Pine Island on Derryclare Lake in Connemara
This is one of the most photographed islands in Ireland. Identified as “Man’s Island” on OSI maps it’s in a stunning location with the Twelve Bens as backdrop. The location combined with the dramatic Scot’s Pine Trees means it is a favourite photo stop along the N59.
Rather than driving on once you’ve captured your photo why not spend some more time discovering the area. Explore Derryclare Nature Reserve located off the R344 in the Inagh Valley. Within this reserve lies an ancient oak woodland and numerous other tree and plant species including 100’s of varieties of lichens. They flourish due to the clean air and humid climate. Keep your ears peeled in case you hear the dulcet tones of the mysterious ‘Cuach na Coille’ as described by Tim Robinson in Listening to the Wind. Check to see if Interface Inagh Arts Project, a hub for visual artists, writers, and musicians has any events. Further along the valley you’ll find Inagh Lodge This is a great stop for a welcome cup of tea ,delicious bakes or a lunch stop.
Tá Oileáin Uí Mhacháin suite ar Loch Doire an Chláir ach tá níos mó aithne air mar Pine Island. Is iomaí pictiúr atá tógtha den radharc seo leis na Beanna Beola mar chúlra. Ciallaíonn an suíomh agus na Crainn Péine Albanach drámata gur stad grianghrafadóireachta é seo a bhfuil an tóir air. Nuair atá do ghrianghraf tógtha agat ba cheart duit breathnú thart ar an gceantar.
Tá Tearmann Dúlra Doire an Chláir in aice leis an loch freisin. Is féidir dul isteach ann ó bhóthar R344. Chomh maith leis na sean crainn dair tá cáil ar an tearmann mar gheall ar an méid éagsúla léicean atá ar fáil. Fásann siad go maith san aer glan agus an aeráid thais. Cuir cluas ort féin agus b’fhéidir go gcloisfidh tú glór binn ‘Cuach na Coille’ a luaigh Tim Robinson ina leabhar ‘Listening to the Wind’. Ba cheart cuairt a thógáil freisin ar Interface Inagh áit a gcuireann scríbhneoirí, ceoltóirí agus ealaíontóirí taispeántais ar siúl spreagtha ag an tírdhreach. Níos faide síos bóthar Ghleann Eidhneach tá Inagh Lodge áit a mbeidh fáilte mhór romhat. deis cupán tae agus cácaí milis nó lón deas a bheith agat.
