Day 5 Galway to Clifden (67 miles, 604m)

Today took us into Connemara, one of the main “Gaeltacht” regions of Ireland (predominantly Irish language speaking). We cycled through an area of incredible beauty  hugging the coastline for the most part around Roundstone and Ballyconneely.
Accommodation for 30 cyclists was difficult in Galway as everyone was gathered for the Galway Races. Thus we stayed in a corporate type hotel out of town. Not as nice as the splendid B&Bs but functional.

 Bikes stored in the underground car park...
...prepped for 67 miles ahead.
Leaving Galway was tough, 30 cyclists snaking out on a very busy coastal road
One driver even wound down his window to advise us to ride in pairs to avoid long drawn out pelotons. Although this is in the UK highway code, most drivers hate this as we are appearing to block more of the road.
Once clear of Galway city, the roads were wider and with much less traffic.
We still had to content with a significant headwind

A tip off from a friend led us to a fine café
Followed by the brew stop. Note that cyclist has made a bee-line for the jelly babies ignoring all surrounding healthy food!
As a mark of independence, all Irish post boxes were painted green. Occasionally, some red paint can be seen poking through. This is an old one, still with royal crown at the top.
Steve in full flight.
We were treated to the most amazing land, sea and sky vistas.
Clouds scudding, creating a forever changing dappled landscape
Turning a little into the interior, the terrain was wild and rugged with little livestock.
Stunning views in all directions...
...with very little traffic.
Initially wet on leaving Galway, but then mostly dry with the occasional short shower.
Bright...
... then quite dark
At times, the headwind made conversations a little difficult, even on the quiet roads.
The sun would re-emerge, we'd switch direction which supported a tailwind...
 ...and all was idyllic!
Lunch at 44 miles in Zetland Country House Hotel. Wonderful friendly hosts: homage soup, loads of sandwiches, chips and homemade scones. Also, a nice cup of tea for the late comers.
 
Frequented by anglers...
... the riff-raff... 
...and the likes of Cillian Murphy (of Peak Blinders) and Liam Neeson.

Lee and landlord gave us a song.

The hotel reception and rooms were incredibly stylish.
Who was Delia Murphy? 
As well as singing and recording many Irish ballads in the 30s-50s, she also helped save the lives of 6,500 Allied soldiers and Jews.
A shrine to James Joyce.
Zetland Country House lounge...
...and dining room with an outstanding view.
Then back on the road, just 24 miles to Clifden.
Numerous lagoons...
...thistles and bees.
Such an amazing day!
...with varied colours of all kinds, textured surfaces, a veritable feast!
Leaving the lagooned inland we turned back out the coast and Roundstone.
Pretty boats in calm waters (at least now!)
Earlier that day we were closer the hills.
Roundstone Village with it's harbour and nice looking café's.
Not quite sure what this shop was selling.
Inviting after a long ride...
The onshore wind had left it's mark.
Our final brew stop had the most fabulous views
If you look carefully, there's jumping fish

Brew stop view the other way
Final cycle into Clifden
Crocosmia (Montbretier) lining the way
Fabulous helment hair
Time to sleep!


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