When driving can be fun ...

On Thursday, I have to drive to Ballinamore. From there, I must push on to Blacklion, admittedly some 5 km beyond Connacht's final frontier.
Now if I tell you that I'll actually be paid for such a beautiful drive, well that's something worthwhile. Of course, it's not the actual driving I'll be paid for, rather what I'll be up to when there.
Such a drive will bring me along the lovely restored Shannon-Erne Waterway, past countless small lakes of Leitrim, swelled by the recent heavy rain and up over the great Iron Mountains - Sliabh an Iarrainn. If I'm lucky and have a little spare time, quietly I'll drift over the heather to see if I can spot a red grouse. If I remember my wellies, then I'll let myself down into one of the many ditches, to get a worm's eye view of the surroundings. Bliss.
As if that wasn't enough automobile pleasure for one end of week, on Saturday I'll head west to Belmullet, for a complete contrast of what this great province has to offer. My goodness - once again I'll get paid for my travails. It's tough, but somebody has to do it ...
Heading west from the now defunct Bellacorrick power station (whose enormous cooling tower was recently knocked down), the road follows the famous Owenmore River (above), a serious spot for serious salmon fishermen.
For those of us less likely to do harm to any living thing, the forest is pretty impressive. Although coniferous plantations uniquely, the sheer size of the forests around these parts do impress. Both north and south of this stretch of road, mounds of mountains rise up all around, giving the road a real 'valley' sense as we head west toward the Atlantic. Take a stroll if you have the time.
Eventually, I'll get to the sea, pulling in for a quick sniff. Looking out over the bulk that is the north of The Mullet and the inner Broadhaven Bay, I'm forever seeking dolphins. The sheer wildness of this place is wonderful, as the sea makes its presence felt. This is not inner Connacht - oh no. This is the Atlantic Ocean. Get past the town (I won't have time Saturday) and you see it in all its powerful majesty, all the more in winter.