceful countryside views.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. The Mother of God appeared on the side of the church at Knock, County Mayo, about the time of great civil distress for Ireland. Many persons saw her silent image. Our Lady was accompanied by St. Joseph and the Evangelist St. John. Tens of thousands of people on the grounds. Pope John Paul II visited here.
Finally to rest at Ballina, at the beautiful “Downhill Hotel” in sylvan retreat area. Fell asleep to the sound outside of a stream that feeds the Moy River. The Moy river is known throughout Ireland for its bountiful fishing.
I was able to also attend daily Mass in Westport, making it even a more special day.
We spent a very short two and a half hours touring the castle, a gothic style church and huge formal gardens. As I said, more on this later.
