Wednesday, October 2nd
After breakfast we went back to our room to go over some maps and plan a more time saving route as the drives are taking longer than anticipated.
Okay, we did start out by going down one rabbit hole but quickly got back on track. While on those treacherous backroads we came across a couple of ruins. There are so many ruins that as Diane put it, the Irish can’t get away from their past.
We did find several castles today starting with one for which we have no name. Then we came upon the Dunguaire Castle at which they have Medieval Dinners, so the inside must have been refurbished, though we didn’t pay to see. We were fortunate to see some cute thatched roofed cottages near the castle. The Oranmore Castle was closed for the season, but we did get a few pictures.
Our favorite so far is the Aughnanure which dates from the 16th century, though some form of fortification was on this site since the 13th century under the O’Flaherty’s. Partly damaged during one siege and overtaken by the British, it was refurbished in the 16th century by an English Earl. Later (1719) it was returned to the O’Flahertys. Peter O’Flaherty donated the castle to the Commissioners of Public Works in 1952. It is now a national monument. We were able to go in and explore. There were three floors. It was a real treat, and it was free. Lastly we drove through Killary and took a photo.
We drove quite a ways today and booked a room in the Twin Tree Hotel in the town of Ballina. After viewing the room the receptionist led us back to reception desk taking the stairs down. Then Diane took a nasty fall down a flight of stairs and we ended up visiting Westdoc Ballina, an after hours medical service, part of the St. Joseph District Hospital, waiting to see a doctor.
Doc checked her out and says she’s okay but to take it easy for a few days and prescribed anti-inflammatories. Cost? Just sixty euros. On the way back to the hotel Diane’s iPhone’s GPS took us on a detour through the twilight zone and toyed with us as if we were balls in a pinball machine. Turning the phone off and then back on brought it to it’s senses. So relieved that Diane is okay and we found our way back to the hotel.
Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing even remotely funny about watching your wife a rollin’ and a tumblin’ down a flight of stairs. But I have to wonder what went through the receptionist’s mind when here comes this body cart wheeling down beside her and beating her to the bottom by at least four or five steps. And not to brag or anything, I used the hand rail.
Thursday, October 3rd
This morning the weather reports indicated Lorenzo would be blowing through this evening with wind and rain warnings in effect starting at 9am with warnings of possible flooding, downed trees, power loss and specifically warning to stay away from the coast. Hmmm, what to do? We are on the coast and today’s travels are on the coast. Throw caution to the wind or play it safe and try to keep the room for another night? We decided to stay. We’ll lose a day but hopefully we can catch up on the blog.
Friday, October 4th
We decided to get an early start today to make up for lost time. Places to visit on our new to do list are Ballyshannon, Killybegs, the Slieve League Cliffs, the Glengesh Pass, Doe Castle, Fanad Head, Port Salon and Malin Head. It was a good day and we made it through the beautiful Glengesh Pass and decided to spend the night in Letterkenny near Fanad Head.
We did stop at Mullaghmore Head before Ballyshannon to visit the Classie Bawn Castle, but could only view it from quite a distance and under unfavorable skies. We just drove through Ballyshannon, Ireland’s oldest town but stopped in the fishing village of Killybegs for a delightful lunch at the Ahoy Cafe. Had coffee and shared an order of fish & chips and an oh, so tasty brownie.
Drove up to the top of the Slieve League Cliffs. The Irish country is pleasantly sprinkled with sheep and the Cliffs were no different.
After Slieve League we headed to Letterkenny via the Glengesh Pass. We stayed at Mount Errigal Hotel.
