Having a look about in County Clare, Ireland. 12 - 18 April

 
 And so the journey begins . .

 I am traveling in Ireland for a few days. I am here to start getting an idea of which area of County Clare I would like to move to. I have had a wonderful time exploring, wandering off wherever I fancy. I knew I wanted to be somewhere near the coast - no more than half an hour away, and no more than an hour away from Shannon airport. I THINK I have an idea of where I would like to live now. It will of course, depend on where the house I would like to buy is situated. I may have to compromise. Ideally I would like to live in the triangle between Lahinch, Ennistymon and Milltown Malby. 
Lahinch beach, very popular with surfers. You can walk for miles, it is very beautiful. There is one very narrow road in and and out.

 The beach at Lahinch is stunning but will be busy in the summer so not too near there. Ennistymon is a lovely, very colourful town. I will need to be close to some kind of amenities.



 
Ennistymon high street.

 
 This area would be close enough for me to get to Shannon airport in under an hour and still have easy access to these amazing landscapes . . .

 
 These images were taken around the Ballyryan area on the way up to Fanore. Just remarkable landscape, I can't wait to get back there. They were all taken in half an hour - the light is so changeable here, I love it.

The rocks were carved out during the ice age.
 
This is the Megalithic portal tomb at Poulnabrone. . .

 
 This area is very 'other worldly'.
Almost eerie.

I have also traveled down the coast to where my first cousins, once removed have a house - Carrigaholt. I can remember being on holiday there when I was 9. It is a quiet village and it was great to see the house again after all this time.
 
 The beach at Carrigaholt.

 
 Just along the coast - driving towards Loop Head is Kilbaha - what an incredible rock structure. Apparently they are sedimentary folds. I would like to delve further into the Geology of this coast - it really is stunning.

 As luck would have it, Nicola and I are in the same place at the same time - very unusual as we both teach internationally. I first met Nicola when we were both teaching at the Geelong Fibre Forum in Australia, we have been good friends since. 
Nicola is helping me get to grips with things I need to know about moving over here. Nicola has a very beautiful house and studio in County Carlow, just out side Borris. It is very peaceful here and of course, Nicola is a fabulous host.

 Nicola's house looks out onto White Mountain - part of the Black Mountain Range. It changes colour with the weather, the light is fabulous, it turned rose gold as the sun went down last night. It's mesmerising just watching the changes in light.

Nicolas runs several workshops from her beautiful home and she also offers accommodation - what lucky students they will be to stay here.

 One of Nicola's eco printed and eco dyed silk scarves.

  Have a look at Nicolas website - www.nicolabrown.ie - there is a lovely video on the 'about' page - www.nicolabrown.ie/the-studio/

 We went for drive around the local area yesterday - this is the view from Mount Leinster. The tallest mountain in the Black Mountain Range.

We wandered around Altamont gardens and this very beautiful boy couldn't resist displaying for us . . .

A very lovey bird.

 I am managing to get some stitch done while I am here. I am working on several small pieces that will go into the Adur Art Trail in June.
My rather large Herringbone stitch.

 We are just off to Borris for lunch so will leave you now - I will be back at Carrigaholt tomorrow then home on Monday night. Back to the real world and my tour of The West Country. 

 We are making lots of plans for when I am living here in Ireland - it is all very exciting - Whhoo hooo!!! watch this space . . . isn't it great having friends?
x x x

Talking of friends - not long now Diana, be very afraid. 
Jill - we will talk. Am choosing somewhere where you will have a great view!
And Tod - Am having the best time here, as you can see. Was so good to see Emer.

x

Comments

  1. Gina16 April 2016 at 14:56

    It looks stunning Kim. What a wonderful place to choose to live.

    ReplyDelete
  2. jill16 April 2016 at 17:49

    Looking forward to "really" seeing any of the views you've photographed so far. Have a great last day xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lin16 April 2016 at 19:26

    It looks stunning Kim - I am very jealous. xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wendy Watson16 April 2016 at 20:41

    Stunning images Kim . . . what a amazing landscape. I hope you find the perfect house and studio.

    ReplyDelete

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