Back in Dublin

This post will be short and sweet today, mainly because there's not a lot to say about the drive back.

I felt sad leaving Lahnich, wondering if and when I would be back. This morning was grey and bleak as I gazed out of my breakfast room, but that didn't stop me from feeling an attachment to the place.

It's been a great few days and I feel very connected to the land around there. The Curtin family were so warm and welcoming that I really felt I belonged. Ah well, all good things must come to an end.

BTW - in case anyone has noticed the difference in spelling between Curtin (Irish) and Curtain (Australian).... When our ancestors migrated from Ireland, they were definitely Curtins. But we have a family legend that some dear old nun once said to someone in the family "That's not the way you spell Curtin - it should be Curtain" and that was the end of that! You don't argue with dear old nuns. It was in my grandfather's generation...

My Gaby Garmin GPS has now become my second best friend. She navigated beautifully today, and took me on the best and quickest way back to Dublin. No real backroads where only one car can pass. Just the best way, with very clear instructions. She also got me off the Motoroway before the toll was operational, then brought me back on the motorway when payment was no longer required.
In the map above you might be able to follow my route. I cut across from Lahinch (PointA) to Gort, then to Loughrea, then Athlone and then on the motorway to Dublin.

I stopped near Gort to view the ruins of an old abbey, Kilmcduagh




There are so many of these around Ireland. Not sure of the significance of this one. That's where you miss the bus commentary.....

My next stop was Loughrea (pronounced Lock Ray). It was a lovely little town and I found a nice bakery to have the usual sandwich. Here's a pic of the town of Loughrea...


Then I got onto the Motorway, and it was so boring after the beauty of the country roads. You could've been anywhere in the world. I foudn myself getting quite sleepy as you just cruised along. I was glad when Gaby Garmin told me to get off for a while, and I ended up at a lovely little pub called the Monastery Inn in a town called Clonnard.

So, that's it. I'm safely back in Dublin with Mary and Nicky, and only have 2 days left in Ireland. Tomorrow I hope to go down to Avoca (home of Ballykissangel) and Glendalough (pronounced Glenda - lock over here!)

Not sure how much Internet access I'll get in France, so I'm making the most of it here while I have it.