We are off to Attishane in County Mayo to find Bohan’s Barn. Another farm stay, but horses this time (usually it is sheep or cows, but we did stay on an equestrian farm in Wicklow during our first week in Ireland).
The inside of the barn (really a 2 storey house) was great. Huge kitchen. Second kitchen which had the fridge, freezer, laundry and storage. A living room with wood stove (we watched Ireland lose to New Zealand in World Cup Rugby – boo!)
The only downside was a very narrow wood staircase. We thought Lump would be sleeping by himself… but he scrambled up the stairs at bedtime! Good Lad.
We once again managed to find the hardest way into a park (thanks Google Maps). As we followed the GM directions the road kept getting narrower and narrower. Finally it turned into a gravel trail, with weeds growing down the centre. I would have turned around, but there was nowhere to turn the van around. We finally came to a locked gate, and there was the sign for Blanmore Forest. Pretty sure this is not the main parking lot.
Belleek Forest Park is located along the River Moy just outside Ballina, County Mayo. This was a private 200 acre estate until the Department of Foresty purchased the property in 1950. The original owners planted over 2 million trees in the 1800’s, many of which are still living.
And, as every estate must have a castle, every forest must have a Fairy Walk.
Lots of rain. And more rain. Then for good measure, some more rain. We hunkered down for a couple of days instead of braving the elements.
Our last exploration while in County Mayo is the county’s most northern coast, Downpatrick Head. There is a large blowhole here, but the sea was calm, so nothing to see in the hole!
The Dun Briste sea stack is quite beautiful to see rising up out of the ocean (see photo at top of this post)
October 14 – 19, 2023
Love reading about your adventures! Take care and have fun!