The receptionist was right, the hill fort was an interesting place and worth the detour for the views alone.
Last edited by a moderator:
Doire, Dún na nGall and donkeys (hopefully).
- Thread starter Ex-Call Centre Chimp
- Start date
I could have stayed at the fort all day but it was time to move on via the type of roads I absolutely love.....
And after a bit of backwards and forwards I arrived........
What an absolutely brilliant place this is and on the face of it they seem to be doing a wonderful job with these gorgeous animals. Bearing in mind that some of them have come from very difficult and abusive situations and the fact that I arrived on a motorbike with all the associated protective clothing they were straight over to say hello, no hesitation whatsoever - surely a testament to the care and love they've received since arriving. I could bang on at length about the donkeys and their stories but I won't bore you all with that, I'll let the photos show you how well they appear to have adapted. This was the Welcome Party....
And after a bit of backwards and forwards I arrived........
What an absolutely brilliant place this is and on the face of it they seem to be doing a wonderful job with these gorgeous animals. Bearing in mind that some of them have come from very difficult and abusive situations and the fact that I arrived on a motorbike with all the associated protective clothing they were straight over to say hello, no hesitation whatsoever - surely a testament to the care and love they've received since arriving. I could bang on at length about the donkeys and their stories but I won't bore you all with that, I'll let the photos show you how well they appear to have adapted. This was the Welcome Party....
There were only 2 other visitors today which meant the sanctuary owner had plenty of time to chat. He showed me my adopted donkey, Binky, and one another friend had adopted, Quiney who's pictured below.
Now, when I say the owner had time to chat I'm not kidding. 3 and a half hours of education about donkeys and their characters, how much care they need and how badly some of them are treated was followed by the attitude of many Irish people towards animals and why generations have been hard-wired to treat all animals as commodities before moving on to Irish history recent and past and how things might or might not move on. Obviously this scuppered my itinerary for the rest of the day but I could quite happily have sat there much longer had the chap's wife not come chasing him to have his tea.
I needed a map so thought I'd see if anything was still open in Letterkenny but it was too late, though not too late for international cuisine of the highest order.
I needed a map so thought I'd see if anything was still open in Letterkenny but it was too late, though not too late for international cuisine of the highest order.
As I said the day was another belter weather wise so I headed back to the hotel via the fort to watch the sun set and enjoy some pudding.
The following morning I was in search of a memorial to 4 martyrs of the Irish civil war between pro and anti treaty volunteers, their story can be found here:-
The route would take me through Raphoe, a pretty little town worthy of a coffee and cake stop some time (where I learnt that Northern towns with a central diamond layout are likely to have originally been developed during the Plantation) and onto Beltany stone circle.
There are hundreds of similar sites in Ireland and I've no idea why but places like this fascinate me. I was chatting to a local lady who said whenever she's having a bad day a visit here always restores her equilibrium.
A little further along I chanced upon the Dhún na nGall GAA centre. I had no idea it was on my route but as a Donegal GAA fan was delighted to see it so thought I'd chance my arm and see if I could have poke around. Being out of season the place was deserted aside from 2 ladies in an office but they were happy to chat and let me wander round and take pictures, even taking one to prove it was definitely me.
The route would take me through Raphoe, a pretty little town worthy of a coffee and cake stop some time (where I learnt that Northern towns with a central diamond layout are likely to have originally been developed during the Plantation) and onto Beltany stone circle.
There are hundreds of similar sites in Ireland and I've no idea why but places like this fascinate me. I was chatting to a local lady who said whenever she's having a bad day a visit here always restores her equilibrium.
A little further along I chanced upon the Dhún na nGall GAA centre. I had no idea it was on my route but as a Donegal GAA fan was delighted to see it so thought I'd chance my arm and see if I could have poke around. Being out of season the place was deserted aside from 2 ladies in an office but they were happy to chat and let me wander round and take pictures, even taking one to prove it was definitely me.
Next stop should have been Drumboe but I passed through it without realising and into Ballybofey which is a small town on the other side of the river. Happy days though as I stumbled upon the home of Finn Harps F.C., tick.
About turn to try and find the Drumboe Martyrs memorial. There was nothing obvious though I did see another memorial to Volunteers past and present.
About turn to try and find the Drumboe Martyrs memorial. There was nothing obvious though I did see another memorial to Volunteers past and present.
I had to ask a few people as I just couldn't find the memorial I was looking for. Drumboe is a tiny place, 1 Street, and you'd think the locals would know where something of such historical importance was but the first 3 or 4 people, who described themselves as 'Blow ins' hadn't even heard of it let alone where to find it. Eventually and old boy was able to point me in the right direction and I found it. I often wonder what stories some of these old timers could tell us days gone by but I don't have the nerve to ask them.
I spent a few minutes here paying my respects and headed off to find the plaque at Dunlewey that marks the spot where they were captured. A lovely ride took me via Garfan, the birthplace of one of Christianity's trailblazers, St. Columba/Colmcille.....
.......the stone of sorrows (photos won't upload, sorry but it's a very poignant place)......
www.irishstones.org
....and through Gleveagh National Park riding alongside Mount Errigal, Donegal's highest mountain and one to come back to to walk up another day.
I stopped at a viewpoint en-route where there appeared to be a caravan selling coffee but it was closed, I did however get chance to spend a few minutes speaking to this little belter.
When I got to Dunlewey the spot I was looking for was supposed to be above a door in the village but there was no sight of it. Again local knowledge came to the rescue and I found it, though it was well off the beaten track.
I spent a few minutes here paying my respects and headed off to find the plaque at Dunlewey that marks the spot where they were captured. A lovely ride took me via Garfan, the birthplace of one of Christianity's trailblazers, St. Columba/Colmcille.....
.......the stone of sorrows (photos won't upload, sorry but it's a very poignant place)......
St. Colmcille's Stone
www.irishstones.org
....and through Gleveagh National Park riding alongside Mount Errigal, Donegal's highest mountain and one to come back to to walk up another day.
I stopped at a viewpoint en-route where there appeared to be a caravan selling coffee but it was closed, I did however get chance to spend a few minutes speaking to this little belter.
When I got to Dunlewey the spot I was looking for was supposed to be above a door in the village but there was no sight of it. Again local knowledge came to the rescue and I found it, though it was well off the beaten track.
Last edited by a moderator:
Don't Know how I missed the start of this. Interesting to read the perspective of fresh eyes on areas you know well. Enjoyed the read..........don't understand the fixation with football and stadia though 
Just as well you didn't upset any of the Cliftonville ladies team........some of them could probably "Knock your pan in" as they say around these parts
Just as well you didn't upset any of the Cliftonville ladies team........some of them could probably "Knock your pan in" as they say around these parts
It had been an enjoyable but long day so I pointed the bike back in the directionn of the hotel but couldn't resist a small detour when I saw the sign for the site of a rail disaster (does that make me odd?).
www.monreaghulsterscotscentre.com
Owencarrow Viaduct Railway Tragedy - January 1925
Disaster occurred on the night of 30 January 1925 at the Owencarrow Viaduct, Donegal. throwing four people to their deaths.
www.monreaghulsterscotscentre.com
Thank you.Don't Know how I missed the start of this. Interesting to read the perspective of fresh eyes on areas you know well. Enjoyed the read..........don't understand the fixation with football and stadia though
Just as well you didn't upset any of the Cliftonville ladies team........some of them could probably "Knock your pan in" as they say around these parts
I'm not a fan of women's football but did think it best to keep my counsel at that point.
Last edited by a moderator:
Missed this when first posted, smashing read. Beautiful country those bhoys are blessed with
Again , 
There was another picture I meant to add yesterday so I'll pop it on now.
I couldn't help but wonder how on earth they managed to park the car like this.
Probably a woman.
I couldn't help but wonder how on earth they managed to park the car like this.
Probably a woman.
The next day was a transit day and I was heading to the wonderful B&B I stayed at last year in Garrison.
When I did the WAW a couple of years ago there was a place on the coast that I really liked, huge deserted beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning views inland. I thought it was Downings so pointed the bike in that direction and set off. I was taken via the Harry Blaney Bridge where the oyster farms were visible. It was nice to see the ferry still running despite the construction of the bridge.
The photo of the bridge below was taken from Google so I must credit Alamy for this.
Next stop Downings which wasn't at all as I remembered it but I the beach was very nice.
Looking at the map now I think the places I was looking for were the romantically named Manslaughter Beach and Murder Hole Beach.
When I did the WAW a couple of years ago there was a place on the coast that I really liked, huge deserted beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning views inland. I thought it was Downings so pointed the bike in that direction and set off. I was taken via the Harry Blaney Bridge where the oyster farms were visible. It was nice to see the ferry still running despite the construction of the bridge.
The photo of the bridge below was taken from Google so I must credit Alamy for this.
Next stop Downings which wasn't at all as I remembered it but I the beach was very nice.
Looking at the map now I think the places I was looking for were the romantically named Manslaughter Beach and Murder Hole Beach.
Nope this is how it happens. Lots of rallying up there both amateur and profesional.
Then
and Now
Then
and Now
A gentle ride along the type of roads I love took me via Portnablagh where I sat on the pier and watched this little belter doing what dogs should.
Onto Ardara, voted 'The best village to live in Ireland'. Now that's one heck of a claim so I had a poke around and have absolutely no idea how it achieved that award, it wasn't unpleasant but I've been to many, many other places far more worthy of the accolade. The fact that the most interesting thing about the village, and the only photo I took, was the boastful plaque tells you all you need to know. Maybe somebody on here who lives locally could put me right?
Onto Ardara, voted 'The best village to live in Ireland'. Now that's one heck of a claim so I had a poke around and have absolutely no idea how it achieved that award, it wasn't unpleasant but I've been to many, many other places far more worthy of the accolade. The fact that the most interesting thing about the village, and the only photo I took, was the boastful plaque tells you all you need to know. Maybe somebody on here who lives locally could put me right?
Next stop Killybegs, a working harbour that I would say is worthy of an overnight stop. A friend had strongly recommended an eatery here so I took his advice and wasn't disappointed, the nicest fish and chips I've had for some years. My only gripe was that they didn't do curry sauce or mushy peas, 'Has tha' nowt moist?'. Note to self, next time I come I'll bring my Jetboil and a tin of Bachelors Chip Shop Style Mushy Peas - show them what they're missing.
Time was pressing on so a quick wipe of my greasy hands on my trousers and I set off for my digs. As I was approaching Donegal Town I saw the GAA stadium, tick.
A quick diversion to say 'Hello' to my old man (who died 17 years ago today), it was nice to see the plaque I'd put here last year was still in place, then onto my digs for the next few days where Security were awaiting my arrival.
Time was pressing on so a quick wipe of my greasy hands on my trousers and I set off for my digs. As I was approaching Donegal Town I saw the GAA stadium, tick.
A quick diversion to say 'Hello' to my old man (who died 17 years ago today), it was nice to see the plaque I'd put here last year was still in place, then onto my digs for the next few days where Security were awaiting my arrival.
Last edited by a moderator:
The 1st day in Fear Manach was, as is traditional, spent with relatives and mooching round my old man's stomping ground. I'm pretty sure we found his 1st school though so that was a bonus.
I popped in at the farm near my dad's old house to check in on Glen, the sheepdog who'd been savaged by a ram a couple of years ago. He wasn't there but I'm advised he's still with us and still working hard. As is the way on these parts even though the door I'd knocked on was (by chance) the house where Glens's owners parents live and they'd never seen me before a quick mention of my surname and they knew all about my dad and his family and I was invited in for a brew and 'something to eat'. As they were clearly halfway through their tea I politely declined and left them to it.
I called in at Enniskillen to grab some tea of my own and took the scenic route (are there any others around here?) back to Garrison.
I popped in at the farm near my dad's old house to check in on Glen, the sheepdog who'd been savaged by a ram a couple of years ago. He wasn't there but I'm advised he's still with us and still working hard. As is the way on these parts even though the door I'd knocked on was (by chance) the house where Glens's owners parents live and they'd never seen me before a quick mention of my surname and they knew all about my dad and his family and I was invited in for a brew and 'something to eat'. As they were clearly halfway through their tea I politely declined and left them to it.
I called in at Enniskillen to grab some tea of my own and took the scenic route (are there any others around here?) back to Garrison.
Final full day in Ireland.
Another beautiful day and it was time to head over to Mullaghmore, a pretty little village in Co. Sligo. This has been on my list of places to see for years but I somehow missed it and sailed by when doing this leg of the WAW a couple of years ago. It's a nice place, again worthy of a night if you're in the area and not in a rush but I was amazed at the coachloads of tourists, something I've not seen in this part of the world before. Some of you might know who used to occupy the poorly photographed castle in the distance.
Now when I say I'm not used to coachloads of tourists I'll excuse this place. I popped in to buy myself and a friend a 2024 limited edition Christmas decoration then took a piece of cake and a brew at the café which is surprisingly good and surprisingly good value.
Another beautiful day and it was time to head over to Mullaghmore, a pretty little village in Co. Sligo. This has been on my list of places to see for years but I somehow missed it and sailed by when doing this leg of the WAW a couple of years ago. It's a nice place, again worthy of a night if you're in the area and not in a rush but I was amazed at the coachloads of tourists, something I've not seen in this part of the world before. Some of you might know who used to occupy the poorly photographed castle in the distance.
Now when I say I'm not used to coachloads of tourists I'll excuse this place. I popped in to buy myself and a friend a 2024 limited edition Christmas decoration then took a piece of cake and a brew at the café which is surprisingly good and surprisingly good value.
