We met Tom early morning. He was really disorganised the firstnight , only having the names of our b and bs and no addresses or phone numbers. He had driven around for ages apparently looking for his! Helearned from this and seemed to have got it together for today and for the rest of the tour.
We were not in Northern Ireland long, but justbefore the border ( there was no visible border but they are now discussing what will happen after Brexit!) We got to Londonderry, or Derry as many prefer. This walled city lies at thefoot of Lough Foyle and is surrounded by rolling hills. It has had its fair share of fighting, and murals and flags can still be seen outside the city walls. The photo below is the site of the original barricades erected against the British army at the height of the Troubles.
Probably the most visited and attractive building in the city centre is the Guildhall with its magnificent facade.
Actually, I was definitely more interested in the notices in three languages. Easy to identify the first two as English and Irish but the third, which I found truly fascinating was Ulster Irish and a mix of Irish, English, etc!
I particularly loved the idea that I was a 'tripper'! I am sure the average person does not even notice the third language. Even one of the guards had no idea what it was.
The butcher also had a very interesting notice in the window. Of course, it was clear what a window bed was, but I had never heard of one before!
As we drove back into Ireland, we took a short detour and geaded up the hill to Grianan of Ailach restored fort , with magnificent views over Lough Swilky and Inch Island and the Derryveagh Mountains. It was built in the 8 or 9 th century, plundered but restored 150 years ago. We had a feeling we would not make it back to the van before the dark clouds shed their load, but we were in luck.
The mountains here are very different from down south, much more rounded and with many more peat bogs surrounding them. The peat may no longer be farmed as it is not sustainable, taking 900 years to regenerate.
The lunch stop proved to be a bit frustrating because one hour was not enough to do any decent walking or to see the castle at Glenveagh National park. I guess this is the price one pays for a tour , even if it is a small group.
It was a fabulous area and I could imagine spending the day there. - next time !
Fortunately, Tom took us to an unscheduled stop in a beautiful valley, called Poison Glen. I wish he could have told us how it came by this name! You would expect avrather nasty place with a name like that, but instead it was a beautifully wooded glen with peacefulnlough and spectacular backdrop of mountains.
It was again a busy day with lots of interesting and scenic stops. It is a pity I am writing this over a week later when memories are no longer so vivid. I am so delighted I have my blog to help me remember these wonderful experiences!
We spent the night in Donegal town, focussed around the old market place. We had an exceptional seafood meal in a very attractive old pub. We have been really spoilt by the delicious fish everywhere.
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