Ballina to Galway

Monday 11^th April
Last night was the Irish census, so that was something that had to completed before our departure this morning.  Today we decided that we would post some excess gear back home, on our drive through to Westport we stopped off at a very wee town Bangor. There was not much happening at Bangor, but they did have a post office on the main drag which was perfect for our needs.  The roads today were very narrow and it was a rather isolated drive but indeed very pleasant.  Large plantation forests were the order of the day and there were large amounts of peat which had partially been harvested.  It would appear that peat is an important source of fuel here in Ireland as we have seen a lot of places where it is being harvested. We could see the Nephin Beg range on our way through to Achill Island, along with many salmon farms and rope muscle farms.  We stopped on the Island and had a mosy through the shops.  On Achill Island every house had a blue and white flag flying, we can’t establish the significance of this as yet.  There were lovely views of Clew Bay, it is rumored that Clew Bay has 365 islands in it—an island for every day of the year perhaps! We could only see a few of these islands!!    There was a bit of proper bush as we drove through today and a lovely blanket covering of wild flowers in yellows and mauves.
 Just out of Galway the road was blocked as a funeral procession marched down the main street, a large funeral it would appear, the procession made its way from the church to the cemetery.  Traffic was held up for a good long time,

Spock's flash new Irish cap, he looks like the bee's knee's.

 We had a lovely wander through the shops in Westport and Galway today, buying a few odds and sods to send home.  Today has been absolutely stunning in the weather.  Ireland to date is blessing us with fine weather.