An unconvincing disguise in 1903
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382104)
Rockingham, Australia
April 19, 2023 4:20pm CST
The Irish town of Leenane/Leenaun in Co. Galway, Ireland, is situated where a deep U-shaped valley meets Killary Harbour, Ireland’s deepest fjord. Once a smugglers’ haunt, in 1903, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra arrived in Leenaun on the Royal yacht. They waved to the people and popped into cottages.
The notice telling me this went on to say security was high with a British naval fleet anchored nearby. Policemen lined the royal route all disguised as tourists on bicycles. However, the notice goes on to say that they weren’t very convincing tourists as they were all dressed alike and saluted the royal car as it passed by. I hope you find that as hilarious as I did.
The photo is of the fjord. We drove down one side of the fjord to Leenaun then back up the other side. It is the only place where you can cross.
Edit: I had Queen Victoria instead of Queen Alexandra. Thanks to @Fleura for pointing it out.
18 people like this
13 responses
@Tampa_girl7 (54715)
• United States
19 Apr 23
The mountains in the distance are lovely.
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98004)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Apr 23
It looks like a very lovely place. Yes, that is very amusing. You reminded me of a very pretty Irish song called Galway Bay,
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98004)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Apr 23
@JudyEv now I will remember that when I listen to the song. Interesting I guess it is the inspiration that counts,
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
20 Apr 23
I have this fun image in my head from your description. It may not be accurate, but I am imagining them on velocipedes, and all with handlebar mustaches, as well as matching coats. Great bit of history.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Apr 23
Being English, that's probably exactly what they were like!! 
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
21 Apr 23
So the disguise was exposed!
It must have been a funny scene!
Geographically, this area seems to be an interesting one and who knows it could have good mineral deposits as well (just a guess).
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
22 Apr 23
@JudyEv
The place could be used as a good backdrop for a mystery - fantasy or Adventure sort of a movie.
Some people might have gone and tried to find the Gold but may be got caught in some trouble.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Apr 23
It would have been very funny I think. I think there was some gold found near Croagh Patrick but being a sacred mountain, it was never mined. There is a Miners' Way - a walking trail - in the area but I don't know anything about it.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
20 Apr 23
Beautiful spot! That would be a very funny movie scene,
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
27 Apr 23
What a lovely view. That's a funny story.
1 person likes this
