Ballycroy

On our way back from Belmullet and golf the other day, we drove past Ballycroy National Park.  Candee and I had never been there, so we decided to plan a visit.  That visit took place yesterday on another lazy day.  As we start to rest and decompress here in Westport we really begin to sense how busy and "scheduled" we are when we're at home.  To be able to stay up late, with no fear of having to drag ourselves out of bed based on the dictates of an alarm, has been wonderful.  And a luxury we are on the edge of abusing - out of bed today at 9:30 - pure indulgence.

Ballycroy National Park was established in 1998.  It is Ireland's sixth national park and is comprised of over 25,000 acres of bogland and high terrain, including the Nephin Beg mountain range.  It is regarded as a place of great solitude.  Robert Lloyd Praeger (1937) - "Indeed the Nephinbeg range of mountains is I think the very loneliest place in this country, for the hills themselves are encircled by this vast area of trackless bog........ I confess I find such a place not lonely or depressing but inspiriting.  You are thrown at the same time back upon yourself and forward against the mystery and majesty of nature."

The visitor centre has nice displays and some interesting audio-visual.  There's a walking path with a nice high observation point.  And, of course, a very lovely café.  I can recommend the hazelnut loaf with chocolate ganache.  :)

Visitor Centre

Looking across to Achill Island