The sixth and final programme in Michael’s Irish odyssey finds him in Limerick city. He makes his way to Kilrush which is coming down with musicians. Then he’s off to the county market town of Ennis. Its O’Connell Street is ranked one of the 60 best public spaces in the world alongside Las Ramblas, Spain and Covent Garden, London. From Ennis it’s along the Atlantic coast road to Galway, county number 23, on his way to the Aran Islands. From Aran Michael heads to the Lakes of Connemara. From Lough Corrib it’s onward to County Mayo and an ascent of Croagh Patrick – not for religious reasons, just for the view. From the summit he can see Clare Island on the edge of Clew Bay, his next destination. From Clare Island Michael travels along the coast to Killala Bay on the border between Mayo and Sligo on his way to Lough Gill. This is Yeats’ country and Michael’s stay will be in 18th century Georgian accommodation. From Sligo town it’s on to Mullaghmore towards the last county of the grand tour – County Donegal. Michael’s journey will take him around the coast from Ballyshannon to Lough Swilly with a stop-over in Glencolmcille. On day 80 he will cross the unmarked border between County Donegal and County Derry and so ends Michael’s whirlwind tour of the Republic. What does he make of the experience?
