Dingle Pennesula to Achill Island
A brief stop in Galway, followed by the road west toward Achill Island.
The Shannon ferry after leaving Coumalague was just another unexpected moment in the rhythm of the journey. Approaching the ferry, several people told us that tickets had to be booked online. Trying to log in from a foreign phone simply wasn’t working. At the last moment, I looked to the Internet for help—and it saved the day. We could buy the tickets once onboard.
Near the end of the que, assuming an hour wait for the next ferry, Tracy noticed a tender waving us around a larger transfer truck. Once again, we squeezed through and managed to get aboard, becoming the second-to-last car on the ferry.
The crossing bypassed Shannon and, beyond saving considerable time, gave us a welcome break from navigating the narrow city streets. There is something particularly enjoyable about traveling by ferry in Ireland—the landscape changes almost imperceptibly as the shoreline falls behind and the next stretch of the journey begins.
A Glimpse of Galway
We stopped in Galway for lunch.
Spanish Arch & River Corrib
Although driving through the city proved to be an adventure of its own. We found Q Park, then walked toward the Spanish Arch and the River Corrib.
Even with only a short time to explore, Galway offered a wonderful photographic contrast—ancient stone, weathered facades, busy streets, and glimpses of the water woven together within the city.
Lunch was in the famed Ard Bia restaurant adjacent to the arch.
It was one of those brief stops where the camera comes out almost instinctively.
There was more to see than time allowed, but sometimes a few carefully chosen frames are enough to preserve the memories of a place.
Westward to Achill
After lunch, we continued west through the beautiful countryside toward Westport and, ultimately, Achill Island. The farther we traveled, the more the landscape began to open up. The road itself became part of the experience—rolling hills, distant mountains, stone walls, and the ever-changing light of the Irish west.
Arriving on Achill, we were advised to refuel and pick up provisions for the morning, as there was little nearby our accommodation. We took their advice.
Our house had a beautiful view and, although the property itself was a little more weathered than the photographs had suggested, the setting more than made up for it.
Once again, neighborly visits.
For a photographer, that view was the real attraction. The changing light, the surrounding landscape, and the sense of being at the edge of Ireland made Achill feel less like another stop on the itinerary and more like a place worth slowing down to photograph.
Just around the corner was a beautifully delightful village. It is so reminiscent of classic Irish movies or TV dramas.
Memorable.
