Western Greenway

A railroad line converted to 42 kilometres of bike path. Brilliant idea. This is how I chose to spend my first full day in Westport. I took a van from Westport to Achill Sound and then cycled back to Westport. This photo, near Achill Sound, has a Paul Henry quality to it.

I took this photo because of the dog statue nestled in the rocks.

I have a thing for ruins, of which there are quite a few along the path.

I also have a thing for boats.

The scenery was spectacular along the entire path.

Ooh look another ruin.

Hello my lovelies.

I mean what a way to spend a day. Moss-covered stone walls, swan lakes, picturesque ruins, charming towns, stunning views of Clew Bay--a bit of everything.

I had lunch in Mallaranny with a gorgeous view of the bay. Don't tell mom, but I didn't wear a helmet. Sure I was on a greenway, no traffic.

Like I said, not much traffic. A troubled bridge over water:

Double ruin!

Ruins with horses.

This cart is actually an art installation.

Ruin with mountain.

I've tried to use an editing tool to enlarge several photos, like the one below. However I can't figure out how to save the enlarged photo. Handsome horse hiding in the beeches.  

The greenway goes over this bridge, offering a lovely view of the river.

Newport.

Everywhere I go, the bloody fish follow me. I passed a large salmon farm in one of the freshwater lakes I cycled past--no pictures of that.

Below is a bug hotel. Irish hospitality is that generous.

Children's play park in the centre of town. The railway bridge was last used in the 1920s, I think.

Now that's a garden.

Reminder that you're on a railway trail.

And a bit more hospitality.

It was just a delightful day. Just like in Scotland, I was giddy at the prospect of spending the whole day outside in beautiful countryside. Outside is my happy place.

Sept. 2020