This village also attracts thousands of visitors in July when pilgrims walk the arduous stone path to the chapel at the top of Croagh Patrick, 765 metres high.
After following the coast to Louisburgh, we head south on a tiny road and are soon in a large peat bowl, encircled with mountains down which tiny waterfalls tumble into bubbling streams. The road winds across the bog through the Mweerlrea Mountains, alongside Glencullin and Doo Loughs, and out through the Bundorragha pass. We have the amazing scenery to ourselves apart from Skylarks, Cuckoos and many Wheatears. As ever hysterical sheep panic all over the road as we approach.
Out of the pass, we go inland around our first ever fjord, before heading south through more mountains, and passing an increasing number of lakes. At Cashel we head east, noticing the traditional old cottage that had belonged to Patrick Pearse (he who's farewell letter we had read at the Westport Heritage Centre). After 60 odd miles we pick a seashore B&B at Screeb, owned by Teresa, who has lived here all her life and still appreciates the magical surroundings. Whilst she cooks us salmon for dinner, we walk down to the shore. Almost immediately we spot a big otter, close in, diving amongst the rocks and seaweed. What a thrill! We point him out to Teresa's granddaughters. As the family natter amongst themselves, we realise that their first language is Irish.
Tour miles to date: 567
Location:Westport to Screeb
