While spending a few days with Danny, my mom's favorite cousin, he gave us directions to the "family castle" and told us we had to see it before taking off.  Apparently, long about Cromwell's time, the Wards actually had a castle on the Donegal coast, which has long since fallen into disrepair.  It was quite touching to see, however, and the view was gorgeous.

We ended up staying a little longer than anticipated with Danny, and had to make it back to Dublin in almost one stretch in order to make our flight to Edinburgh.  Quite a high-stress end to Ireland, but the trip was far from over.

so we were supposed to be taking a "bit of a walk" up to visit queen maeve's tomb. i've learned that "a bit of a walk" in irish actually means an hour long hike!!! everytime jenny, our tour guide said "a bit of a walk" it ended about an hour or two later with all of us wet from either the rain that started in the middle of the "walk" or sweat from the hike.

being the fit and in shape beings that we are, blake and i did not make it to the top of the mountain where queen maeve lies. less than half way up i was wheezing and less than seconds later blake got a nose bleed....so we went back down. 

two graves in one day -- we also visited w.b. yeats resting site.

we continued on to donegal, which was home turf to our busdrive neal.  we finished eating lunch just as the school was letting out for lunch and their were kids everywhere.  some were bullying this kid, and neal broke up the fight!  sent them both on their way...good guy that neal.

yesterday we took a ferry ride over to the island of inis mor, the largest of the aran islands.  the sea sickness kicked in on the boat over!  there were people upchucking left and right.  all i wanted to do was put my head down and pretend i was elsewhere, but one of the dude's on my tour just wasn't having it.  he wanted to chat.  and i was his victim. 

once we reached inis mor, we all rented bikes and went bike riding along the island.  some of the folks headed up to the fort, i biked up and down the coast right by the ocean side.  it was gorgeous.  did some shopping and was thisclose to buying a pair of awesome wool socks, but didn't.  the living room of the hostel had VHS's of "fawlty towers", so we spent the later part of the day watching episode after episode and shooting the preverbial craic.  that show is genius.  i swear...

Off we go! To the cliffs of Donegal! It's a bit longer trip, cuz we planned to spend the whole day out there, and till Donegal it takes some time to get there. 
When we almost arrived in An Charaig (english name for this is:Kilcar) - we decided to have some breakfast at a store, some coffe for our blood-pressure and few croisants cuz we became hungry. the women at the store expained to us the way but - as she said - had to ask somebody later again in order to manage to find the way to the cliffs. There were some signs in the village, nevertheless we lost the way. We had to ask few people before we found it again, but it's been worth the efford we made.
The funny thing is, that passing by - you have to open the gates (which are situated just on the roads - hahaha the people on the Green Island seem to like the road-gates) by yourself and then to close it as well, in order to not let the sheep out from their meaddow. :D:D 
Then we climbed up on the hills with a kinda serpentine road as narrow as only one car suits between the rocks and the edge. Even on our way there were scenic views which we liked but which were only partly that beatuful as the cliffs themselves. Finally we get to the top of the cliffs. It's stunning! The colors and the immensity of the space! The splashing waves forcing the coast! Oh boy! That's pretty nice place on earth! That's pretty nice experience of nature!

As we came down back to the civilisation - we visited the port and had lunch at the resto in Na Ceala Beaga (english name Killybegs - sounds  a bit 'poor' not as mystic as irish). Another Guinness at a bar and we were ready to go back home (i mean our irish home in Derrylin) :D:D:D

Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family. Limited access for people with disabilities to the ground floor. A well preserved example of largely 17th century stonework and defensive architecture in the middle of a scenic rural town. Location: In the centre of Donegal Town. Guided Tours: Available every hour. Max. No: 35 Duration: 30 mins Leaflet/Guide Booklet: English, Irish, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

The region of Donegal was beautiful. We explored many parts of it and it all seems to run together. Bloody Foreland got its name from the red rock/soil that becomes a brillant red when the sun shines on it. It is located on the Northern part of Ireland and we reached it just in time. Sunset was prefect to view this wonderful place, to witness the sun set on the Atlantic Ocean and bring out the red rock of the cliffs of Bloody Foreland.

Poison Glen is mountain range that is unique. We were told that no birds fly into the range because of the echos and the birds get lost. Its funny to here that birds get lost, but its true. We were also able to see one of the many churches and houses with no roofs. They dotted the country side. This churches date back to the famine era.

Every year around the start of November, a local fishing phenomenon in Donegal starts! The Char fishing season is approaching! Char are from the Salmon/Trout family and are sometimes called Atlantic char. The char come up form the deep parts of the lake for about 3 to 4 weeks a year, at the start of winter to spawn on the shallow lake shore. There are only a few lakes in the world that are supposed to contain char fish. Most of them are based in Scandinavia, but a few are based in colder northern European countried

Catching char is a talent that not many people other than locals have. The fish themselves are quite small and have small weak mouths. Char are normally attracted to white or red maggots but have also been known to be caught on bits of bread (only by locals though). The fish do not actually bite the bait, they normally 'suck' or 'hoover' the bait into their mouth! This is what makes catching them a skill. Most locals use a cut down piece of cork as a float, blackened by a naked flame to make it easier to see in the water. Some people also use very sensitive pencil floats! The fisherman stands focused  on the float to see it 'bobble' or sink. You then 'snatch' at the fishing rod/pole and literally whip the fish out of the water, up over your head and onto the shoreline behind you. It takes the same required technique to quickly lift the fish out of the water, over your head and onto the shoreline in one action as it is to make a whip crack at the desired person/animal/location! Many fish have been propelled straight up into the air and back into the water again by peopl who have not mastered the action .... and that can be a chance missed!

Locals who have mastered the act can go down to the lake and catch anything up to 5 or 6 dozen (60 to 72) char in about 2 hours where as some fishermen may have been standing there all day and not even had a single bite. It is not uncommon to not catch any char on your first 2 or 3 outings. The best advice is to try and copy a local's technique and tackle ... oh and keep trying of course!

It can be very cold at this time of year in Ireland with temperatures around 3 to 7 degree centigrade and with the combination of rain, standing up to your knees in a cold lake, and the sometimes inactive fishing, it is highly advidseable to take some sandwiches and normally a thermos or 2 of soup with you to keep the body warm. The hot soup also helps warm the very cold fingers and hands! It can be a tough experience for a day or even a few hours, but the fish do taste lovely and in my opinion are worth it!

Our next stop was Donegal.  We spent a good portion of the afternoon there.  We shopped, walked around and visited Donegal Castle.  The castle is interesting.  It is restored and has a fully decorated room in the upstairs, so I was a little disapointed that it didn't seem all that authentic... but it was still pretty cool.  We ate at some restaurant that I can't remember the name for dinner.  I know I got fish and chips..  but i dont remember much else. 

After breakfast, our bus followed the scenic coast of the Atlantic Ocean to Donegal. But first we toured BELLEEK POTTERY  and saw how much time and effort went into making the intricate designs. This was really interesting especially since it was a guided tour. After here we stopped at TRIONA DESIGN in Donegal where I purchased my first CLADDAH RING with a green stone for about $60 US. We also saw a wool demonstration. Our lunch stop was in Donegal where some our our tour group visited DONEGAL CASTLE. We were going to go inside but they said it wasn't worth it because it was under construction and not much to see. So we just took pictures outside and walked around town and then found an old Friary. Back to Donegal late afternoon, Suzi and I explored the back of the resort and found a pretty sandy beach (TULLEN STRAND) on the other side of the cliffs. It was windy and too cold to go in the water. There was a good bit to explore and there were different formations in the cliffs: including a Wishing Well and a Fairy Bridge. The setting was what made this one of my favorite places from this trip.

I am a native of Donegal Town, so this review is for any people looking to find out more about the area. Donegal Town in located in the north west part of the Republic Of Ireland. It is very close to the border with Northern Ireland (a part of Great Britain). Donegal is home to Donegal castle, a castle that belonged to The O Donnell chiefs that once ruled the north west of Ireland. Donegal has the highest sea cliffs in Europe called Slieve (Pronounced sleeve) League. On a good day, there is a beautiful view from the cliffs. Donegal is also home to Ireland's largest Fishing port Killybegs. Several different fishing trips are available at weekends (all year round) and all week during summer months. Again as in any Ireland holiday, weather can always play a factor in activities. On a very bright sunny day, Donegal and Ireland is as good as any destination world wide. The west of Donegal is a traditional Gaeltacht (pronounced gale-tact), irish speaking area, where some of the old lifestyle of ireland is still visible. There are some fabulous places to go walking, hill climbing, fishing, wind surfing, sailing and many other outdoor activities. Bundoran, a town in south Donegal has held the European Surfing championships on several occasions and provides great surfing all year round. If anybody requires any more info on Donegal, or the north west of Ireland, please contact me.

Today was spent driving from Sligo to Donegal and over the border into Northern Ireland. On our way to Giant's Causeway, we made a stop at the Belleek Factory to see the famous Irish china. We were on a pretty tight schedule so we weren't able to take the tour, but we spent a good amount of time looking at all of the different pieces in their gallery/gift shop.

Then it was off to the northern coast. Again, it was pouring rain, which hindered our ability to get out of the car and see many of the sights along the way and also slowed the drive. We decided to head straight for the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge since Jeff had been looking forward to that since the start of the trip. The bridge was built by fishers and spans a 65 foot wide and 80 foot deep chasm. On the other side you have views of the surrounding islands and can even see the Island of Mull (Scotland) in the distance.

On the way back from the bridge the sky opened up and it really started raining... hard! We were all completely drenched by the time we reached the car. Because of the deluge and the time (it was already 4pm) we decided to forego Giant's Causeway and head straight for Donegal. I'm glad we did. We got into Donegal with enough time to walk around and explore the city center and go into a few shops. The town is very small and picturesque... it even had it's own castle. We ate a great dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water and I think all of us will be asleep before 10pm! Tomorrow we head back to Dublin for our last night before heading home.

So much for enjoying a room all to myself.  The TV didn't work and my room was like a sauna since it was on the fourth floor, attic really.  I made sure to grab my breakfast in the morning, which included two smiley face donuts, but I am so used to hostels that I walked down into the kitchen expecting to retrieve it myself.  They promptly shooed me out into the dining area.  Afterward I gathered my stuff and headed to the hostel outside of town, with the Canadians in tow as expected.  The hostel keepers weren't quite ready for new arrivals, so I promptly headed out on what ended up being a four hour, 10 mile trek in search of another castle.  It was under renovation so I didn't see much.  Linda, the hostel keeper, instructed me to grab any rides on the way that were offered, but all I got were folks stopping for directions, and one sped off after I indicated they were heading the right way and that I was headed there as well.  Hmm...

After that, I got back and hit the shower and got to know my new hostel-mates.  One gal was from WA traveling around Ireland herself.  She was at the tail end of her trip and loving it.  I swapped out my book for yet another crime drama (is that all anyone reads?) and sat and read outside for a while.  It stays light out til about 11-11:30 p.m. here, which is so odd to me.  Eventually the Canadians (self-proclaimed, non-racist Skinheads) decided they wanted to head to the pub since they didn't get out the night before due to one in their party sustaining a concussion (story later revealed they were actually sober at the time of the incident).  So two in their party, plus me and the gal from WA headed in search of drink. 

We found out that if you drink at a hotel, they just keep the drinks rolling until your're done, which in our case was around 2:30.  We weren't the last to leave thankfully.  However, upon returning to the hostel, we realized no one was given the code to the door.  We eventually hoisted the little Canadian, all 5'3" of him, up to a second floor window and then were in bed by 3 a.m.  Note to self:  make sure you get the code.  It was a fun night and some interesting conversation despite the 10+ year age gap between me and, well, everyone else. 

Last night in Sligo I met a woman from San Francisco.  We hit it off quite well.  She is 50 and still gutsy enough to travel solo.  She is heading in the opposite direction as me, so we sat down in the common room and swapped info on places to stay, visit, where to go, where not to go.  She started in London, which blew her budget.  I'm so glad I started in a small town on this trip.  She was great.  This morning she gave me raisin bread toast and some very pretty jewelry. 

After that I headed once again to the bus station to make my way to Donegal, north yet of Sligo.  At the station I read the local paper, which had a story about a mother who got 3 mos. prison time for swapping the price tag on a toy!  They don't mess around here. 

The ride here was beautiful.  Mountains on one side, the ocean on the other.  I saw my first KFC in a town called Bunduran, which reminded me of a city outside of Vegas I remember on my trip there with my dad and sister Jen.  It had an amusement center and apparently gambling clubs. I think it's a local tourist stop.  Luckily Donegal is more like Stillwater (including the leather-clad bikers).  Unfortunately I didn't think to call ahead to book a hostel here til too late, so I'm in a B&B which costs twice what I want to pay a night, but I get my own room and tv.  I don't, however, have my own bath and the bathroom has just a tub, no shower.  At least I'll get breakfast and can move along to the town's only hostel tomorrow, along with the three Candadians in tow who also failed to book ahead (they traveled from Sligo with me).  Given that, I called ahead to Derry, Belfast and Dublin to reserve the rest of my hostels while here. 

So Donegal is home to the O'Donnells.  I finally toured a castle today built in 1474.  It belonged to that family, until taken by the English around 1610 as an award to an officer, Brooke, who fought in the 9 years war.  It's exciting all the history here and the struggles as well.  It was interesting to read about surveys and mapping back then.  The Irish understandably did not like mapping as it was vital to the English campaign, and apparently a few surveyors literally lost their heads in their attemps to do so.

I also walked to the Famine Graveyard, a craftsman village, and just about town really.  I'm still not getting the hang of knowing which way to look to cross the street here.  Luckily larger towns have crosswalks!  The other thing I keep noticing is that the Irish smell really good.  Sounds funny, but really, they always have great cologne/perfume on or just smell clean.  That's a good thing.  I wish I could say the same for me right now...I was banking on a shower when I got here, but no such luck.  Perhaps too much information. 

In any event, the weather is continuing to be sunny and 80.  I almost can't stand it anymore! I never would've thought I'd get sick of good weather here, but I could use some clouds and cooler temps about now.  Apparently I may get it in N. Ireland. 

I will stay here another night.  The last few days have been far too busy and the cost to bus from place to place is starting to add up, so I shall try to sit tight longer in the next few places.