Connemara - Knock - Castlebar

Once again an absolute ripper of a day with the weather. Matched only by the scope of what we did. 

Just look at the views that greeted us an hour into our trip from Galway. 

We left early and travelled to Kylemore Abbey. 

Then onto Knock where Mary along with Joseph and John The Evangelist appeared in an apparition on 21/08/1879. Today also marks 36 years to the day that Blessed John Paul II visited the site and blessed the Basilica. 

I was on The Prayers Of The Faithful today. A wonderful moment to celebrate in particular the role of our mothers in such close proximity to where Mary herself had appeared. All my love to my mum and wife as well as to all who fill these roles for others in my life. 

A short drive then to Castlebar and our accomodation for the night. 

If you'd told me before we left that I'd be in an outdoor beer garden in the sun at 7:00 in the evening and comfortably wearing shorts and a jersey I'd have laughed. I'm still smiling though. Let's be honest I'm still laughing. This whole experience has been so special. Truly blessed. A wonderful day. 

A huge day tomorrow. Climbing Croagh Patrick. I can't wait. 

A special mention to a special someone today. On this day in 1998 I took a girl to the movies. Very romantic. We saw Blade. A little over ten years later we were married. Still putting up with each other to this day. 

Excited by what tomorrow will bring and the fact that this time next week I'll be home to share it all with these three. 

XXXOOO