We started with a delicious breakfast at our lovely bed and breakfast, the Yeats Lodge in Drumcliff. We were also pleased to learn more about the history of the property and the animals on site, including the friendly but alert watch-donkey, from its owner.
Unfortunately (although we were due for it after enjoying such great weather), the Irish clouds opened up and rained out our planned hike up Benbulben. Simon was the driver all day today, which was ideal since it was our shortest driving day! Instead, we visited the Belleek Pottery Factory and learned about the beautiful and impressive pottery making craft. The video alone made my hands cramp up just thinking about all of that fateful, manual work.
Since the roof of the castle’s manor house has long collapsed, and the rain was still coming down with abandon, we popped into the Olde Castle Pub to dry off and warm up.
After that, we stopped by the Donegal Craft Village and spoke for a while with a talented artist who creates stunning landscapes using wool and felt as her paints.
We even found a large collection of photographs being displayed in the basement bar that had been taken by an Irish priest over 40+ years, including one taken during the priest’s fortunately brief voyage on the Titanic! We finished the night off with a delicious dinner at the Castle’s restaurant and then great music in the gallery bar. Erika and Kevin unwittingly won the best-matched and most stylish pair.
We’re finding it quite difficult to leave this remarkable place but waiting for us next is the Giant’s Causeway on the way to Belfast. See you soon!
Unfortunately (although we were due for it after enjoying such great weather), the Irish clouds opened up and rained out our planned hike up Benbulben. Simon was the driver all day today, which was ideal since it was our shortest driving day! Instead, we visited the Belleek Pottery Factory and learned about the beautiful and impressive pottery making craft. The video alone made my hands cramp up just thinking about all of that fateful, manual work.
In the early afternoon, we drove into Donegal town and toured Donegal Castle, learning about how the castle changed and expanded from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Since the roof of the castle’s manor house has long collapsed, and the rain was still coming down with abandon, we popped into the Olde Castle Pub to dry off and warm up.
After that, we stopped by the Donegal Craft Village and spoke for a while with a talented artist who creates stunning landscapes using wool and felt as her paints.
We then decided that after visiting so many castles in Ireland, it was high time for us to stay in one. Bless the glorious off-season, which allows millennials like us to dip our toes into ridiculous luxury. We headed over to our hotel - the Lough Eske Castle, which is an authentic castle that has existed in various states since the 1600s. We started with a long walk around the castle grounds and then cleaned ourselves off and classed ourselves up for a night in the castle. This was, undoubtedly, the most unique and thought-out place in which we’ve ever had the privilege to stay. It’s the first place we have stayed with its own helipad (except for a hospital) and the bathroom floors are also heated and we have no idea how.
We even found a large collection of photographs being displayed in the basement bar that had been taken by an Irish priest over 40+ years, including one taken during the priest’s fortunately brief voyage on the Titanic! We finished the night off with a delicious dinner at the Castle’s restaurant and then great music in the gallery bar. Erika and Kevin unwittingly won the best-matched and most stylish pair.
We’re finding it quite difficult to leave this remarkable place but waiting for us next is the Giant’s Causeway on the way to Belfast. See you soon!
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