Riding Stats (Link to Tom’s Strava)
Accommodations (daily mileage, elevation, etc.)
Route Tracker (track our northbound ride on a Google Map)
Today’s ride took us through what looked somewhat like an Irish version of the prairie—miles of open, grassy coastal plain stretching toward the Atlantic. And yes, it was also very windy with gorgeous cloud formations. Distant mountains, land void of trees, occasional ocean cliffs and sunshine brought some of the most gorgeous riding yet. Not sure if there is a word for Irish prairie but that’s what we cycled through today.
We pedal by cemeteries most every day and I’ve noticed that their location most always overlooks a beautiful sea or land scape. My mom, who was part Irish, always told me to be sure to avoid stepping on a grave when paying our respects and above all, to leave the same gate through which we came. And I always do what mama said.☘️
Ceide Fields was the last stop on our route today before calling it a day. It’s a hidden farming community buried under several feet of bogs that thrived nearly 6,000 years ago. To put it in perspective, that’s before the pyramids were even built. It was discovered by a local school teacher who was cutting turf in the 1940’s. Stone fences, cooking artifacts and farming implements are just some of what’s been uncovered there.
Ceide Field overlooks this dramatic coastline. Not a bad place to live.
Finally in what might be one of our favorite stays of the trip, we landed in Stella Maris, a structure with a unique and varied history.
Overlooking Bunatrahir Bay just outside of Ballycastle, Stella Maris was built around 1853 as a British Coast Guard headquarters.
Around 1915 the Sisters of Mercy took it over and named it “Star of the Sea.” The sisters lived at Stella Maris and traveled nearly two miles into the village each day by horse-drawn cart to teach children.
Eventually the sisters moved their convent into town to be closer to the parish school and Stella Maris became a country house hotel.
Our host Rolf, (now owner of Stella Maris) took excellent care of us and I promise he will do the same for you should you ever find yourself in need of a night’s lodging or tasty meal in County Mayo.
Towns we cycled through today: Inver and Belderg
Click on the image below to view today’s video:
