On to Northern Ireland

We had a very long day driving from Ballyconnelly to Donegal Airport to pick up Susan. Broke up the ride with a short stop at Carramore Megalithic Park—oh, you know. Just more rocks and cairns 5000-7000 years or so old. Also had more construction stops than we’ve had on the whole trip. We were bout 15-20 minutes late picking her up and she was a wee bit concerned about whether or not we were going to show up and what in the world she would do if we didn’t. On to Buncrana for our next three night VRBO stay.

It occurred to Greg & me (& dad) that we had begun to wind down a bit. Needed to ratchet it back up a notch for Susan to have a memorable Ireland trip. Her first full day was all things Fanad & Rosguill Peninsulas. We introduced her to the Wild Atlantic Way and it’s characteristics we have come to love: old towns, sheep, rocky cliffs, outlined acreage, turning leaves, forts, beaches, lighthouse, occasional thatched roof, and rolling hills.

The next day we took the Causeway Coastal Route, destination Giant’s Causeway. Coastal cliffs, unspoiled beaches, a stop at Ted’s favorite golf club (Royal Portrush), a really fine castle ruins—Dunlace, Old Bushmills Distillery. Greg drove in and out of rain all day. First time we stopped at the Giant’s Causeway it was sloppy messy. We decided to go a little farther, get a bite to eat and see if the worst of it would blow over. Good plan.

The Giant’s Causeway is a natural geological phenomenon consisting of around 40,000 polygonal basalt columns. Scientists believe they were formed 60 million years ago by volcanic activity but local legend is that they were created by the Irish giant, Finn McCool, who created the pathway of stepping stones so he could walk from Ireland to Scotland to confront a rival. Whatever your take, they were cool. Cold air came in behind the rain so our half mile walk down to the rocks, time on the rocks, and walk back was rather brisk.

Left County Donegal and headed east and south into Northern Ireland. Staying at a fishing lodge/B&B outside of Cookstown that has been a fav of dad’s—right next to a river.

We have been in search of the best Irish bakery and (finally) found our favorite in Magherafelt, Ditty’s. Drove through some more beautiful countryside and a community named Omagh to get there. Their Irish oat cakes are world renowned as a perfect compliment to tea. I guess. Dad bowed out of a trip south to do a bit of shopping. Rainbow spotting was more successful than the shopping.

Saturday Market in Cookstown has been a tradition for four hundred years. We went. We saw. We were unimpressed. But we did find a couple of craft/art/vintage shops and a delightful art gallery. I’m done. Afraid Susan is not. She has located an outlet mall along the way to Dublin. Oh. Dear. It also snowed enough today to leave a dusting on the back deck. Pretty sure that’s a sign that it’s about time to come home!

Added a few more pics here.