Bards From The Woods

Another Mayo forest we ventured into was at the off the beaten track village of Tourmakeady, birthplace of Luis Walsh, apparently, where he spent much of his life. We wondered as we passed their local former Ballroom Of Romance, but I did not take a pic of that. So off we went, quite a straightish path with views, even this time of year, being mainly of rhododendron bushes both sides. The views of the river beside the path were not there. but then there was a gap to sit, rest and be embraced Not far past this the waterfall ... Below the waterfall, its rive meets another, a wonderful meeting of the waters and a lovely seat there too. This is one of those precious Forest Bathing, Boladh na Sioga, Bathing In The Fae's Breath places indeed :-) As you sit there and flow into the water ... There are some steps to get a bit closer to the waterfall. With waders you could get even closer. I've seen a lot of wedding photos taken here ..

St. Patrick's Day adventures in Co. Mayo included my curiosity for Moore Hall and it's forest. Here is one of the trails to it's doors. And this is the path that I took first, But before I go, must take a pic of the all important picnic table in case we come here again Further along the trail ... and we arrive here ... I will provide a link to the Moore's story at the end. Next, into the massive walled garden, largely overgrown and walls down now. Here's a few pics. There's a tunnel at the back of the house, but no idea what it is for ... a couple of pics I had seen enough, and not the most exciting of forest to me, though many people do come here for the wonder of the straight tree avenues that satisfy their sense of beauty. I do not regard this as at a Forest Bathing section, too dark, too much a heritage of dark actions maybe, and not close to water ... so time to get back close to the water and walk anoth

I write a lot about Forest Bathing and this year I'm focused on what forests existing fit that role. So far I have known favourites in the woodlands around Lough Meelagh, Glenfarne, Derrycarne, Milltown, Church Glen in Wicklow and Brackloon in Mayo. Also a prt of Cong Wood and Inchaghoill Island in Mayo. I was not expecting to find the seemingly 'perfect' forest bathing forest at Dooney Rock Woods. Of course, I had to assess the picnicing facilities before we set off, well while I was waiting for people to arrive. Only one table here, I was surprised, but soon found out why. Not only did just one person turn up for Bards In The Woods this afternoon but barely anybody else came here. Weather was ok. There was drizzle and light rain as we travelled here, but as seems to be the pattern on our Sunday afternoon it cleared away, so did the wind, it warmed up and a wee bit of sun came out. The clouds did hang low though. The trail here is a figure of 8 walk t