Irish Adventure: Belfast, Dublin & the Northwest Counties Day 9

Day 09 - Monday, September 17, 2018 - Optional Glenveagh National Park Tour Cancelled; Private Trip to Slieve League Cliffs

Because of the severe weather from Hurricane Helene in the Atlantic, Thomas and Peter, the fisherman, told us it would not be a great day for hiking in Glenveagh National Park. Instead, our fearless leader gave us some alternatives for the day.

Plan B was to have a full day at leisure or shopping in Donegal. Plan C was to hire a car and driver to visit the Sliabh Liag Cliffs, sometimes called Slieve League or Slieve Liag, We opted for Plan C and at 10:00 we met Christian and Barbara from our group and Charlie our driver for a half day excursion.

We drove to Killybegs, Ireland’s primary fishing port. Charlie told us about the village and the fishing industry. As Peter told us previously, the EU regulations have hit these fishermen hard.

The biggest ships catch, process, and freeze the fish right on board. The smaller trawlers catch the fish and then bring them to the factories in Killybegs to prepare the various seasonal fish for export.

Continuing on the narrow winding road that was a segment of the Wild Atlantic Way, we reached the Atlantic, the edge of County Donegal, and the Cliffs. Not as well known as the Cliffs of Moher, these ragged edges are three times higher at 601 meters or 1,972, feet.

Charlie parked our van at Bunglas Viewpoint and we had about an hour to explore the heather covered rocky hillsides. There was a granite pathway up to the top of the overlook. Vic and Barbara climbed 247 feet to the top while Christian and Gennie enjoyed the panoramic views at a lower vantage point.

On the way back to Donegal, we stopped for a scone and muffin for “take away” at the Ti Línn Café and Craft Shop. And then it was on to The Rusty Mackerel for a pot of tea and Irish coffee to go along with our snack.

Charlie had another appointment at 2:00 so we made our way back to the hotel, arriving at 2:30, just a little late! We had the rest of the afternoon to ourselves.

Thomas arranged dinner for us all in Donegal and we met again at the lobby at 5:30. It was raining so Richard came back from his day off and drove us into town.

As usual we were able to choose from a variety of menu items for groups. Charlie, our driver, told us that our restaurant, the Olde Castle Bar and Sea Dock, had the best lobster in town.

Gennie ordered the salmon from the regular menu and Vic ordered the lobster, for an additional charge, of course! It was well worth it. The lobster was served with a garlic butter sauce as well as a generous salad and a bowl of potatoes – enough for a family.

Richard drove us back to the hotel at 8:00 and we were able to post the journal and pack up our bags for a travel day to Derry in Northern Ireland.

Accommodations: Mill Park Hotel - Meals included: B & D