Roundstone, Chowder, Clifden, Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey... and Mel Gibson?

Andrew's aunt told us that Mel Gibson was seen last week somewhere in Clifden. Andrew couldn't pass up the opportunity to quip: "I think it's safe for us to go. We're not Jewish."

Despite whatever menace Mel Gibson might have represented, the recommendations were to go to O'Dowd's and have the bowl of cream that passes for seafood chowder. We were to also make our way out to Sky Road because it's a lovely drive and conjures up nostalgic optimism about the Gateway to America.

Sidenote: the term Gateway to America has its dark edges:

"But sometimes families who made it through the perilous voyage surviving on crusts of bread, perhaps losing a member en route, only to find out that one of the children had an illness.

“They would have a short time to say goodbye, and the child would be quarantined and sent home, never to see their family again.

[Source: irishcentral.com]