Category: Gort Cycle Trails

Cycle Trail from Thoor Ballylee to Gort River Walk

Looking for a looped cycle in the Burren Lowlands?

Itching to get onto your bike? Let me show you a looped cycle trail I recently discovered from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk( under development)

Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought about it, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands

The total distance of this cycle is just under 20 km. If you are only cycling from Thoor Ballylee to Gort, it’s 4 km. I would allow up to half a day to really take your time! Have a picnic at Thoor Ballylee, have a rest at the River Walk, Walk around Gort( and visit Kiltartan Gregory Museum when it reopens.)Things to bring: snacks, breakfast or lunch, water, charged mobile and don’t forget to apply suntan lotion and wear high viz jackets. Switch on your bike lights if the weather is not so nice. If you are cycling on your own, let someone know where you are heading.

Thoor Ballylee’s History

To learn more about Thoor Ballylee and the link with the Irish poet Yeats and the dramatist Lady Gregory, click on this link. *****Please note – Thoor Ballylee is currently closed due to COVID-19 Check their Website/Facebook page for the latest updates!****

I should probably say re-discovered as this trail is an age-old trail that people used to travel on by foot and bike from Gort to Ballyanneene, Rinerush, and possible also Peterswell, where I live.

Route description from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

I recommend you start from Thoor Ballylee (or anywhere on the Skehanagh side) to have the least amount of hills. If on the other side you are looking for a heart-pumping exercise, do the cycle anti-clockwise:) You’ll definitely sleep well 🙂
Check out this Google Map showing you the looped cycle.

From Skehanagh to Thoor Ballylee

Intro to the Cycle from Skehanagh to Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

The first video brings you from Skehanagh to Thoor Ballylee. There is one hill to climb before you get to the top of the Road- I had to get off the bike as I was also holding my camera( note to self – must find a way to mount my phone). What goes up, has to come down, so you’ll see in the latter part the downhill cycle to Thoor Ballylee – bliss:)

Once you have arrived at the castle, lock up your bike(s) in the cark park and go for a stroll to the watermill to the right.

Thoor Ballylee form the Pic Nic Area

Explore the watermill at Thoor Ballylee

https://youtu.be/LzkOfOtEgZY

Water Mill at Thoor Ballylee

There are big plans to restore the watermill. Why not take a seat in the picnic area in front of Thoor Ballylee and enjoy breakfast or lunch on the picnic tables or the grass. It’s quite magical.

Thoor Ballylee to Gort River Walk Cycle trail

Next video and pictures show most of the journey from Thoor Ballylee to the end of the road.

Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the top of the Gort River Walk

The cycle trail from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk is very straightforward. Leaving Thoor Ballylee to your right, cycle all the way till you come to a crossroads where you take a left.

Country views on the Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

Country views on the Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

Country views on the Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

At some point you’ll see a fork to the right. If you look very closely, there is an existing cycle trail called “Finding Yeats”. This cycle trail was mapped by the Burrenlowlands from Gort, sponsored by Sullivans Hotel on the square in Gort. I’ll have to write another blog article about that cycle.

Take a left to go to the Gort River Walk

Cycle for approximately 1 km and you’ll see a yellow bungalow to your left ( It’s a downhill road so you are picking up some speed). Across from that yellow bungalow you’ll see a narrow road/boreen to your right. If you are a local , this is the top of the Pound Road. This road ultimately brings you to the back of Gort.

Railway Bridge

Once you take a right, it’s a straight road that brings you to a railway bridge.

Railway Bridge

Once you cross the railway bridge, it’s a downhill cycle, and the road surface changes to a loose stone surface.

View over the railway track

You’ll see a ruin of a farmhouse to your right, and as the road takes a slight bend to the left you will have arrived at the top of Gort River Walk.

As you cycle down there is a gate, sometimes it’s open, sometimes it’s closed. If it’s closed, make sure when you open it to get through, you close it off.

If you look to your right, you may be lucky to see a swan family. When I was there, there was a swan family there with cygnets.

Swans with their Cygnets

If you look a little bit further down to your right, you’ll see the remains of a bridge. DO NOT ATTEMPT to go there or cross the bridge as it is not safe. The Gort River Walk has big plans to replace this bridge with a new bridge, follow their Facebook page to find out more.

Lavally Bridge

Lavallysheen Children’s burial ground

Look to your left, and you will see the Lavallysheen Children’s burial ground. To learn more about the Burial ground, check out this article in Guaire Magazine ( page 64. Since the article was published a group of volunteers have done an amazing job to restore and tidy up the burial ground. It has also enabled relatives to honour and pay tribute to their deceased family members. It’s a truly a sacred place.

Continue your journey, leaving the Lavallysheen burial ground to your left, the river to your right. The road surface is a bit bumpy but ok to cycle. It’s only towards the end of the cycle, there are bigger/rougher stones, and it may be better to dismount for a short while. You will now have a beautiful view of the River to your right. ( There are way more and better images, I’ll write another post dedicated to the Gort River Walk)

View over the Gort River

Gort River Walk

As I mentioned earlier, there is currently a project in progress by local volunteers to establish a Gort River Walk, find out more about the history here. The Pound Road, once a dumping ground and no go area, has been transformed into a beautiful walking area to be enjoyed by all. Follow Gort River Walk on Facebook and their recent fundraiser – please support if you can.

Flower Vale House

You’ll now see barriers, you can go around a little place to the right.

Gates and passage to the right

Continuing on to your right, you will see the remains of Flowervale House – home of the once mill owners. This article tells you all about the history of the house and the (tragic) story of how the mill was flattened to the ground. It is also the back of Aldi in Gort and the start of the Gort River Walk.( There are in effect 2 entries, one via the Pound Road and one via the back of Aldi.)

As you continue your journey, you will see the Gort Railway Station to your left and as you continue you will arrive in the town of Gort. Check out a blogpost I wrote about the Gort Railway Station last year, when it was 150 years since it first opened.

Gort Railway Station

This may be the end of your trip . Pop into Centra for ice cream or continue on the loop and take a right at the roundabout to head back OR you can take a left and go onto Gort’s mini -Greenway into Coole Park I documented a while back.

Icecream at Centra in Gort

Kiltartan Gregory Museum

If you are heading back, it’s an easy ride, passing entry into Coole Park. Further down is a nice downhill cycle at Kiltartan. You’ll see a red brick building onto your left, which is the Kiltartan Gregory Museum. It’s currently closed , due to COVID-19. Keep an eye on their Facebook Page to find out when they re-open.

Next you will pass the railway crossing at Kiltartan, and as you cycle you’ll see a sign for Quinn’s hardware store being 5 kms from that point.

This is the back of the Quinn Sign:) pointing to the Kiltartan Gregory Museum

Eileen Quinn Memorial plaque

Across from the sign, you’ll see a farmhouse, with a remembrance stone to Eileen Quinn, who was murdered there on the 1st of November 1920. I strongly recommend you listen to this recently produced documentary about the life of Eileen Quinn and what happened there on the 1st of November. Humbling is an understatement

Eileen Quinn Memorial plaque

It’s been downhill for most of the way, so it’s time for a bit of climb across from Tannian’s forge. There is a bit of bend in the road, and I always cross the road before the hill, as visibility is limited once you are on the climb.

Once you have caught your breath, you’ll see Cummins kitchens to your right and signs for Thoor Ballylee. Take a right, enjoy the downhill cycle or take a left and do an extra loop via Shehanagh.

Back to where I started my cycle

The road bends to the right, and this is where I started the cycle.

The road to your left brings you into Skehanagh, where there are few other cycles you can do, I’ll have to write another blog post about the Skehanagh cycle trails.

As it is summertime, the floods we had earlier in the year, have receded. Learn more about the South Galway floods here.

Hope you enjoyed this (long) article- look forward to hear if it has inspired you enough to do the Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk!

Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands

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June 21, 2020
Labane to Bingham Mausoleum in Adrahan looped cycle

Time to map a new safe cycle in the are of the Burren Lowlands !Check out previous such as the Gort Mini Greenway, Gorts Golden Mile , Mary’s walk in Peterswell, walking the Flaggy Shore and the Cahermurphy Looped walk. I created a separate Facebook group “Gort Cycle Trails” Come join!

Today I’ll be bringing you from Labane to the Bingham Mausoleum in Adrahan and back. COVID-19’s silver lining has been that I needed to stay local, and instead of driving into work everyday and cycling the last 5 kms , I have been staying home and doing my #dailycle in my area! As it happens there are some really beautiful country cycles /walks, including the Labane to the Bingham Mausoleum Looped Cycle. Click on the + sign to make the map more detailed. The cycle is just below 6 kms, and is easy to cycle.

What is a Mausoleum?

Now before I continue, let me explain what a Mausoleum is ! Wikepedia tells me following:

A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people. A monument without the interment is a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb, or the tomb may be considered to be within the mausoleum.

Googling a bit further, I found a book published in 1975 about Mausoleums in Ireland Craig, Maurice. “Mausoleums in Ireland.” Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review, vol. 64, no. 256, 1975, pp. 410–423. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/30089950. Accessed 14 June 2020.

Reading through the book, the Burren Lowlands has its fair share of Mausoleums, a few new ones I’d like to explore, and I think there is even one that is not featured in the book, namely the Gregory Mausoleum ( That’s for another time:) )

Cycle from Labane to Bingham Mausoleum

I started from the Higgins Petrol Station in Labane to stock up on a few snacks and the Sunday Times. If you are travelling to the area, you can leave your car there or park up in Ardrahan. There is usually plenty of space.

Getting a few snack before heading off

Leaving the petrol station, it’s only a short cycle to the cemetery. Take a right there. It’s a an easy cycle until there is a bit of a hill:)

This is at the bottom of the hill:)

Sign for Caher Cre Church and Mausoleum

Road leading to Caher Cre Church and (Bingham) Mausoleum

The Entrance to Caher Cre Church and Mausoleum

The entrance to Caher Cre Church and Mausoleum is right behind the blue gate ! If you are by car, drive a little bit further and there is an area just around the corner where you can park – it’s very small, and a coach for example could not in there.

If you brought a snack or a packed lunch, take a seat at the picnic table.

Take a seat at the picnic table and enjoy the view

Caher Cre Church

History Board

Gable View

Inside Caher Cre Church

Looking into the window of the church

Entrance to the Mausoleum

I love the detail of the door!

Mausoleum to Ardrahan

Continue your journey on a windy road with lovely country views, passing a sign on your right for O’Neills Holiday homes with a turn to the left(you’ll see a dead end sign for the right turn). You then arrive at the top of the road. Take a left into the direction of Ardrahan.

Top of the road

This is the only part of the journey which is on a fairly narrow road and can be busy with cars, so be very mindful. It’s only a short stretch of road, and before you know you are approaching Adrahan.

Approaching Adrahan Village

You will see the GAA Grounds on your left.

GAA Ardrahan

Ardrahan Village

You have now arrived in Ardrahan Village! Check out some of the images I took there. If you are starting your cycle from here, you can park your car here. Why not call into the Irish Fibe Crafters and have a look at their latest weaving creations or take a break on the bench:)

The Square at Ardrahan

Irish Fibre Crafters in Ardrahan

Information board about Ardrahan in the Burren Lowlands

The Old Garda Station in the background and bus shelter

Heading back to Labane

It’s now only a short cycle back to Labane, part of this road has already been marked as a cycle lane, I would love to have a full cycle lane from Ardrahan to Gort marked… One day..

Cycle back from Ardrahan to Labane

If you know of a safe cycle trail in the Burren Lowlands, share it in my my Facebook group here!

Happy, safe cycling!

Katleen

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June 14, 2020
Cahermurphy Looped Trail
Hi all!

Today’s blog post is about the Cahermurphy Looped Trail in Co. Clare.

Welcome to my blog! If this is the first time you are visiting, my name is Katleen, and I have been blogging on and off for the last 9 years. I am based in the West of Ireland in a small townland called Peterswell in a region called the Burren Lowlands. More about me here.

Start of Cahermurphy looped trail

I have started to document cycles and walks in and around the Burren Lowlands. So far I have documented Gort’s mini Greenway, Gort’s Golden Mile,Mary’s walk in Peterswell and Walk the Flaggy Shore.

This time we ( hubby and me) headed out on a miserable Saturday morning to nearby Flagmount in Co. Clare to walk the Cahermurphy Looped Trail. It’s a 20-minute drive from Gort. If you are using Google Maps and coming from Galway, don’t listen to what Google suggests as it will send you down some very narrow backroads. Instead, drive through Gort, and then take the exit for Flagmount. ( Pick up some lunch in case you “forgot” to make lunch.)

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The Cahermurphy Looped trail is 9 kms long, and I would allow 3 hours to complete it, and this is assuming you are not really taking any long(er) breaks. You might also want to think which direction you walk the Cahermurphy looped trail, and where to park your car, more about that later.

Where does the Cahermurphy Looped trail start?
We started from the Lake called Lough Greany. The entrance to the Lake is called White Sands. More info here.

What to wear, what to bring?

Make sure you wear walking boots that are waterproof, as you walk through the forest, marshy bogland, main road and your feet will get wet( I wore runners and pop socks and ended up with that wonderful squishy sound of water with every step and 2 nice blisters to boot !! )

Bring a packed lunch ( really do it), snacks and water/juices as unless you stock up in the local shop in Flagmount, there are no places on your way to buy anything. Don’t forget to start off with a fully charged mobile. Wear a yellow vest for visibility so you are seen on the sometimes busy local roads!

Packed Lunch

We started walking the trail in lashing rain, and it was only as the weather cleared up, we became aware of the midges, so consider wearing long trousers( or be prepared to walk very fast 🙂 or spray plenty of insect repellent.

And last but not least, if you are walking on your own, make sure you tell someone where you are going, and when you are due back as it’s pretty desolate there. In fact, I would recommend you walk with someone, it’s more fun:)

Though I love walking with small kids, this walk is not suitable for small children.

Where to park your car?

Park your car at the lake, follow the red arrows ( the walk is very well signposted). As you enter the forest, there is a fallen tree, you will have to do some ducking and diving, but very doable.

Cahermurphy Looped Trail Arrows

Fallen Tree

The first hour and a half of the walk is pretty flat and easy, and takes you into a dense forest, followed by a less dense part ( it looks like a dead forest) with a few bridges, followed by a beautiful walk beside the river Bleach.

There are beautiful wildflowers throughout the walk and a many Tree Roots on the trail, just be mindful to slip. Lot’s of bridges to negotiate!

Tree Roots

Me in the dead- looking forest

Wild Flowers

Lush Forest

Window with a view

River Bleach

When to take a break on the Cahermurphy Looped Trail?

I’d recommend you have a break halfway and have something to eat and drink, as the second part of the walk is an upwards walk and you’ll need your energies to get to the top.

Yes, I won’t lie, I had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but my effort was well rewarded with a fabulous view over Lough Greaney!

I love the view for the descend and although it was cloudy, the view is beautiful. Once you are at the bottom, you take a right to go back into the direction of the lake, which takes a good half an hour to walk. At this stage, you will be tired, and I would recommend you have a break.

Somebody had walkers in mind, as we had tea and the rest of our lunch on a stone bench – the view was amazing, it was all worth it! Pity I forgot to take a picture of the bench, as it was very ornate with flowerpots on each side.

Having walked it ( and having struggled a bit with a climbing road for – I am guessing an hour- I wonder if I’d rather have a steep climb at the beginning of the walk when I am still full of energy, followed by a descend for the rest of the walk.

Second consideration to make is where to park. If you park at the lake it means you will need to walk back to the car towards the end of the walk, when you might be already very tired. If you park at the school, you have a good half an hour walk to the lake. When you are at the bottom of the descend, instead of taking right, you take a left and you will be at your car in no time.

I think next time I’ll park at the school, face a very steep climb and then have a descend for the remainder of the walk.

If there are walks you think I should walk, let me know, I am always looking for inspiration!

Greetings from Peterswell,

Katleen

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July 28, 2019
Mary’s Walk in Peterswell

Hi all,

A few years ago, I took part in a charity walk called “ Run for Mary” in Peterswell. As it happens, I live in Peterswell, but had never really explored that side of Peterswell( the actual village). It was an amazing walk and as the charity walk is coming up soon( click here for more info) I thought I’d walk it again, without the crowds. I have called the walk Mary’s walk, in memory of Mary.

The walk is just under 6 Kms, and it took me 1 hour and 10 minutes to walk it. Regardless of the time of year, wear a high Viz Jacket. Bring some snacks/drinks in case you get hungry or thirsty. And yes, it’s a looped walk!

Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled or walked any of the trails, what you thought about them, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands

For a full list of #SafeCycleTrails and maps I have mapped so far, click here

So where is this walk?

Make your way to Peterswell, off the main road between Loughrea and Gort.

Here is a little map of the walk. ( If you are Runtastic User, click here

Park your car at the Community Center and walk toward the church.

One you are the church, look back to get a view over Peterswell.

View over Peterswell Village

This is a country road, so just be mindful of traffic.

As your walk progresses, you’ll pass many fields, and enjoy views over the countryside.

Keep walking, the road veers to the left , don’t take the road over the bridge.

At this point you are in a very rural location! I loved the view with all the leaves on the ground.

The road comes to an end, take the left turn. As you walk on that road, it’s a bit hilly, you’ll see hedgerows on the left.

There is a beautiful view from the top of the hill:)

Keep walking till you come to the end of the road. Take a right, as you are now back on the road that leads you to Peterswell.

Hope to see you at the Charity event in memory Of Mary which takes place on the 10th of November. Follow the Run for Mary Facebook Page here.

Greetings from Peterswell,

Katleen

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October 21, 2018
Mini- Greenway & Gort’s Golden Mile

My last post covered a little treasure in Gort, which I aptly called Gort’s Mini-Greenway. As it happens, this Greenway also connects to Gort’s Golden Mile, making it a loop.. Yes… I think many of you will take note, as who doesn’t like a looped walk/cycle ( followed by cake I hear you ask?).

So where is this loop?

So you follow the instructions from last time here. Instead of turning left to head to Coole Park( for cake: ) ) you turn right, and head over the bridge.

Out of a practical point of view. I would recommend you first do the Mini-Greenway, as most of it is downhill. However If you are looking to strengthen your quads, best do it anti-clockwise. ( Did you know your quads are your strongest muscles ?)

Once you come to the main road, cross it, and within a short distance you will see an arrow for the L85313 to your left

Arrow on the main Road

Arrow on the main Road

Arrow for L85313

Take that turn and as you walk down the hill your view will be like this!

L85313 Road ( view as coming from Kinincha)

Grazing cows L85313

As you walk on this road, you will see a sign for Gort’s Golden Mile!

Gort’s Golden Mile & connection with the mini-greenway

The road surface changes to a dirt track. If you were on bikes you could cycle, but dismounting your bike for a short while may work better. This track is about a mile and is beautiful as you can see from the pictures below.

Dirt Track

Stone walls Gort’s Golden Mile

Gort’s Golden Mile

Gort’s Golden Mile

Gort’s Golden Mile( view coming from Kinincha)

Fields

As your walk progress, you’ll come to the end of the road, with a beautiful thatched cottage on your left.

Thatched Cottage Kinincha Road

Stop for a moment and listen, you’ll hear the river flowing ahead of you. It’s currently NOT safe to descend to the river there, but there are (big) plans for a river walk in Gort.

Gort’s Golden Mile & the river in the back ground.

The only way to go is right, heading back to Gort, the river flowing to your left. This road is tarmacked.

As you walk on that road, you will find the Planning application for a Gas Bio Plant on your right. To find out more about this Bio Plant, check out a very detailed article on why the location of the proposed site is not suitable.

Site Notice Gort Bio Gas Plant

Proposed site for Bio Gas Plant

Proposed site for Bio Gas Plant

You’ll walk past access to farmland on your left, which , if you head that way, brings you to a fence .

If you venture past the fence, make sure you close it, as cattle/horses are kept there from time to time, so be careful. Once in the field, if you head straight, you will see/hear the river. I was there not so long ago during a weekly walk of the Kinincha Road and I was taken by its beauty as you can see from the pictures below.

Track leading to Farm Gate

Anyway, back to the Kinincha Road:)

As I was doing the walk in September, there were blueberries, slow berries, Rosehip and so much more blooming, it was amazing.

Kinincha Road

Kinincha Road

Kinincha Road

Kinincha Road

Kinincha Road

You will see a plant on the left which I am guessing is some kind of a depot for salt( or something else – I have no idea) and further down the Waste Water recycling plant.

From then on, for a split moment, you are away from busy Gort and walking on a country road with country views!

Once you are the bottle banks, you are nearly back to where you started, the Lidl Car Park. Who knew:) You can then head into Gort for cake:)

You could also do a looped walk, starting at Lidl, go straight, take a left at the cottage, go straight, and when you come to the main road, take a left road( you are now on the old main road ) and head back to Gort( which is in fact the walk I did). I took some pictures on my way back to Gort, I particularly liked the horse that comes over to say hello:). If you do the looped walk, it’s another way of getting your 10 000 steps. The looped walk is just under 5 km.

Horse

As a side note, there is ( unfortunately) still a lot of dumping on the Kinincha Road, and I have passed on the pictures to the council. I am hopeful that, once the council installs proper CCTV, it will stop the dumping.

Katleen

PS. Check out below drone video of the walk!

Drone view of Gort’s Golden mile by David Murray Check out this blog https://southgalwayvision.wordpress.com

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September 9, 2018
Exploring Gort’s mini-greenway

Hello all,

Did you know Gort has its very own greenway? A friend of mine mentioned there is a safe way to cycle from Gort to Coole Park. This was totally new to me, and until then I had never known about it. So I set out to find out. I have called it Gort’s mini-greenway! Greenways are ever so popular these days, so I am hoping the title of this blog post will trigger enough curiosity for people to explore it. It’s mini, as it’s not very long, but it IS there, ready to be explored. So where is this mini-greenway???

Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled or walked any of the trails, what you thought about them, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands

For a full list of #SafeCycleTrails and maps I have mapped so far, click here

Start of our trip

We met up at the Supervalu’s Carpark in Gort ( hello Karen!!), so we could easily unload our bikes.

We then headed for the roundabout, taking the slip road L85311, which runs parallel with the motorway.

Taking the exit L85311

There is a bit of bend in the road, and a steep descent. You’ll feel your bike picking up speed!

Karen going down the hill, the view is amazing.

~~The road then gets a bit bumpy~~ The Road has been resurfaced since I wrote this article! The road is narrow and when you come to the end of the road, you take a right.. ( Taking a left isn’t really an option, as there is a fence).

As you take the right, you are on a gravel road, with fences on both sides.

Apart from a tractor, we didn’t come across any traffic.

At the end of the straight stretch, there is another bend, and then you come to a fork, you take a right.

As you cycle along you’ll pass a few houses and a ruin of an old house, it would be interesting to find out what this building once was. As you look at the ruin, you can see the bridge over the motorway to your right.

You are now on the road/avenue that leads to … Coole Park. You’ll see the new bridge over the motorway on your right.

Now all you need to do is cycle/walk to Coole Park. Head for the Tea rooms, I hear they are serving coffee/tea/cakes and lots of other goodies. Check out their Facebook page to their latest menu.

This Cycle/walk is just over 4 kms. from Gort to Coole Park.

Next time I’ll show you how this route connects with the Golden Mile in Gort…

Happy cycling!

Katleen

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September 2, 2018
Visit Scattery Island in West Clare

Hello all,

Check out my visit to Scattery Island, which is located off the Clare Coast, just a few miles from Kilrush. For other trips in Clare and Galway, check click here.

Island living for non-native islanders

Living in Ireland, which is already an Island, it’s interesting to note that there are quite a few smaller islands of the West Coast. If island living can be challenging, it becomes much more challenging when you live off the coast of an already island.

I guess as a non-islander I am still fascinated by how people used to live on these smaller islands and learn more about how they lived, traded with other islanders, and how they made things work in often very difficult situations. ( Scattery was last inhabited in 1978)

How to get to Scattery Island from Gort

The below map shows you the quickest route from Gort, Co. Galway. to visit Scattery Island

You can also take the scenic route via Spanish point, but this will add half an hour to your journey.

What is a River Pilot?

As our guide explained, Scattery used to be the base for River Pilots, which would help boats a safe crossing through the Shannon River and Estuary.

The Windsor Castle of Liverpool

Our guide mentioned a story that really made a difference to Scattery Island, I found the detail here. In March 1843, pilots from Kilbaha boarded a deserted ghost ship, The Windsor Castle of Liverpool, which had left Bombay in June 1842. The pilots succeeded in bringing the vessel to Kilbaha using their canoes and a pilot hooker. They brought the boat to Scattery Roads and guarded her around the clock to prevent plunder. The pilots were offered compensation for their efforts, which they refused. After many months the High Court of Admiralty in Ireland awarded the pilots £5,000 plus their costs and expenses, the award being divided amongst 18 pilots and 16 assistants. In the 1840s Scattery was part of the estate of the Marquis of Conyngham whose son-in-law, Marcus Keane, acted as a land agent. Keane approached the compensated families and offered to sell them land on Scattery, an offer which many families took up, increasing the population of the island considerably.

Scattery Island escaped the famine and emigration

The inhabitants of Scattery Island appear to have escaped the deaths and emigration, associated with nearby Kilrush, during the famine period. The total population of the island, including the soldiers, actually increased from 65 in 1841 to 99 in 1851 and to 139 in 1861, the numbers of houses in this period increased from 9 in 1841 to 24 in 1861. The memorial inscriptions on the gravestones do not show any deaths of islanders during the period 1845 to 1850. Perhaps a combination of fishing and additional shipping, due to famine imports and emigration, provided good employment for the pilots at this time and helped them to survive.^[11]

To find out more detail about the island and its history, check out this Wikepedia Article.

Monastic Settlement on Scattery Island

Scattery Island, or “Inish Cathaigh” is located approximately one mile off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St. Senan who was born locally.

There are the ruins of six churches ( or possibly even 7) and one of the highest Round Towers in Ireland, 120 feet high, with is unusual feature of its door at ground level.

OPW Guide, Scattery Island

Round Tower Scattery Island, 120 feet high

Scattery has had many invasions down through the centuries; the Vikings invaded during the early 9th century but Brian Boru later recaptured the island. It is believed that Scattery is a derivation of the Norse word for treasure, which is Scatty. So maybe we really should call it Island of Treasures or Treasure Island?

The main church on the island is Teampall Naomh Mhuire (Cathedral of Saint Mary), situated next to the round tower. Scattery for a time in the 12th century administered to a diocese.

Boys at the foot of the roundtower, Scattery Island

Teampall Naomh Mhuire (Cathedral of Saint Mary)

There is an effigy of a bishop’s head on the outside of the east window of the Cathedral believed to be that of St. Senan.

The holy well, called Tobar Sinean, beside the round tower was of great reverence and respect by the islanders. It was also associated with a pattern held on St. Senan’s Feast Day on 8th March.

St Senan’s Well, Scattery Island

Image of St Senan’s well

St. Senan is believed to have died in the year 544 and is reputed to be buried in St. Senan’s Bed beside Temple Senan a small 12th Century Romanesque church.

An exhibition of the history of the island is housed in the visitor reception building, which is situated near the pier.

I particularly enjoyed the church situated at the highest point of the Island, I loved the structure/colour of the remainder of the church, and of course, the beautiful view, overlooking the lighthouse.

We left Kilrush harbour at around 15:00 with the OPW guides on board, and left the Island at around 17:30.

Would highly recommend visiting Scattery Island!

Katleen

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August 17, 2015
A picnic bench with a view : Dromore Woods in Co. Clare

Dear Readers,

Last weekend has been a very eventful weekend as it was the first holy Communion of our youngest son Alex. This also meant we had a few extra people in the house, as both my parents and one of my brothers came over from Belgium and David’s parents came over from Northern Ireland. The weather had been absolutely awful on Friday, and I was dreading Saturday afternoon, as we were doing a BBQ at the back of our house. When we were last at Dromore Woods, I spotted a picnic bench with a view and wanted to share this experience with the grandparents.

Somehow the weather turned sunny and warm, and we had a great time sitting outside, kids playing in the garden, enjoying the sun, food and each other company. We could not have been more lucky! Around 6 it started to rain, but at that stage we were inside.

The next day we ventured to Galway to do some shopping, and got absolutely drenched in a downpour.

I had taken the day off on Monday and wanted to take both sets of parents to a nature reserve in Co, Clare that I love called Dromore Woods. I previously wrote about it before in this entry. I started to prepare a large picnic in the morning as there was 7 of us! It was very windy and wintry showers, and I was starting to think we’d end up eating the sandwiches in the car if the weather did not improve!
Seemingly the weather gods were on our side, as once I pulled up at the reserve it was very sunny!!

We went for the Castle Trail. It ‘s just under 3 kms and a good part of the walk is beside the water. I still think it’s one of the most beautiful walks I have done, surrounded by nature, Ok, I admit, the beautiful weather most definately boosted the experience, as everything just looks in technicolour. Below are some pictures I took.

The park ranger is very helpful, and I think he must have one of the better views out of his window when he starts work!

A well set up display of wildlife and information about fauna and Flora in the area.

It’s not quite the bridge over the River Kwai, but to me it’s very special bridge, and the view over the water and the ruins of the castle is breathtaking.

The Castle Trail walk has a few picnic benches, but there is one particular bench (after reference point 7) that is worth waiting for, as it is a bit sheltered and gives you a wonderful view over the water.
Below is an image of both sets of grandparents and the kids!

Picture of my parents.

Picture of David’s parents.

Picture of us all, Alex took the picture.

And this is the view from the picnic bench- I LOVE IT

We then packed up, and walked the rest of the walk, back to the car park..
Guess what, by the time we left, it started to rain…

So glad I was able to share this wonderful place with my parents and David’s parents!
Cheers,
Katleen

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May 19, 2015
Visit to Lahinch and the RockShop

Hi all,

Today I am taking you on a visit to Lahinch in Co. Clare. There is an element of confusion, as Lahinch is also spelt as Lehinch, but regardless of the way it is spelt, it’s the same place.

How to get to Lahinch in Co. Clare

Picnic Benches at Ballyvaughan

We started off our drive in Ardrahan, and passed via Kinvara and Ballyvaughan. Just outside of Ballyvaughan is a lovely picnic area, Just drive through Ballyvaughan, and take the right fork. Drive passed Monks on your left, and after a short drive you’ll see the picnic benches on your right.

We then drove passed Fanore, which has a fabulous beach! Next are some breathtaking views over the ocean, taking in the limescale scenery, on they to the Cliffs of Moher.

The best known tourist attraction in Co. Clare are the Cliffs of Moher, As we have been there soo many times, we gave it a a miss this time. It was a perfect day though for visiting the Cliffs, and the place was teeming with people, as it was sunny and blue, clear skies! The roads were packed with day trippers and tourists visiting the Cliffs!

Visit to the Rockshop

It’s a bit of family tradition at this stage that we go to visit the (maybe less known) Rockshop, which is located on the same coastal road as the Cliffs of Moher, just a little bit further down to the left.

It’s an oasis of all kinds of stones/gemstones, both local and imported, a museum dedicated to the excavation of Lime Stone in the area and the history around this, and they have great selection of jewellery. The kids love going there too, as the shop has all kinds of gadgets for kids( dinosaurs in eggs, insect related gadgets) and much more.

Another reason I love going there is the yummy cakes/muffins you can get there:) If you are lucky and the weather is nice, you can sit outside on one of the stone tables, Fred Flintstone would be proud to see the stone table I was sitting at!

Visit to Lahinch

And then onwards to Lahinch! Lahinch was badly hit by storms in 2014 and many of roads in and around the promenade were damaged.

I think a lot of work has been done since, as all looked in order when we were there. Truthfully, we couldn’t really see too much of the promenade as it was packed with people!

I had some difficulty even finding a parking spot, it was just so busy!

We then finished up our visit to Lahinch with a meal in one of the local restaurants, and went home.

A great day was had and can’t wait to go again, to smell the salty air!!

Cheers,

Katleen

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April 9, 2015

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Category: Gort Cycle Trails

Looking for a looped cycle in the Burren Lowlands?

Thoor Ballylee’s History

Route description from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk

From Skehanagh to Thoor Ballylee

Explore the watermill at Thoor Ballylee

Thoor Ballylee to Gort River Walk Cycle trail

Railway Bridge

Gort River Walk

Kiltartan Gregory Museum

Eileen Quinn Memorial plaque

Back to where I started my cycle

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What is a Mausoleum?

Cycle from Labane to Bingham Mausoleum

The Entrance to Caher Cre Church and Mausoleum

Mausoleum to Ardrahan

Ardrahan Village

Heading back to Labane

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So where is this loop?

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Start of our trip

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Island living for non-native islanders

How to get to Scattery Island from Gort

What is a River Pilot?

The Windsor Castle of Liverpool

Scattery Island escaped the famine and emigration

Monastic Settlement on Scattery Island

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How to get to Lahinch in Co. Clare

Picnic Benches at Ballyvaughan

Visit to the Rockshop

Visit to Lahinch

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