Returning to a holiday spot does have its perks. Since Sean and I had hit most of the major sites — Newgrange, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and Belfast, Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland — previously, we opted to explore the less visited but no less beautiful attractions of the Republic’s west coast. Smart move! This region has it all — majestic mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, loads of grazing sheep, quaint villages, good restaurants and a wealth of historic sites. Portumna Castle – Built in the 16th century, Portumna Castle was left in ruins after an 1826 fire. Restoration work began 30 years ago and continues to this day. Beautiful setting. Bad camera karma. Here my latest Nikon, the D200, breathed its last breath. What is it about Ireland and my cameras? Galway — Possessing few historic sites, this medieval, coastal, Gaelic-speaking city may not be the most obvious destination. However, fresh seafood, excellent pubs and a vibrant downtown scene make Galway a perfect stopping …