Stronach Gallery at Fermoyle Lodge

Kirsty and I were invited to stay for a few days with Nicola and JP (Jean Pierre) at their lodge in Connemara. They are two lovely people, real salt of the earth types. They both are giving, generous people who have that certain something that leads you to believe that they are true in their word and deed.
The former sporting lodge, built in 1875 is an eclectic mix of art, furniture and two dogs; a 13 yr old black lab named Wendy and four month old English Setter names Cashla. The lodge overlooks Fermoyle Lakes, the Twelve Pins and the Maamturk Mountains. Nicola and JP first ran a B&B there, then decided to turn it into an art gallery.
The grounds are raging with brush, trees and grass. All held back, for the most part, by the relentless attention of JP. It is easy to see that the grounds would run riot with vegetation in a very short time should he stop what he is doing.
Their meals are simple, exceedingly delicious, cooked with locally grown vegetables and fruit (when possible), and with fish caught in the lakes. Cheese and bread abound, as does the wine and occasional gin and tonic. JP is an extraordinary chef!
After a day, I was ready to put on my wellies (boots) and spend a few years helping JP with the garden and grounds! I felt like I had found the true Ireland, the Ireland of my dreams. It is so different from the cities like Galway and Dublin, that it might as well be on a different continent. The pictures that follow can barely convey the beauty and peace of this place. The air is clean and fresh, the silence is thundering at night.

The road down to the house.

Raging vegetation!

JP and Kirsty walking up to the cottage.

JP with his wellies on.

View north to neighbors.

View outside dining room side window.

View out back door to kitchen.

View from our bed.

Another view from bedroom.

This is the color of the water here. It comes from the lakes and is tinted brown because the ground here is peat. Softens you right up!

The next three pictures are of a rainbow that appears to go directly down to Gunther's house (a friend of Kirsty's). These pictures are from outside the dining room facing north.

 Faint outline of another rainbow to the right.

Gunther's house is the white part in the middle of the rainbow.

I mean, damn!

Alas, we had to go back to Galway after three glorious days and nights. My next post will be of the sights around Connemara that we saw while staying out with JP and Nicola.
This is a special place my friends, once you get away from the cities. It doesn't take long to hit the country and shed the noise and pollution of the city.

Tsumukikatu, my friends!

(Peace in Comanche)