Hang on a minute? What brightness is that peeping under the blackout curtains? Could it be? It is! Sunshine.

This was the view of the Lough from our vans windows. It was still a little cool but the day had dawned bright and calm. A boon to a damp traveller. We set off deeper into County Mayo.

I had heard of a small town called Newport in County Mayo. I knew it had a small jetty that used to serve a burgeoning linen industry run by the Quakers. Being a sucker for anything faintly maritime we went in search of it. The route started climbing through the Doolough valley. The clouds closed in but still it was calm.

So reminiscent of Scotland and the Lake District of England. Passing Tawnymackan Bog ( wonderful name don’t you think) before dropping into the town of Louisburgh. What you notice is the number of beautiful sandy beaches hereabouts like Carrowmore and Old Head beaches. Stunning.

The road snakes passed Croagh Patrick. Irelands Holy mountain. The car park at the bottom is packed with long weekend holiday traffic. According to legend, Saint Patrick spent 40 days and nights on the mountain, fasting and praying and also to have banished snakes from the island forever.
The memory of St. Patrick is celebrated here once a year, on Reek Sunday – the last Sunday of July – during which thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain, some of them barefoot or on all fours.

We pass the National Famine memorial in Murrisk Demesne before dropping down into the lovely town of Westport where we refuelled. Then on to Newport. Dominated by an old railway viaduct this is a small but impressive little town. As you arrive you are greeted by this interesting little piece of art.

We parked up in a layby for a cup of tea and to wander around the place. It is worth a stop if ever you come this way. The old jetty still exists and the mill has been renovated and converted to apartments. I do love the fact that these old building and industrial architecture are repurposed instead of being demolished. It maintains the character of the place. You can read more about the place here.

Leaving Newport we pass the ruins of Burrishoole Abbey. A quick snap of it as we slow down to pass by out the car window.

We turn west onto the Corraun peninsular to see something I really did not want to miss. The Spanish Armada viewpoint.

In this very bay a number of the ships fleeing defeat sought shelter only to be shipwrecked when a storm blew through and drove them ashore onto the rocks. My knowledge of the defeated fleet was poor and I had no idea how many of the Spanish ships ended up being wrecked here. I assumed the fleet turned around and headed back to Spain. How wrong was I! You can learn more here. We then turned north through the Wild Nephin national park passing through Killala with its weird round tower. Almost a folly.

It is in fact the last remaining medieval structure of a monastic establishment, thought to have been built in the 12th century. Our final call of the day was to Downpatrick Head. What a place. Windswept, dramatic and one of those landscapes that make you feel small.

The gigantic seastack Dún Briste is one of the highlights of the rugged Atlantic coast in northern Mayo. Reaching a height of nearly 50 meters, the rock is visible from afar and is one of the striking  landmarks of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Downpatrick Head was named after Irelands patron saint St. Patrick, who founded a church on the narrow land tongue. The foundations can still be clearly seen in the grass.

Another day comes to a close. We are parked up for the next two nights in the Belleek Park camping ground just to the north of the town of Ballina. We will spend tomorrow here as well to take a break from the driving, get some laundry done and clean out the van. Just now and then it is good to take a break.

Todays distance: 149 miles.

Total distance: 1086 miles.