Cold But Amazing

Cold but amazing!

May 23

We got a bit of a late start this morning after our first Full Irish Breakfast. Our host here at the Groarty B&B on the outskirts of Derry makes a mean breakfast. Up until now we have had serve yourself hotel breakfasts, or menu order breakfasts and have skipped the Full Irish until it would be cooked for us fresh. Margaret did not disappoint.

So many people ask my why I keep returning to Ireland as I've seen all the tourist things. But I go to see many of the off the beaten path things that surprise and awe me. Today was one of those days.

Finally on the road we decided to take a drive to Sleive League Cliffs. It's about a 90 minute drive, but took us longer as we felt the need to stop so often along the “Wild Atlantic Way”, a new scenic route, to see all the great views. The road also lead us to some very narrow roads that slowed us down just a bit. We stopped at a great little place just before the cliffs for lunch and a bit of souvenir shopping. By the time we arrived at the cliffs the wind was wailing away, so much so that it was difficult to open the car door. We made it out and walked a bit to take in this magnificent view. Sleive League Cliffs are the highest in Europe, even higher than the famous Cliffs or Moher. If you take the time to get there, it is more than worth it. They are not the easiest to get to, and quite off the beaten path, although signposted. I'm not even sure my pictures will do it justice. And once we got stabilized enough to take pictures, it started to rain. With the help from the wind it became a pelting rain. So we didn't stay as long as we would have liked. Definitely on the list for a return visit. We talked to some locals about it and they say even they have done the drive up to the top, or as far as you can drive, many times just for the view.

We continued on the Wild Atlantic Way route through Donegal, covering a lot of towns along the north coast, including The Rosses, and Dunfanaghy, then back around to Letterkenny and Derry. It was a long day as we didn't arrive back at the B&B until after 8:00PM. This is a drive I would love to do again. We missed Glenveagh Park, but might take a drive over tomorrow, or maybe some of the Inishowen Penninsula. Or there is also Grainan of Aileach.... So much to see around here. :)

I almost forgot. We had dinner at this little cafe on the road back. There was a gas station, a small grocery, and the cafe attached. One of the best dinners yet! And only 9.95 euros for a sirloin steak dinner. I still can't finish all the food they serve here.

Other than tomorrow morning, tomorrow is our “Derry Day”. Visiting with some friends, and staying close by.

I'm off for now. Need that sleep to keep up my energy. :)