Driving the Wild Atlantic Way, I felt like a Viking. Not that I came here to conquer anything, but I understand how seductive the joy of discovery and the beauty of the land can be. Places usually took me completely by surprise, just like did Doolin considered to be the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Aran Islands.

I fear though that the accelerated progress and human movement will encourage more and more people to settle down on the west coast and that we may eventually lose this extraordinary window into a rural Ireland.