Athlone Clonbonny Loop - Athlone, Ireland

A half day off on Sunday before heading into work for a couple hours.  The day before had been an OK hike in Galway, but I was looking for something a little more rustic.  There is a road into the countryside south of Athlone that loops right back to the hotel.  So, why not.

The morning was perfect.  Started at almost exactly 09:00.  Temp right around 15C, high fog and a light wind.

Taking off out of the hotel I went East into Athlone on Dublin Rd.  Very few cars, which is not the norm, but it was Sunday morning.  Even fewer people.  At the turn for Golden Island, right before the city centre I took a left on John Broderick.  Staying straight and not going right (which goes to the shopping centre) the road quickly narrows and becomes countryside.

I suppose there is nothing spectacular in regards to the scenery.  There are no majestic sweeping vistas of herd of buffalo.  There is no long shore of high cliffs with crashing waves.

There are, however, a few houses.  Some are nicely done and some are not quite in that category.  There are a great deal many boggy meadows, a patch of forest here and there, and birdsong in great quanitity.  For you true naturalists you'll be disappointed with my posts but I hope to make up for that as time goes on.  I do not know my birds, nor do I know my trees.  I know an oak or maple when I see them.  I can tell the difference between deciduous and evergreen, especially in Winter.

The walk was very quiet and about 7.5 miles for the whole loop.  The first two miles are all spent in Athlone along Dublin Rd.  Once out in the country the left hand side is mosty peat bog with patches of forest.  Occassionally, a cow pasture and a house break the bog.  On the right side is bog land that is used mostly for pasture.  Cows, horses.  After perhaps only a half mile the River Shannon makes an appearance and as you make your way down the road further, the road and the river nearly meet.

At the point where the road takes a left turn and begins to head back East, there is a cul-de-sac to the right.  Take that as far as you care.  I took it to a point just before the first (and only?) lodging.  This little side trip will bring you to within 100m of the Shannon.  The bog pasture, the cows, and the river are something very special.  I stood for a few minutes taking in the scenery.

In many places it seems the river has no banks and in the Winter of 2010-2011 that's just what happened.  Along the road you can see where the repairs took place.

Passing by a group of beef cattle they started up and began running along side my walking.  I told them I had nothing for them, but soon saw their ultimate wish.  They stood by their cattle gate with eyes that I've only seen on begging dogs, just hoping to get through the gate and into a different pasture.  Sorry, I'm the wrong human!

This first part of the road had little in the way of old ruined buildings, but once the road turns left that changed.  The land quickly becomes more hilly and there are more rolling meadows for the horses and cows.  There are also more old stone buildings.  Now, these are not hundreds of years old where ancient rituals were once performed.  These are old farmhouses, perhaps from the late 1800's , early 1900's where farmers raised cattle, sheep, and children.  Still, they are a unique part of the landscape.  At least my camera and I thought so.  They are also worth documenting because, as one posted notice states, they are soon to be demolished and replaced with newer structures.

The scenery can only be described by the inadequate term, pastoral.  Really, the rolling hills, meadows, well maintained homes and yards, make for a excellent stroll through the countryside.  The road is narrow and driving is fast.  When you hear a car, step aside.  The locals don't mind you being out there, but they don't expect you either.

As you approach the bridge over the train tracks you begin to hear the sounds of the N62 and M6 motoroways.  Soon, you'll be out of the country and back to the stores and hotels.  Before that, though you pass by the Clonbonny National School.  This old school seemed to remind me a bit of the old Nasonville Elementary in Clark Cty, Wisconsin.  Not sure why, maybe the shape, but it did.

Shortly after the school there is a small industrial/commercial area right at the intersection of the country road and N62 (Dublin Rd).  A short walk of less than a mile back to the hotel.  Still, along the way back to the hotel, there is good rolling meadows that offer a view amid the sounds of cars and trucks at your back.

Once back at the hotel.  A quick shower, and down to the Granary Bar for the Sunday Carvery.