I spent the week before last in County Galway in the west of Ireland. I rented a car and spent five days in Connemara and its surounding areas, staying in B&Bs and exploring a very beautiful and peaceful part of the world on my own.

I was exceptionally lucky with the weather. I departed London Luton on a very wet Monday morning, and arrived at Galway airport to be greeted by a blue sky decorated with a few fluffy white clouds.

I climbed a mountain. I went down a mine. I sat on a pristine sandy beach and paddled my toes in the Atlantic waters. I took a ferry to Inis Meáin, the middle of the desolate Aran Islands, where I was soaked through on the only rainy day of my trip (and I still had a great time). I took a cruise along a fjord. I got lost on the road from Casla to Maam Cross, and serendipitously ended up at a lovely spot on the coast. I drove along the Sky Road west of Clifden, an impressive route. I took a road through the mountains and dodged the sheep in the road. I ate great food and found people to chat with whilst dining. I had the full Irish breakfast every morning, and went to bed exhausted at ten most nights.

On my last evening, I stayed in the city of Galway itself, and listened to live music until past one o’clock in a local pub.

It was my most relaxing holiday ever, and I loved it. I’ve uploaded a few photos that might give an idea of what it was like.