Lough Avalla Farm / Harry's Farm loop

Really beautiful hike, but it its only doable or at least recommendable for somehow experienced hikers. Proper equipment is needed, you walk over a lot of stones which can get really slippery when wet. You should be sure-footed.

Perfectly signposted! And be sure to stop by Harry's at the end!

Beautiful hike through old Harry's farm. His room is the absolute highlight! The warmth with which he welcomes his guests is unbeatable

Ireland road trip 🇮🇪 Day 5: the green moon landing On the way to Galway, we accidentally land on the moon and come across the Burren National Park, the country's smallest national park in terms of area. Named after 'boíreann' which means stony area or rocky place in Irish. As banal as that sounds, this description is true. The plan is to get out and take a look around. This turns into a three-hour hike through the most absurd landscape imaginable. A rocky desert, formed thousands of years ago, formed by ice, water and wind, with mountains in the middle and at the same time so incredibly intense green. We can't stop being amazed. The circular hike leads over farm terrain. The terrain can be described as quite demanding, you climb almost continuously over stony and rocky ground or walk along tree root paths under a dense, deep green canopy of leaves, past enchanted tree creatures. Those who come through here not only immediately understand the origins of the numerous Irish legends and sagas about fairies, goblins and other mythical creatures, but also spot them behind every second tree. The sign 'Holy Well' fits in with this relatively at the beginning of the tour, here it goes into an enchanted forest to a holy spring, where numerous objects are placed and attached to the surrounding branches. "Sacred springs are closely linked to the roots of Christianity in the Isle of Ireland, and many are dedicated to a local saint. They are also associated with the worship of pagan deities or elements of nature. In ancient times, these springs were considered gateways to a mystical other world, and the wonders associated with them reflected the empire from which they sprang." (irelandnews.com) In addition, we pass a Celtic burial mound, remains of ancient villages, numerous walls that fenced off different pastures in the past, cross a number of present-day pastures and meet cattle and a goat. Most of the time there are electric fence borders, but once the path leads right across a pasture where a herd of Galloways has spread out. There are walls next door and there is no other way, so over there. Brief hesitation, since a cow is of course directly in front of the forest path that branches off and there are also several calves in the pasture, but the animals are peaceful and relaxed. What a landscape, what an experience! And what a contrast to the cliffs yesterday. Ireland, this is going to be a big love story. The words are still missing. 💚🍀