Ireland, Fall 2025; Day Four

 

It's 8:08 a.m. and finally turning to daylight in Malin Head. 

We are in County Donegal at the northernmost point of the Republic of Ireland. 

Bill looked at latitudes, and we're significantly north of North Idaho, and we are here at a later date than ever before. 

So, we're going to know darkness during this trip, especially because the winter time change starts this weekend. 

We're also coming to an end of being spoiled by good weather in Ireland.  Not too much rain so far, but the predictions call for substantially more this weekend. 

As always, our rain gear comes with us, including the nice rain jacket Annie sent me for this trip. 

It had a workout when we first arrived here at the Seaview Tavern B and B late yesterday afternoon.

The skies opened.  

It was cold, and it was windy, but we didn't mind.  It was just nice to get out of the car after a day of mostly driving.

We did make a few significant stops in our travels yesterday, including a visit to the B and B where Laura Faux-Donnelly and her hubby stayed a couple of weeks ago.

They raved about the place and the lady and her dog Bobby who host the guests. 

Their assessment was accurate on all counts.  Paula Harvey is everything as advertised.  She's a local storyteller and writer in Adara; she's well-versed on history, especially the times of "trouble" in Northern Ireland where she grew up. 

Bill and I were welcomed through the door of the Green Gate B and B and remained mesmerized by her stories for almost an hour. 

It's obvious why Laura and Shawn have enjoyed this place so much. 

We also stopped at the Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana (the place where "Amazing Grace" was reportedly inspired). 

We left my mother's artwork at the school several years ago.  It was sort of a symbolic return for her to her ancestral roots in County Donegal. 

Through that original visit we have gotten to know Nikki who has been a central figure at the school for more than 30 years.  Our visit with her yesterday was fun and much too short, but she was busy, so we kept our visit brief. 

I was very taken by a piece of art in Nikki's office featuring Pandemic times.  Nikki told us it was created by a student that it had won a national award. 

Right here is where I'll take a break and come back and finish my thoughts and photos later.  But for my night owl friends back home where Friday has just begun, I'll publish this partially complete post and add to it after breakfast.  

Stay tuned.

Okay, back again after a sumptuous helping of food and visiting with the staff and other guests. 

My stomach is happy and my head is overloaded with colorful and rich lore of the area and happenings in people's lives. 

We spent some time visiting in the bar with Maura whose first and regular customer just arrived.

The food and the service here is amazing, as always.

 Last night I met Senen, the chef, who makes the best vegetable soup I've ever sampled.  He promised to give me some guidelines so I can make my own at home. 

Now, it's time to get outside and enjoy some sunshine before the rain begins again.  

We love this place so much and always feel at home, thanks to the owners and staff. 

So, we're looking forward to one more night here before traveling on tomorrow when we'll meet Willie and Debbie in Clifden. 

Life is good and heavenly, to say the least. 

Happy Friday.