So we decided to stay at hostels because things are very, very expensive here. We are using British pounds in the north and Euro’s in the Republic. $1.62 = 1 pound, and $1.42 = 1 Euro – OUCH! The youth hostel’s run about 32 to 44 pounds a night. We are not in Mexico anymore, Toto! Oh, this includes breakfast, which is toast and jam. Good, but it’s no full service thing!
The wall around the city!Anyhow, off we go to explore Derry. First up, a walk on the Derry city walls. This is a real fortress wall with cannons and iron gates. It was first used in 1615 and until the IRA and British army signed a peace accord. Following the Lonely Planet guide, we take in the sites of the city. It was really cool and we both liked this city very much.
A boro just outside of the walled part of the city & the site of the Bloody Sunday conflict. More Derry pic's here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157621688491898/
Side view of the castle
Sticking to our stringent schedule, we depart around 10:30am and head towards a little town called Dunfanaghy at the North West of the country. Missing all the places that were suggested to us because Brian drives like an Indy car racer, we stumble upon a huge National park and scenic drive. We detour to take a look at the Glenveagh Castle & grounds.
Glenveagh National Park
We took the castle tour, which was really neat and interesting. The castle itself was located directly on it own Lough (Lake) and 25,000 acres. The castle has been owned by Americans, so its been modernized. It’s so green here.
To see more photos of Glenveagh click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157621686731138/
Donegal Castle
Right, off to Donegal and another cool Castle. We arrived right at 5:15pm, in time for the last tour. Now, this was such a cool castle but totally different. It was like something right out of a Robin Hood movie. I totally can picture myself living here. It comes complete with secret passageways built inside the walls itself. Did I mention the walls are 7 ft thick? Yeah, so cool. Honey, …..
For more pictures of Donegal click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157621689048898/
Glenveagh National ParkWe took the castle tour, which was really neat and interesting. The castle itself was located directly on it own Lough (Lake) and 25,000 acres. The castle has been owned by Americans, so its been modernized. It’s so green here.
To see more photos of Glenveagh click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157621686731138/
Donegal Castle Right, off to Donegal and another cool Castle. We arrived right at 5:15pm, in time for the last tour. Now, this was such a cool castle but totally different. It was like something right out of a Robin Hood movie. I totally can picture myself living here. It comes complete with secret passageways built inside the walls itself. Did I mention the walls are 7 ft thick? Yeah, so cool. Honey, …..
For more pictures of Donegal click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157621689048898/After a quick bite to eat at the Castle pub on the square, our usual of soup and soda bread – yum, so good (at least the Irish can cook, even if they are British - ya, weird oxymoron), we head off to the city of Sligo for the night. Sligo is a seaside, shipping town famous as an exit port for some of the most destitute famine victims of the 1800’s.
