To “A Road Across The Sea”

Last Sunday saw our first day trip of 2017. 
As usual the pull of the West and the sea took us to the coast. Now the weather forecast was not good and the temperature was in single figures, 8 deg C. It was overcast with fine rain, however experience has taught me that in Ireland forecasts are not that accurate because of the various factors involved, so we went off regardless. 
When we left the wind was blowing from the North-east and by the time we were half way it was from the South.

Our first stop was Portumna Forest Park where Toby (dog) and Mrs H stretched their legs and I opened up the picnic box for brunch and a cup of coffee. 

It was here that my eyes fell upon this delightful Silver Birch which seemed to glow in the sunlight.

The second stop was to photograph the flooded fields that lie in front of Lydacan Castle - Carnmore, Co. Galway.

Lydacan was an O'Heynes fortress in South Galway from the 14th century and Lydacan or Lydican Castle was the residence of the Lynch family in the 1770s. The Ordnance Survey records that the building was the “substantial residence of Mr. Gunning" in the 1830s. Lydacan Castle was purchased by Martin O'Flaherty in the mid-19th century and was subsequently sold by him to James Greated. It was burnt in 1922 and left in ruins. 

Our final destination, Traught Strand near Kinvara, in Co. Galway was reached and a chill wind blew strongly under a clear blue sky. After a brisk walk to watch the waves it felt good to be sitting in a wind proof vehicle, hot coffee in hand, looking out on the ever changing views of distant Connemara, Barna and Salthill.

The notice board reads:

“A Road Across The Sea”

Young St. Ciarán studied under St. Enda on the Aran Islands. 

Once ready to establish his own monastery, he and his monks travelled along a miraculous road which opened up on the seabed to Traught Beach.

Ciarán later travelled inland to the banks of the river Shannon in what is now County Offaly and founded Clonmacnoise, which became one of Irelands’ most famous seats of learning.

In the past pilgrims spent the eve of Garland Sunday praying besides St. Cairáns Bed behind the beach. In the morning the crawled on hands and knees to wash themselves in the sea before enjoying music, dancing, singing and boat racing.”

Here he is that bold young lad

St. Ciarán

On the horizon is Connemara

I love the ever changing colours of the sea.

Three brave and daring wind surfers entertained us oldies as we watched from the warmth and safety of our cars!

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Finally before signing off I wish to draw your attention to 

Rescue 116 helicopter tragedy that took place off shore of Co Mayo

in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Capt Dara Fitzpatrick, and her crew Mark Duffy, Ciarán Smith

and Paul Ormsby.

Were lost.

Please hold them and their families in your thoughts.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/coast-guard-tragedy-helicopter-crew-had-completed-similar-mission-six-days-earlier-445271.html