And just like that, Robbie and I are back in Calgary. What a trip it was! For the sake of record keeping, I’m now going to try and recall the remaining parts of the trip after leaving Belfast. Hmm…
After checking out of the Malone Lodge in Belfast, we headed to the northern coast of Northern Ireland to see the Giant’s Causeway. This was definitely a must see and a sight I had been looking forward to ever since I began researching Ireland two weeks prior ;). The Giant’s Causeway is a bunch of columns made of basalt as a result of a volcanic eruption at some point. However, the story goes that an Irish giant created them, which makes way more sense to me.
Afterward, we wanted to walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, but alas, strong winds forced its closure. So onward we went to Londonderry (as the Northern Irish call it), or Derry as it’s also known… or Londondr’y as Robbie and I called it… for a brief stop to see the walled city and the Peace Bridge. Our drive to Londonderry was beautiful, and it was the first time on the trip that we really had the opportunity to view the countryside. Ireland’s greenery is unlike any other place I’ve seen. Sometimes the grass appeared to glow, and the different hues and shades of green were amazing. Ireland definitely deserves the “Emerald Isle” name.
Then we were off to the county of Donegal where we checked into our first “castle”, Solis Lough Eske. This place was gorgeous- the bedding was very comfortable and the grounds were well manicured. We opted to eat in the small town of Donegal at The Harbour Restaurant where, like most of the trip, we gorged.
This is a good time to reflect on the gorging. I don’t recall ever eating so much on a vacation before. Ever morning, we had the option of a full Irish breakfast along with danishes, croissants, scones, fruits, bread, cheeses, and fruit. And every lunch and dinner seemed to be huge and extremely filling costing many many euros. And since it was a road trip, we snacked. All the time. Chips, popcorn, bars, and the occasional apple or banana. I can’t say I’m going to miss the eating out and indulgence!
Before heading to Cong the next day, we took a drive through the mountains in Donegal and drove on through the Glen Gesh Pass. The pass was gorgeous and one of the highlight drives of the trip. The valley views provided great photo opportunities, and the crossing sheep was quite noteworthy. The sheep are so cute… just minding their business, doing their thing. We looped around and drove along the coast road, on our way to the main castle of the trip.
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 