The Radisson Blu in Galway is a great hotel with a wonderful spa. I’m looking forward to swimming tonight!

Leaving Galway, we headed into Mayo County. First stop – Cong! As I’ve seen The Quiet Man every year, at least once during baking season, I was looking forward to seeing where it was filmed! The original cottage is not mentioned, but the museum is housed in a replica of White O’Morning! We toured the Abby and set off for Westport.

We stopped to see the National Famine Memorial, a bronze ship covered in skeletons. Across from this gruesome ship is the mountain St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland from. There is a pilgrimage to a chapel at the top and in the pouring rain with gusts of wind so strong I was almost blown over, we could see many people climbing. Unbelievable!

The heart wrenching trek from Louisburg to Delphi was made even more sorrowful when experienced in the pouring whipping rain. 200 of the 600 died on this barren road after their request for food to their landlord at the Delphi Lodge was denied, heartlessly!!

Kylemore Abbey would’ve been an awesome visit if I had worn something other than my rag dress! Yup, open toes sandals too! You guessed it – totally soaked even with a warm coat and umbrella. Brian in his shorts had to drive 1 1/2 hours soaked through all the way back to Galway. It was interesting to see the Abbey nevertheless, and they had Irish music in the Chapel. Brian took excellent photos but google it for a nicer rain free view. Definitely worth a one hour min. stop.

We checked out Galway, changed our clothes and had an early night!