SHgo, Connemara and Clare. 73 



sheltered from the north-easterly winds by the Maam Turk 

 Mountains, and from its position it affords magnificent views 

 of the famous Twelve Bens. When stopping at Recess we 

 observed the anglers had all well -filled baskets on their return, 

 principally salmon and trout. The climate is very mild in 

 winter, so that it should be a good winter resort for invalids 

 who could enjoy a soft, balmy air in mid-winter coming direct 

 oft the Gulf Stream, which flows along the coast. When finally 

 leaving Recess a minutes' walk brings us to the special hotel 

 platform, where our luggage has preceded us, and from whence 

 we take train to Galway, which we reach in about two hours. 



ARRAN ISLANDS. 

 Galway city is now so well known that it will be unnecessary 

 to dwell on the various places of interest still remaining from 

 bygone days. The Arran Islands, which we reach by steamer 

 from Galway, have also become much better known since the 

 visit of the Royal Society of Antiquaries in 1895. They issued 

 a very fully illustrated handbook, giving copious illustrations 

 and descriptive sketches of all places of interest in the islands. 

 These islands possess a special charm, no matter how often 

 visited; they contain the finest specimens of prehistoric Pagan 

 forts in Europe — viz., Dun Angus, Dun Oghill, and Dhu Caher 

 in the north island, and Dun Connor, situated on the summit 

 of the middle island. Arran of the Saints contains as well 

 many examples of our earliest churches — the Seven Churches, 

 or Temple Brecan, and Temple Mac Duach, on the north side 

 of Arranmore ; on the south side is Temple Benen and 

 Monaster Kieran, together with the remains of a round tower. 

 On the shore of the bay at Killeany is Arkin Castle, or Crom- 

 well's Fort, built during the time of the Protector and gar- 

 risoned by his troops. There is plenty of material on the 

 islands to employ the visitor for a week, and accommodation 

 may be had at the Atlantic Hotel, Kilronan. The cliffs of 

 Moher and the coast of Clare can be distinctly seen from the 

 islands on a clear day. The steamer from Galway goes daily 



