Day 10: Ireland- Let's shop and hike uphill!
Today started out with much better weather than we had yesterday, but it did get colder. So what could be better than shopping in the wool capital of Ireland!? Hiking and shopping for warm clothing! Woohoooo!
So what is the wool capital of Ireland you ask? It's about 30 minutes away from where we're staying in Donegal in a town called Ardara, famous for their tweed and weaving (and festivals apparently). While they have shops that sell their tweed and wool all over the world, the town itself has been on the decline, which is sad. We stopped by anyway and checked out a few of their shops. And when in Rome... buy a cable-knit sweater and a wool serape! Who's warm and stylish now?? (Me, the answer is me)
Getting there took us into the more mountainous areas of Northern Ireland, reminding us of Scotland's highlands but with much more sheep. There were little stops along the way to admire the view and even a coffee and popcorn truck!
I should have bought some of that popcorn because it would be a while until we had lunch, and our next stop was the Slieve League Cliffs and you know what that means? Walking uphill! Lots and lots of walking uphill! Again, it's always worth it for the views, and the Slieve League does not disappoint! Ahh, listen to those waves crashing against the rock hundreds of feet below you!
It was late afternoon and after our intensive hike, we were a bit peckish. So we drove down to The Rusty Mackrel, a nice pub and chip place where I think I've had my best meal yet. Everyone else got fish or chicken and chips. I got a garlic steak sandwich. YUM!
It took us some time to get to Slieve League, and the ride back to Donegal is about an hour, so we walked around downtown Donegal and checked out the shops. No more wool buying for me, I'm satisfied (and wearing my shawl right now). We picked up some sweets to bring back to the B&B.
Oh! We haven't really talked about our current B&B! It's called the Ardeevin Guest House and it's run by an adorable couple named Mary and Sean. Well, mostly Mary, who also has to take care of her husband as his short term memory is not very good. We had a delicious breakfast this morning, and Jeff and I both had the French Toast. Sean came in and asked us for our order at least 4 times, but he's very kind and nice and Mary takes great care of him and this house. It's really beautiful and decorated lushly with antiques and a Victorian style. And I don't think I've ever heard Jeff give such great compliments about food before, but the French Toast really was freaking delicious. And the showers are lovely and perfect too, especially after sub-par ones thusfar. Ah, it's lovely! Sad to leave it tomorrow, but next up will be Achill Island! I think it's too early, but maybe we'll see puffins!!! Ta!
Classic late-blog turn-around! It's me! Jeff! I'm here to give you the real news about what *really* happened today.
First, there was some wool. Then, some *different* wool. Somewhere in between, I figured out that there was a cottage industry for making replica cottages for kitschy Olde Tyme business. Then, a walk. Then, a food. It was okay. Folks gotta stop trying to church up chicken fingers. Just let them be low-to-medium quality processed chicken, you cowards. After, some driving. Then, a shop. Finally, a blog. Tomorrow, Porgs!
So what is the wool capital of Ireland you ask? It's about 30 minutes away from where we're staying in Donegal in a town called Ardara, famous for their tweed and weaving (and festivals apparently). While they have shops that sell their tweed and wool all over the world, the town itself has been on the decline, which is sad. We stopped by anyway and checked out a few of their shops. And when in Rome... buy a cable-knit sweater and a wool serape! Who's warm and stylish now?? (Me, the answer is me)
Getting there took us into the more mountainous areas of Northern Ireland, reminding us of Scotland's highlands but with much more sheep. There were little stops along the way to admire the view and even a coffee and popcorn truck!
I should have bought some of that popcorn because it would be a while until we had lunch, and our next stop was the Slieve League Cliffs and you know what that means? Walking uphill! Lots and lots of walking uphill! Again, it's always worth it for the views, and the Slieve League does not disappoint! Ahh, listen to those waves crashing against the rock hundreds of feet below you!
It was late afternoon and after our intensive hike, we were a bit peckish. So we drove down to The Rusty Mackrel, a nice pub and chip place where I think I've had my best meal yet. Everyone else got fish or chicken and chips. I got a garlic steak sandwich. YUM!
It took us some time to get to Slieve League, and the ride back to Donegal is about an hour, so we walked around downtown Donegal and checked out the shops. No more wool buying for me, I'm satisfied (and wearing my shawl right now). We picked up some sweets to bring back to the B&B.
Oh! We haven't really talked about our current B&B! It's called the Ardeevin Guest House and it's run by an adorable couple named Mary and Sean. Well, mostly Mary, who also has to take care of her husband as his short term memory is not very good. We had a delicious breakfast this morning, and Jeff and I both had the French Toast. Sean came in and asked us for our order at least 4 times, but he's very kind and nice and Mary takes great care of him and this house. It's really beautiful and decorated lushly with antiques and a Victorian style. And I don't think I've ever heard Jeff give such great compliments about food before, but the French Toast really was freaking delicious. And the showers are lovely and perfect too, especially after sub-par ones thusfar. Ah, it's lovely! Sad to leave it tomorrow, but next up will be Achill Island! I think it's too early, but maybe we'll see puffins!!! Ta!
Classic late-blog turn-around! It's me! Jeff! I'm here to give you the real news about what *really* happened today.
First, there was some wool. Then, some *different* wool. Somewhere in between, I figured out that there was a cottage industry for making replica cottages for kitschy Olde Tyme business. Then, a walk. Then, a food. It was okay. Folks gotta stop trying to church up chicken fingers. Just let them be low-to-medium quality processed chicken, you cowards. After, some driving. Then, a shop. Finally, a blog. Tomorrow, Porgs!
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