The trip was from May 31, 2011 to June 11, 2011 with a focus on visiting the Northern and Western parts of the country. We were joined on this trip by our good friends Annina and Jurg from Switzerland. The tour started in Belfast and included the coasts of counties Antrim, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway. We also spend some time with my family in county Waterford. Despite being from Ireland it was the first time that I visited the North part of the country so it was as much a discovery for me as for the other members of our party.
We were very fortunate to have several days of very fine weather at the start of the trip but we had some rainy days as well. So we had the full Irish experience and learned how quickly the weather can change from sun to rain and back again. The days were long due to the time of the year which provided lots of opportunities for photography during the long evenings with interesting light conditions.
We enjoyed staying at several country houses with excellent food and a very friendly welcome. We had lots of help from local people and we will always remember Pat from Westport who helped out with a car problem we had in a very remote area.
Note: The transition from one region to another is indicated by the images of wild flowers which were in full bloom during our visit.
The Irish economy is experiencing a very severe recession but the inital indications are that the readjustment program is working and that the economy is slowly getting back on track. There are still big challenges ahead but with a very strong export sector Ireland should be able to get back to viability and provide suitable opportunities for its young population. Tourism is very important for the economy and all visitors are made to feel very welcome.
Welcome to Ireland
Honeysuckle6/2/2011 9:47:16 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
The strongest castle in Ulster and is very well preserved6/2/2011 4:21:12 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
Banquet Hall in the Carrickfergus Castle.6/2/2011 4:06:27 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
School children visiting the castle pose for their photo.6/2/2011 4:20:07 AM
Ballygally, Co Antrim
The spectacular coast of County Antrim on a perfect summer day.6/2/2011 5:52:20 AM
County Antrim Coast
Cottage on a sunny point.6/2/2011 6:22:33 AM
Glenarm bay, County Antrim
Glens of Antrim with black face ewe and lamb.6/2/2011 6:36:00 AM
Fair Head, Co Antrim North Coast
Rathlin island and distant view of Scotland at Fair Head6/2/2011 7:28:45 AM
North Antrim coast
Coastal view at Carrickarade Island and rope bridge with sheep island in the distance6/2/2011 7:30:31 AM
North Antrim coast
Carrickarade island with spectacular water colors. Rathlin island and Scotland in the distance.6/2/2011 8:03:21 AM
Carrickarade rope bridge
Paulette crossing the rope bridge. First built by fishermen to reach the island for salmon fishing.6/2/2011 8:18:39 AM
Carrickarade, County Antrim
Paulette enjoying THE summer day.6/2/2011 9:35:21 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption6/2/2011 10:48:18 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters thick in places6/2/2011 10:41:50 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Most of the colums which number 40,000 are hexagonal.6/2/2011 10:05:27 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
The columns form stepping stones that disappear into the sea.6/2/2011 10:49:20 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Formed 50 to 60 million years ago in the Paleogene peroid.6/2/2011 10:04:53 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Legend is that the Irish warrior Finn McCool built the causeway to walk to Scotland.6/2/2011 11:03:28 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Colums of five sides weathered by the sea.6/2/2011 10:51:55 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Wave crashing on the columns of the causeway as they have done for millions of years.6/2/2011 10:59:40 AM
Derry, County Derry
Perfect city wall that has seen centuaries of conflict. The city is peaceful and properous today.6/3/2011 4:47:38 AM
Wild Irish rose: Mountain Avens
Welcome to County Donegal6/2/2011 9:46:22 AM
Lough Swilly, County Donegal
View from the Grianan of Aileach.6/3/2011 6:08:54 AM
Lough Swilly, County Donegal
View from the Grianan of Aileach.6/3/2011 6:12:14 AM
Inishowen Coast, County Donegal
Blue heron fishing for lunch.6/3/2011 8:11:19 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Most northern point in Ireland with many storms.6/3/2011 8:52:46 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Stromy weather at Malin Head6/3/2011 8:50:35 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Traditional cottage with several extensions. It used to have a thatched roof.6/3/2011 9:39:50 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Highland cattle are very suitable for the area with their heavy coats.6/3/2011 9:13:46 AM
Inch Island, County Donegal
View from Rathmullan strand with the fog rolling in.6/3/2011 12:09:55 PM
Lough Ghleannn Bheatha, County Donegal.
View of the lake and the Derry Veagh Mountains6/5/2011 6:38:32 AM
Central Donegal
View of mountains with turf digger at his work.6/5/2011 7:10:53 AM
Central Donegal
Treeless hills of rock and peat.6/4/2011 3:36:33 AM
Dunlewy, County Donegal
View of the lake and mountains with abandoned church.6/4/2011 3:42:28 AM
Dunlewy, County Donegal
Cottage with color and flowers.6/4/2011 4:40:42 AM
Ben Bulben, County Sligo
Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid
By his command these words were cut:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death
Horseman, pass by!
W. B. Yeats6/4/2011 8:07:49 AM
Yellow Iris
Welcome to North County Mayo6/5/2011 6:30:23 AM
Bunatahir Bay, Ballycastle, County Mayo
View of the bay from the Ceide Fields neolithic site.6/5/2011 5:05:38 AM
Bunatahir Bay, Ballycastle, County Mayo
Headland showing the geology of the area with many volcanic layers.6/4/2011 11:46:14 AM
Ballycastle, County Mayo
Collection of rocks ground smooth by the ocean waves.6/4/2011 10:59:49 AM
Ballycastle, County Mayo
Lovely Lichen likes the sun: Orange lichen6/4/2011 11:00:50 AM
North County Mayo
Wild rhododendrons in bloom with yellow iris.6/5/2011 6:29:24 AM
North County Mayo
Rhododendron and black face sheep6/5/2011 5:26:41 AM
North County Mayo
Black face ram with impressive horns.6/5/2011 6:27:29 AM
North County Mayo
Lush plant life in a sheltered spot.6/5/2011 6:30:50 AM
North County Mayo
Mountains and peat bogs.6/5/2011 6:33:52 AM
North County Mayo
Trees bent by the prevailing winds from the West.6/5/2011 7:39:12 AM
Scarlet Pimpernel
Welcome to South County Mayo6/4/2011 11:13:09 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Holy mountain that has been the destination of pilgrims for hundreds of years.6/5/2011 9:19:02 AM
South County Mayo
Clew bay with sun and rain.6/5/2011 10:27:12 AM
South County Mayo
Clew bay with sun and rain.6/5/2011 10:27:17 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Mountains in the sunshine.6/5/2011 10:43:48 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Mountains in the rain. Light variation in a few minutes.6/5/2011 10:54:11 AM
South County Mayo
The narrow road to Doo Lough Pass6/5/2011 11:14:54 AM
Doo Lough, County Mayo
Doo Lough in the shade.6/5/2011 11:34:49 AM
Killarey Harbor, County Mayo
Long narrow fiord to the Atlantic.6/5/2011 12:00:32 PM
Killarey Harbor, County Mayo
Reflections from the sky and land.6/5/2011 12:01:54 PM
Devilsmother Mountains, County Mayo
Dramatic light and shade late in the evening.6/5/2011 12:48:32 PM
Devilsmother Mountains, County Mayo
Light and shade on the mountians.6/5/2011 12:49:48 PM
South County Mayo
Salmon river and falls6/5/2011 12:52:34 PM
Killary Harbor, County Mayo
Near Leenaun6/5/2011 12:57:57 PM
Rhododendron
Welcome to Connemara6/5/2011 6:33:30 AM
Cong, County Mayo
Ashford Castle: visited by Kings and Presidents: Guinness family country estate.6/6/2011 4:14:59 AM
Cong, County Mayo
Lough Corrib and the garden of Ashford Castle. View from our room.6/7/2011 1:33:35 AM
Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Private home that is now a convent on Kylemore lough.6/6/2011 9:47:57 AM
Between Clifden and Roundstone
Dramatic sky and view of the Atlantic Ocean.6/7/2011 4:56:26 AM
Clifden to Roundstone
Traditional canvas boat called a currach. A tiny and fragile boat for fishing on the stormy Atlantic.6/7/2011 5:54:19 AM
Connemara, County Galway
Traditional thatched cottage that was common 50 years ago but is very rare today.6/7/2011 5:17:42 AM
Bog road from Toombeola to Ballinaboy
Connemara without any development or electical poles. Bogs and Mountains6/7/2011 5:28:13 AM
Water pool in the bogs, Connemara
Water lilies in a bog pool.6/7/2011 6:33:34 AM
The Twelve Pins, Connemara, County Galway
View of the Benna Beola or Twelve Pins from Ballynahinch6/7/2011 6:48:17 AM
Ballynahinch, County Galway
River view from Ballynahinch Castle.6/7/2011 7:07:31 AM
Ballynahinch, County Galway
Wild rododendrons at Ballynahinch Castle.6/7/2011 6:59:51 AM
Bertraghboy Bay, County Galway
Low tide with lots of seaweed exposed.6/7/2011 7:27:49 AM
Bertraghboy Bay, County Galway
Fishing boat with oars at low tide.6/7/2011 7:25:48 AM
Joyces Country, County Galway
Maumturk Mountains with dramatic sky.6/7/2011 7:40:34 AM
Road from Maam Cross to Maam, County Galway
Leckavrea mountain.6/7/2011 8:20:04 AM
Lesser Trefoil
Welcome to County Waterford where I grew up at Kilbride House farm.6/2/2011 9:49:47 AM
Kilbride House farm, County Waterford
Comeragh Mountains from the highest point on the farm.6/8/2011 12:18:02 PM
Tramore, County Waterford
View of the local town from Kilbride farm.6/8/2011 12:07:35 PM
Kilbride House farm, County Waterford
Family farm where I grew up. Five generations of the family have lived here.6/8/2011 12:09:30 PM
Brownstown Head, County Waterford
View of Brownstown and Tramore bay from Kilbride farm.6/8/2011 12:13:31 PM
City of Waterford, County Waterford
View of the city from Kilbride. Founded by the Vikings and taken over by the Normans in the 12th centuary. The new suspension bridge can be seen on left side of the image.6/8/2011 12:14:30 PM
Tramore, County Waterford
View from the Guillamene swimming cove.6/9/2011 3:20:06 AM
Newtown Head, Tramore, County Waterford
View of the Metal Man from the Guillamene. Three white pillars to warn ships that they should avoid the shallow bay. Built in the 19th Centuary after a major shipwreck.6/9/2011 3:28:18 AM
Metal Man, Tramore, County Waterford.
Figure of a 19th century seaman on the central pillar warning ships to stay away.6/9/2011 3:23:07 AM
Tramore, County Waterford
View of the town with the Catholic Church on the left and the Protestant Church on the right.6/9/2011 3:30:13 AM
Wild Fuchsia: Fushsia magellanica
Thank you for viewing this collection.6/7/2011 7:09:46 AM
We were very fortunate to have several days of very fine weather at the start of the trip but we had some rainy days as well. So we had the full Irish experience and learned how quickly the weather can change from sun to rain and back again. The days were long due to the time of the year which provided lots of opportunities for photography during the long evenings with interesting light conditions.
We enjoyed staying at several country houses with excellent food and a very friendly welcome. We had lots of help from local people and we will always remember Pat from Westport who helped out with a car problem we had in a very remote area.
Note: The transition from one region to another is indicated by the images of wild flowers which were in full bloom during our visit.
The Irish economy is experiencing a very severe recession but the inital indications are that the readjustment program is working and that the economy is slowly getting back on track. There are still big challenges ahead but with a very strong export sector Ireland should be able to get back to viability and provide suitable opportunities for its young population. Tourism is very important for the economy and all visitors are made to feel very welcome.
Welcome to Ireland
Honeysuckle6/2/2011 9:47:16 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
The strongest castle in Ulster and is very well preserved6/2/2011 4:21:12 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
Banquet Hall in the Carrickfergus Castle.6/2/2011 4:06:27 AM
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
School children visiting the castle pose for their photo.6/2/2011 4:20:07 AM
Ballygally, Co Antrim
The spectacular coast of County Antrim on a perfect summer day.6/2/2011 5:52:20 AM
County Antrim Coast
Cottage on a sunny point.6/2/2011 6:22:33 AM
Glenarm bay, County Antrim
Glens of Antrim with black face ewe and lamb.6/2/2011 6:36:00 AM
Fair Head, Co Antrim North Coast
Rathlin island and distant view of Scotland at Fair Head6/2/2011 7:28:45 AM
North Antrim coast
Coastal view at Carrickarade Island and rope bridge with sheep island in the distance6/2/2011 7:30:31 AM
North Antrim coast
Carrickarade island with spectacular water colors. Rathlin island and Scotland in the distance.6/2/2011 8:03:21 AM
Carrickarade rope bridge
Paulette crossing the rope bridge. First built by fishermen to reach the island for salmon fishing.6/2/2011 8:18:39 AM
Carrickarade, County Antrim
Paulette enjoying THE summer day.6/2/2011 9:35:21 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption6/2/2011 10:48:18 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters thick in places6/2/2011 10:41:50 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Most of the colums which number 40,000 are hexagonal.6/2/2011 10:05:27 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
The columns form stepping stones that disappear into the sea.6/2/2011 10:49:20 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Formed 50 to 60 million years ago in the Paleogene peroid.6/2/2011 10:04:53 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Legend is that the Irish warrior Finn McCool built the causeway to walk to Scotland.6/2/2011 11:03:28 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Colums of five sides weathered by the sea.6/2/2011 10:51:55 AM
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Wave crashing on the columns of the causeway as they have done for millions of years.6/2/2011 10:59:40 AM
Derry, County Derry
Perfect city wall that has seen centuaries of conflict. The city is peaceful and properous today.6/3/2011 4:47:38 AM
Wild Irish rose: Mountain Avens
Welcome to County Donegal6/2/2011 9:46:22 AM
Lough Swilly, County Donegal
View from the Grianan of Aileach.6/3/2011 6:08:54 AM
Lough Swilly, County Donegal
View from the Grianan of Aileach.6/3/2011 6:12:14 AM
Inishowen Coast, County Donegal
Blue heron fishing for lunch.6/3/2011 8:11:19 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Most northern point in Ireland with many storms.6/3/2011 8:52:46 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Stromy weather at Malin Head6/3/2011 8:50:35 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Traditional cottage with several extensions. It used to have a thatched roof.6/3/2011 9:39:50 AM
Malin Head, County Donegal
Highland cattle are very suitable for the area with their heavy coats.6/3/2011 9:13:46 AM
Inch Island, County Donegal
View from Rathmullan strand with the fog rolling in.6/3/2011 12:09:55 PM
Lough Ghleannn Bheatha, County Donegal.
View of the lake and the Derry Veagh Mountains6/5/2011 6:38:32 AM
Central Donegal
View of mountains with turf digger at his work.6/5/2011 7:10:53 AM
Central Donegal
Treeless hills of rock and peat.6/4/2011 3:36:33 AM
Dunlewy, County Donegal
View of the lake and mountains with abandoned church.6/4/2011 3:42:28 AM
Dunlewy, County Donegal
Cottage with color and flowers.6/4/2011 4:40:42 AM
Ben Bulben, County Sligo
Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid
By his command these words were cut:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death
Horseman, pass by!
W. B. Yeats6/4/2011 8:07:49 AM
Yellow Iris
Welcome to North County Mayo6/5/2011 6:30:23 AM
Bunatahir Bay, Ballycastle, County Mayo
View of the bay from the Ceide Fields neolithic site.6/5/2011 5:05:38 AM
Bunatahir Bay, Ballycastle, County Mayo
Headland showing the geology of the area with many volcanic layers.6/4/2011 11:46:14 AM
Ballycastle, County Mayo
Collection of rocks ground smooth by the ocean waves.6/4/2011 10:59:49 AM
Ballycastle, County Mayo
Lovely Lichen likes the sun: Orange lichen6/4/2011 11:00:50 AM
North County Mayo
Wild rhododendrons in bloom with yellow iris.6/5/2011 6:29:24 AM
North County Mayo
Rhododendron and black face sheep6/5/2011 5:26:41 AM
North County Mayo
Black face ram with impressive horns.6/5/2011 6:27:29 AM
North County Mayo
Lush plant life in a sheltered spot.6/5/2011 6:30:50 AM
North County Mayo
Mountains and peat bogs.6/5/2011 6:33:52 AM
North County Mayo
Trees bent by the prevailing winds from the West.6/5/2011 7:39:12 AM
Scarlet Pimpernel
Welcome to South County Mayo6/4/2011 11:13:09 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Holy mountain that has been the destination of pilgrims for hundreds of years.6/5/2011 9:19:02 AM
South County Mayo
Clew bay with sun and rain.6/5/2011 10:27:12 AM
South County Mayo
Clew bay with sun and rain.6/5/2011 10:27:17 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Mountains in the sunshine.6/5/2011 10:43:48 AM
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Mountains in the rain. Light variation in a few minutes.6/5/2011 10:54:11 AM
South County Mayo
The narrow road to Doo Lough Pass6/5/2011 11:14:54 AM
Doo Lough, County Mayo
Doo Lough in the shade.6/5/2011 11:34:49 AM
Killarey Harbor, County Mayo
Long narrow fiord to the Atlantic.6/5/2011 12:00:32 PM
Killarey Harbor, County Mayo
Reflections from the sky and land.6/5/2011 12:01:54 PM
Devilsmother Mountains, County Mayo
Dramatic light and shade late in the evening.6/5/2011 12:48:32 PM
Devilsmother Mountains, County Mayo
Light and shade on the mountians.6/5/2011 12:49:48 PM
South County Mayo
Salmon river and falls6/5/2011 12:52:34 PM
Killary Harbor, County Mayo
Near Leenaun6/5/2011 12:57:57 PM
Rhododendron
Welcome to Connemara6/5/2011 6:33:30 AM
Cong, County Mayo
Ashford Castle: visited by Kings and Presidents: Guinness family country estate.6/6/2011 4:14:59 AM
Cong, County Mayo
Lough Corrib and the garden of Ashford Castle. View from our room.6/7/2011 1:33:35 AM
Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Private home that is now a convent on Kylemore lough.6/6/2011 9:47:57 AM
Between Clifden and Roundstone
Dramatic sky and view of the Atlantic Ocean.6/7/2011 4:56:26 AM
Clifden to Roundstone
Traditional canvas boat called a currach. A tiny and fragile boat for fishing on the stormy Atlantic.6/7/2011 5:54:19 AM
Connemara, County Galway
Traditional thatched cottage that was common 50 years ago but is very rare today.6/7/2011 5:17:42 AM
Bog road from Toombeola to Ballinaboy
Connemara without any development or electical poles. Bogs and Mountains6/7/2011 5:28:13 AM
Water pool in the bogs, Connemara
Water lilies in a bog pool.6/7/2011 6:33:34 AM
The Twelve Pins, Connemara, County Galway
View of the Benna Beola or Twelve Pins from Ballynahinch6/7/2011 6:48:17 AM
Ballynahinch, County Galway
River view from Ballynahinch Castle.6/7/2011 7:07:31 AM
Ballynahinch, County Galway
Wild rododendrons at Ballynahinch Castle.6/7/2011 6:59:51 AM
Bertraghboy Bay, County Galway
Low tide with lots of seaweed exposed.6/7/2011 7:27:49 AM
Bertraghboy Bay, County Galway
Fishing boat with oars at low tide.6/7/2011 7:25:48 AM
Joyces Country, County Galway
Maumturk Mountains with dramatic sky.6/7/2011 7:40:34 AM
Road from Maam Cross to Maam, County Galway
Leckavrea mountain.6/7/2011 8:20:04 AM
Lesser Trefoil
Welcome to County Waterford where I grew up at Kilbride House farm.6/2/2011 9:49:47 AM
Kilbride House farm, County Waterford
Comeragh Mountains from the highest point on the farm.6/8/2011 12:18:02 PM
Tramore, County Waterford
View of the local town from Kilbride farm.6/8/2011 12:07:35 PM
Kilbride House farm, County Waterford
Family farm where I grew up. Five generations of the family have lived here.6/8/2011 12:09:30 PM
Brownstown Head, County Waterford
View of Brownstown and Tramore bay from Kilbride farm.6/8/2011 12:13:31 PM
City of Waterford, County Waterford
View of the city from Kilbride. Founded by the Vikings and taken over by the Normans in the 12th centuary. The new suspension bridge can be seen on left side of the image.6/8/2011 12:14:30 PM
Tramore, County Waterford
View from the Guillamene swimming cove.6/9/2011 3:20:06 AM
Newtown Head, Tramore, County Waterford
View of the Metal Man from the Guillamene. Three white pillars to warn ships that they should avoid the shallow bay. Built in the 19th Centuary after a major shipwreck.6/9/2011 3:28:18 AM
Metal Man, Tramore, County Waterford.
Figure of a 19th century seaman on the central pillar warning ships to stay away.6/9/2011 3:23:07 AM
Tramore, County Waterford
View of the town with the Catholic Church on the left and the Protestant Church on the right.6/9/2011 3:30:13 AM
Wild Fuchsia: Fushsia magellanica
Thank you for viewing this collection.6/7/2011 7:09:46 AM
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