After a decent breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast rustled up by Andy, we bid farewell to Denise and Nicholas at the Whitethorn House B+B. We then set off to refuel in Newport.
Taking the N59, the road follows the coast to the small town of Mulranny where it splits. We turn left to Dooghbeg. The views along this coast are staggering. Looking out across the inlets to distant hills where rain is sweeping in, we snap a photo. Then, we continue on to the Spanish Armada viewpoint.
Who knew 5 ships of the Armada lie wrecked somewhere below.
We continue to Achill and take the small bridge across to Achill Island. At various points on the island are the locations for the film The Banshees of Inisherin. It is clear these draw quite a few people to find them.
The road snakes around the island in loops. Sheep roam the hillsides. Great care must be taken to keep yourself and the animals safe as they wander over the road.
The panoramic views are breathtaking. North Atlantic rollers crash ashore and the stiff wind blowing up the cliffs buffets us as we progress.
The seaside town of Keel is very busy. Not what we came for. We turn around and via different roads return to Mulranny and turn north on the N59.
Dark clouds are gathering ahead heralding some serious rain showers. They are menacing looking.
At Bangor Erris we chicken out and put the waterproofs back on. Just in time for the heavens opened and we got a soaking. Just as we were about to leave I noticed something stuck in Andys rear tyre. He had managed to pick up a large steel screw. Luck would have it that it had only pierecd a small rubber web and not the tyre itself. We removed it and moved on.
We ducked under the shelter of a garage forecourt. We filled up the bikes and grabbed a coffee to let the rain pass through. Turning off the N59 onto roads less travelled by tourists we wind our way via the L1205 through undulating moors. The wind is relentless. Coming from our left hand side it gives you a sore neck trying to keep your head straight. Passing through Bunnahowen we turn to put the wind behind us and take the R314 east. We get instant relief as the wind is now on our backs.
The next 50 kms are spent on this road running down into Ballina. We have checked into the Ballina Manor Hotel for the night. The weather forecast for tomorrow is horrid. We need to tweak the itinerary to keep dry ish.
Woodend Wanderer 