After a porridge breakfast, we set out to visit a Westport House, a 19th century manor house, built atop the 17th century castle of Grace O'Malley, famous pirate queen, who learned to sail on her father's trading ships, which she inherited upon his death. 
She was a woman of wealth and prestige. Her visit to a Queen Elizabeth resulted in a pact that allowed Grace and her family to continue raiding and looting ships, as long as they were Spanish. She was also granted a peerage, so her sons and their heirs remain, to this day, members of the nobility.
John was quite taken with Grace, having read
about her exploits in many a sailing story.
From Westport House, we drove to a grocery to shop, since we were to spend the next five days in a self-catering cottage in Connemara--Jasmine Cottage, owned and operated by Amelia Joyce, of the Joyce Clan. Born in Connemara, Amelia lived in California, Italy, London and Mexico, for 37 years, before returning to her beloved Ireland. A designer by profession, Amelia is now engaged in writing a Connemara guide book, which she encourage us to use as we drove out for day trips. It contained similar information to any guide book but also had special comments by Amelia, that encouraged us to explore more deeply.
She had decorated Jasmine Cottage, and her two bedroom home next door, with Mexican art and furnishings. Jasmine Cottage is an adorable one bedroom, one bath house with a tile roof, a tiny but efficient kitchen and a large open fireplace. John was able to make the adjustments that provided wi-fi for our stay. Amelia was delighted and so were we!
John prepared local salmon for dinner, which was marvelous. John toasted "the Pirate Queen" and I toasted "Lough Corrib," which Jasmine Cottage overlooked. After dinner we walked down to Lough Corrib, which boasts 365 islands, and several rowboats cast about on shore.
After unsuccessfully attempting to watch tv, we retired to our books for the evening.
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