Well, I didn’t think I could do it but I did ….. I managed almost 5 days without mobile phone or internet coverage. We have just returned from a relaxing week in what is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, Connemara County Galway. My mother was born and reared there along with her 8 siblings in a three roomed thatched cottage in the wilds of the bog, the shadow of the mountains and with a fabulous sea view. Sadly the original house is gone and replaced with an 1980’s 2 bed bungalow with a bathroom ….. the original house only had the potty under the bed.

Last week we spent our days walking through the bogs, along the coastline and through fields and enjoying a local gathering festival. My mother reminisced about the hard days on the bog cutting turf, cycling and walking miles to the nearest shop and the fun they had knocking the Bornocks (pronounced bor-na-ocks) off the rocks by the sea.

My memory of what the thatched house looked like, well minus the donkey looking over the half door.

My memory of what my grannies thatched house looked like, well minus the donkey looking over the half door.

Because of my bad mobile phone network (thanks Meteor) I was unable to rummage through my social media accounts, text, call or check my work emails but I guess it was a blessing as I completely switched off. Well, not completely, I did manage to get a few network bars while out walking and on brief trips to neighboring towns and what did I do …. well I updated instagram with gorgeous scenic and cute donkey photos of course.

Whether it’s a foreign country or a ‘stay-cation’, it’s so refreshing to spend a few days away in the surroundings of anywhere that’s the opposite to your everyday life. It was a bit alien at first waking up to a roosters morning call, clucking hens, bleating sheep and of course, one morning I wanted to kill the cow who kindly woke me at 7am! (I’m talking about the four legged mooing type of course)

Bog in Cashel, Connemara with mountains in the background

Bog in Cashel, Connemara with mountains in the background

I drove my kids mad snapping over 210 photographs on my Canon camera and a few on my phone too, I just could not get enough of the rolling hills, rocky fields with the stone walls, and the gorgeous coastline. It was all so inspiring that I feel some paintings coming on …. if I ever get the time that is 😉

First world problems ;)

First world problems 😉

View of the Twelve Bens mountains

View of the Twelve Bens mountains

Cute donkey's with Cashel hill in the background

Cute donkey’s with Cashel hill in the background