Old Head Jetty with Croagh Patrick in Background
On Saturday afternoon we took a drive west from Louisburgh along the coast, with Tom as Tour Guide, pointing out historic landmarks and recounting a little of the history of the area.
l-r: Tom, Maz, Me (self-timer shot looking north, Louisburgh in the distance)
Local families have been living here for many generations, and although the west of Ireland is largely rural and sparsely populated, the region has not been sheltered from the changes that have swept the country throughout the past 200 years. The effects of famine, emigration, tenant labourers gaining land ownership off the English landlords, and eventually independence from Britain are all evident, if you talk to a local such as Tom.
The roof of the church below was partially built using timber from a shipwreck that blew ashore in a storm. As Tom said, “its an ill wind…”
Silver Strand Beach, with the island of Inishturk in the background
During the weekend, with the fine weather, I also got a chance to take some more photos of Louisburgh: 
Marian Heading into the Pub after Mass on Sunday
Marian and two of her old school pals from Louisburgh, Maraid (aka Molly) and Barbara
I also took some pics at Tom and Dympna’s house:
l-r Philip, Maz and Dympna outside Dympna and Tom's House
Dympna and Clair in Dympna's kitchen
Auntie Maz with Maria and Thomas
Maria
And now for some pics at Clair and Philip’s house:
Me and Thomas in Clair and Philip's Dining Room
View from Clair and Philip's house (note the cabbage trees)
The barn out the back of Clair and Philip's house
Some more buildings out the back of Clair and Philip's house
To round off a great weekend, on Sunday evening we took a plunge off the jetty at Old Head: You just never grow out of jumping off jetties.
View of Old Head Jetty at Dusk with Croagh Patrick in the Background
Me Performing a Leap into the Atlantic
l-r Maz and Barbara Taking the Plunge
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