Leenane
Leenane, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland
Irish Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
The town of Leenane, Connemara, County Galway
The beautiful village of Leenane, snugly situated at the head of Killary Harbour, is often aptly described as the ‘Gateway to Connemara’. The roads from Maam, Clifden, and Westport meet at this point. Killary Harbour extends ten miles inland and with the mountains rising steeply on either side provides what is probably the best scenery in Ireland. Walkers have access to Mweelrea, Sheefry, Paltry and Maumturk Mountains.
Leenane with its surrounds is a haven for geologists due to a great variety of sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks. There is good fishing in the local Erriff and Delphi rivers. Well known beauty spots include Aasleagh Falls and Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic famine walk. A film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play “The Field”, directed by Jim Sherdian, was made in Leenane in 1989. Well-known stars taking part included the late Richard Harris, John Hurt and Tom Berrenger. Visitors can visit many of the locations used as sets in the film.
Gallery
Lovely post, Nigel. I love the mountain cottages and the pubs with their kegs :-).
Also, it’s always fun to see the cloud shadows floating over the beige hillsides.
Wonderful contrasts!
🙂 🙂
January 4, 2014 at 12:50 am
Descriptive photos of an intriguing village…beautiful.
January 4, 2014 at 2:06 am
I can feel the refreshing peace there Nigel…thanks for sharing its beauty with us! Have a wonderful weekend!
January 4, 2014 at 3:27 am
Love those the cross crossed hillsides Nigel … the mountain in the background is probably deceptively high 😉
Those young women have the right idea sitting on the wall, just the most perfect spot for the view …
January 4, 2014 at 12:57 pm
Beautiful place Nigel – love those hills, great visuals.
January 4, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Oh, I want to visit! I can just imagine the smell of peat burning and the cheese and onion Tato chips.
January 4, 2014 at 4:57 pm
What a wonderful sense of place you have created with this beautiful gallery Nigel. I’m sure the people of Leenane will be incredibly proud. I cannot help but think there is a book in all the stunning captures you have created of local areas in Ireland!
January 4, 2014 at 10:39 pm
Is there still a small shop there selling the local weaver’s wares? I have a pair of socks in excellent shape even after 20 plus years of winter wear from there.
Hi.
Lovely photos all around as usual.
January 9, 2014 at 7:12 am