TRAVEL

DONEGAL

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By the end of the first week of our road, trip through Ireland in summer 2023 the Gods of Irish weather have finally smiled and gave us some sunshine.

Quite enough for a swim, as well.

Leaving Roscommon County on our way to Donegal, we decided to turn slightly left on the map and explore a bit of seaside.

Driving through County Sligo the sun was more and more convincing and inviting so we parked a car, grabbed all of our beach stuff and walk down to the beach.

By the time we got there, the cloud came over and it started pouring rain.

The Gods of Irish weather we having a day off.

Or a laugh. Either way we were planning on getting wet so being soaked from the rain didn’t matter much.

Mullaghmore Beach is a very popular surfing and sailboat spot.

It is also a beach where cattle comes and goes and it is strictly forbidden to remove the cattle. You can only remove your foot from muck. Shit. Poo. Whatever. You don’t wanna stretch your beach towel there.

However, the beach gives Maldives vibe although the sea temperature is more Norwegian lake style. Not cold, but freezing. Once my body went numb from cold, it felt rather pleasant in the water.

The sun continued to follow us all the way to Donegal, our final destination in Republic Ireland before crossing over to Northern Ireland.


After a beautiful stay in a 4* hotel we have stayed in probably the less comfortable stay during the trip.

The Four Masters Memorial obelisk honours 4 scribes from the nearby Franciscan friary, now in ruins

I mean, I thought spring mattresses were out of use. Like for ages. Not there.

And what’s with these heaters all over northern part of the island?

 

Anyway, back to the sightseeing….
Small in size (population just little over 2000) but big in history Donegal was the ‘capital’ of Tyrconnell (Tír Chonnaill), from the 15th until the early 17th century.

Tyrconnell was a Gaelic kingdom controlled by the O’Donnell dynasty, one of the most long-lasting and powerful Gaelic families in Ireland. They ruled / existed for over 400 years. Since the beginning of spring mattresses, I guess.

The Donegal castle, was built in mid 1400, as O’Donnells stronghold

Donegal castle was built on the curve of the river Eske to be protected in a better way it was completely restored in the early 1990s.
Although mentioned in mid 1500, it’s believed that the New Tower has been built a hundred years before, during the reign of Red Hugh O’Donnell, the first one under that name. As there were many.

Brooke family built the bulges on the tower (turrets) later on in 17 century
Most of the stonework was constructed from locally sourced limestone with some sandstone
The ground of the main building is covered with 15 century stone while the part of the wooden ceiling is still original

Above the beautiful fireplace from 17 century in the Grand Hall one can see Brook family’s coat of arms together with Lady Brooke’s shield. Roses above the fireplace symbolizes the English crown while side colonnades have engraved motives of Scottish herbs, emblem of the Scottish King James IV that became the English king after the death of his cuisine Queen Elisabeth I

 

The second floor, now exhibit space, was probably used as a sleeping quarters for both marriage couple or servants.

Truth to be honest I din’t think less than 24 hours in Donegal would be so memorable. Small in the size but big in the history and all sorts of accidents that can happen to a family of three. I mean, I will never forget spring mattresses. Or the fact that Debeli hit his head on the 15 century door frame or M fell on the sand in the castle courtyard standing on the spot. All in less than an hour of a castle visit.
Or , even better, when M pooped in the Train museum? But that’s a whole another story. Stay tuned! There’s more to come. Stories. Not poop.

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