Day out in the Irish countryside

Wednesday headed off sharp in the coach out into the wilds of one of the national parks,  very similar scenery as that of Sutherland,  lots of little lochan, barren, peat bogs and mostly treeless.

Stopped off at a small centre near to the estate owned by the Guinness family,  and the treat of the day, as it was a bit overcast and dreich, was the wonderful open fire, fuelled by peat

Could have sat their for hours and ended up with the fireside tartan legs.  There was a wee boat which was supposed to take us on a sail along the Lough,  however, it did not look all that safe !!!  so we gave it a miss.

Thereafter a long run through the mountains and down the wild Atlantic Way, running parallel to the coast. The road was amazing, perfect condition, having been built with Millions of EEC Euros,  running through desolation,  I wish we had the same in the Scottish Highlands,   cost would have paid for upgrading the A9 from Perth to Inverness.   Beautiful large houses everywhere, many built with borrowed money from EEC funds and never paid back due to one of the many loopholes exploited over here.

Passed through the home town of Dominic O,Donnell and eventually arrived in Donegal.   Lovely little town, spotless, nice hotels, and certainly dependent on tourism.    The Priory on the riverside was certainly historic, sacked by the English armies as the monks would forbidden to spill blood so could not defend themselves.

Headed back to Letterkenny which was only 45 minutes away by a direct route.

So far never managed the evening entertainment in the hotel as we are shattered.

This morning, took the day off and walked to and from letterkenny town centre,  30 minutes each way, and not an awful lot to see !!!  Both the night club and pole dancing bar were closed,  but I suppose at 10 a.m. that was to be expected.

Relaxing day, using the pool and spa - no doubt we will end up conked out early tonight,  but with a long run home tomorrow, might be sensible.