Autumn in Connemara

Autumn runs deep in Connemara

Cliodhna Prendergast Instagram @CliodhnaPrendergast

Connemara is about to enter one of its most glorious months when the sun shines lower across the beautiful colours of the bog with hints of autumn bronze and echoes of summer greens, bursts of orange mombritia set fire to the road sides along with patchwork blankets of vibrantly clashing yellow gorse and purple heathers. The hedgerows are full of blackberries while mushrooms scent the pockets of woodland. Visiting the region at this time is truly special, there is a peaceful lull that descends, a profound sense of calm can be felt in the villages, on the roads, beaches and headlands as the frenzy of summer dissipates.

Colours run deeper at this time of year, slanting light and earlier sunsets make the mountains glow, they seem even more clearly etched. Taking to the hills and mountains on fresh September days is the most inspiring time, looking out across the panorama of bogs, lakes and valleys to the Atlantic from a mountain top in that clear early autumn light is invigorating, thrilling. Turf fires from isolated homesteads will offer up delicate plumes of fragrant smoke against the cooler evening skies and the scent of these mixed with fresh air is pure Connemara. The clear salt water that surrounds us is at its warmest now, making up for the fresher days, and dipping in is still exhilarating though altogether more bearable and never regretted.

Eating a gutsy seafood chowder, Irish stew or a bowl of local mussels is the perfect way to warm up after a swim or a mountain walk. You find yourself glowing from the inside out.

The Clifden Arts Festival will continue its 43 year uninterrupted run from the 17th to the 22nd September. Although this will be a more subdued version ...bursts of orange of its cultured self, mombritia set fire music may be heard to the road sides once again, art will be on view and stories will be told albeit in a more muted fashion. The programme is still in flux so keep an eye on the website for updates.

So enjoy Connemara, enjoy the community and enjoy the festival but, most importantly, remember, safety first this autumn, we remind everyone to think of the more vulnerable in our communities. Keep washing your hands, wearing masks and social distancing.