Sunset is a beautiful time of day, a time when we think about the day that is fading and dream of the day that is not yet born. Lingering Irish sunsets encourage such reflective thoughts.
This week I have been working on my County Galway post. As I searched for photos of the sun setting over Galway Bay I came across an array of magnificent Irish sunsets.
These photos were so amazing I got totally distracted and carried away. Once again, County Galway was put on the long finger, but all for the sake of these magnificent sunsets.
And so in the words of the famous Irish ballad, Galway Bay:
“If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
Then maybe at the closing of your day
You will sit and watch the moon rise over Claddagh
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay.”
Such lovely sunset images underscore why the composer of Galway Bay so missed these western Irish sunsets.
May there be just enough clouds on your horizon
to cause a beautiful sunset.
– Irish blessing
I got homesick thinking of Irish sunsets, imagining the sun sinking slowly in the western sky, illuminating a distant watery horizon.
Sunsets are spectacular the world over, but there is something unique about Irish westerly sunsets. They may just make your heart skip a beat.
Land, rock, water and sunlight mingle magically together. Sometimes this spectacular sight must be seen to be believed.
No matter how magnificent these images may be, they pale in comparison to the real life scenes.
And so here is my prayer for you tonight. If you ever dreamed of visiting my homeland, may you someday be fortunate enough to see the sun go down on Galway Bay.
Slán agus beannacht leat!
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Kay G. says
December 1, 2012 at 10:25 amDear Mairead,
What a beautiful post! I would have spent HOURS looking at these sunsets.
And I do hope to one day see the sunsets over Galway Bay, what a lovely wish!
And I also love and understand the Irish blessing, “May there be just enough clouds on your horizon to cause a beautiful sunset.” I would not know the truth of this except for all the time spent on top of Arabia Mountain! xx
Irish American Mom says
December 1, 2012 at 12:58 pmKay – I have such beautiful memories of sunsets in West Cork when I was a little girl. There is something magical about watching the sun setting over the ocean.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mairéad
Norma Vantrease says
December 1, 2012 at 12:05 pmMairead,
I love your blog. Your text and photos make an inviting combination. It makes me want to travel to Ireland to research my heritage. My favorite posts are the ones where you describe Irish traditions from when you were a girl. It’s a little peek into the Irish culture. Keep writing.
Irish American Mom says
December 1, 2012 at 12:56 pmNorma – Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for your kind words. It is lovely to hear my ramblings pique your interest in your Irish heritage. I hope some day you make it across the pond to see the land of our ancestors.
Take care,
Mairéad
Aimee says
December 2, 2012 at 10:21 amBeautiful Mairead! I had no idea sunsets were so glorious in Ireland, but I should have figured!
Irish American Mom says
December 2, 2012 at 6:43 pmAimee – I imagine Pacific sunsets in California are spectacular too. When the sun fades on a distant ocean horizon, it seems to cast a magical light. I have visited San Francisco and Los Angeles, but have never had the opportunity to get away from the chaos of the big cities, find a cliff and sit to watch the sun set in California. I’m adding that trip to my bucket list.
All the best,
Mairéad
Aimee says
December 3, 2012 at 12:33 amWe lived about an hour and a half inland- the Sierra Nevada mountain range were basically in our back yard- so I didn’t have the chance to see too many sunsets on the coast. However, our mountain sunsets were indeed gorgeous. That’s something I’ve noticed that KY just doesn’t have very often…I would recommend San Diego for your next California adventure- the weather is fantastic all year round, and there are plenty of places around Del Mar to get away from the city a bit and just enjoy the ocean.
Irish American Mom says
December 3, 2012 at 9:06 amAimee – San Diego would be a fabulous place for a family vacation. Our big challenge is we seldom get a chance to take a vacation in America. We are always saving towards our trips back to Ireland. I need to figure out a way to save for some American trips too. Who knows? I might finally finish my novel and make my fortune.
Take care and have a great week,
Mairéad
Aimee says
December 4, 2012 at 9:47 amI understand Mairead! After moving across the country we’re now faced with where to take any vacations during the year- back home to see family (in a place we grew up in) or somewhere closer that we’ve never been before! Our parents come over once a year, so we’re leaning more towards somewhere new, but the draw of family and familiar sights is always strong. I wish you luck on your novel! That would be awesome! Hope you guys are enjoying this warmer week!
Irish American Mom says
December 4, 2012 at 8:46 pmThanks Aimee – this warm spell in December is incredible. The kids keep asking me “long sleeves or short sleeves” as they set out their clothes. It’s hard to know what to wear!
J.E says
December 2, 2012 at 9:33 pmLove these pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Irish American Mom says
December 3, 2012 at 9:07 amGlad you enjoyed them.
Mairéad
Penny Wolf says
December 3, 2012 at 6:49 amSunsets are the reward for a day well spent is how I look at them. Proof then that no day is ever wasted.
Irish American Mom says
December 3, 2012 at 9:02 amSo true Penny. Sunsets are truly a great gift to lift the spirits.
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker says
December 5, 2012 at 10:51 amMairead, these are gorgeous shots, especially the first one. I also loved the Irish blessings about the clouds and sunset. What a wonderful thought!
Irish American Mom says
December 5, 2012 at 3:24 pmI love that shot too, Cheryl. Whenever I search for photos of Ireland on Flickr my eyes always seem to land on Eoin Gardiner’s shots. He is a wonderful photographer, who has graciously shared so much of his work under a creative commons license. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairead
Mary says
February 27, 2014 at 11:16 amCan you hear me singing . . . as the sun goes down on Galway Bay? Your poetic voice and illuminating images bring the beauty and magic of Galway’s sunsets to life!! My mother who was born in County Armagh smiles as we share your stories here in Michigan her American home. Thanks for the memories:)
Irish American Mom says
March 6, 2014 at 4:36 pmMary – Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s lovely to know my ramblings are appreciated by you and your mom. It’s always wonderful to hear from readers who share my fond memories of Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jenny says
March 3, 2014 at 4:47 pmAs a Norwegian, I understand your fondness for sunsets. I truly love the Nordic sunsets, how it takes hours for the sun to go down as the world becomes veiled in pink and purple and yellow. There are few things as beautiful as the everlasting sunsets near the “edge” of the world. I can never get used to the sun going down in what feels like minutes in countries further south.
I stumbled upon your blog because I am doing a semester abroad next fall, in Dublin – so now I have become obsessed with everything Irish. Ireland is a country I’ve always wanted to visit. It is good to know that when the longing for home becomes too prominent, I can travel to Galway Bay and get lost in the sunset.
Irish American Mom says
March 6, 2014 at 4:25 pmJenny – I visited Norway when I was in secondary school or high school as we say in America. I will never forget watching a breathtaking sunset in Bergen. It reminded me of sunsets on the west coast of Ireland. They have to be seen to be believed.
I hope you have a wonderful time when you visit Dublin next fall.
Best wishes,
Mairéad