Donegal

 

After our Irish breakfast, it was time to head towards Donegal and across the boarder. However, before we could leave Portrush we needed to visit the Portrush golf course. The course was closed as the summer season finished over the weekend and the greens were being repaired, so it was very quiet, but nice to visit. Hopefully we can return for The Open in 2025.

From Portrush we headed to Londonderry, everyone shortens to Derry. Most of what we knew of the city came from the events during the Northern Ireland troubles, apart from the more recent comedy program “The Derry Girls”, which is hopefully playing its part in making Derry be seen as a happier place. 

The old city wall built in the early 17th century and still exists. The only complete city wall in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe. It allows you to completely walk around the old city centre. The ancient wall has protected the city during the many centuries. Today it overlooks the housing estates built in more modern times. One of these areas is the Bogside, which is where the events of “Bloody Sunday” took place in the 1972. Murals remain painted on the local houses as a reminder of what took place. Hopefully this is now just a reminder, but you sense tensions still remain. It was a fascinating place to visit, but nice to leave and head for the countryside.

From Derry we set off for Donegal. Within 15 minutes we had crossed the boarder, which was extremely uneventful, the only indicator was the road speed limit signs changing from miles to kilometres. The drive was beautiful, although the rain had started to fall. This is Ireland in October, so it seemed appropriate. 

We eventually arrived at our hotel; Harveys Point on Lough Eske. We were welcomed with the opportunity to do some wine tasting, hosted by the head of catering, a little introduction for the evening meal.  I would not have expected wine tasting in Ireland, but as they say over here, we were “very welcome”. 

Harveys point Hotel