Ireland 2026; Day Thirteen

 

Bill grabbed a napkin and pen and then drew a map of the United States.  The illustration gave the onlookers a clearer idea of where our state of Idaho is located. 

One member of the small group of tavern regulars had a clear idea of our state’s location because he works in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Others were not so sure because the common confusion between Iowa and Idaho often comes up in conversation whenever we’re asked where we live.

So, the napkin image helped immensely yesterday afternoon when we stopped by the tavern for a few minutes where we’re staying here in Malin Head.

We wanted to make sure we saw Maura, who runs the bar, before she left for the day.

As one can imagine, the small group at the bar were in jolly good moods. We first met Liam, JP and a chef named Patrick.  Later, a mom and dad and their son who works in Vancouver arrived.

Lots of one liners, some not quite printable, some quite complimentary, flew from lips to ears as the group happily became acquainted with Bill and me.   

Twas our first real experience of getting to know the locals on this trip, and it was great fun.

We’ll have some good memories of these fun Irish folks to take with us when we leave Malin Head today and drive to Dublin.

We’ll stay at an airport hotel tonight, turn in the car tomorrow and then go through all the tedious airport necessities before we hurry up and wait and eventually board our flight for Seattle. 

Tomorrow will be another LONG day, especially as we keep flying toward daylight before arriving in Seattle late in the afternoon Pacific time.

And so, the long-awaited trip to our happy place slowly winds down.  It’s been beyond expectation---just as every trip to Ireland has been for us.

Our minds are filled with a treasured collection of new memories, and our hearts are embedded in this place more than ever.

It’s an indescribable experience where photos and stories are great but it’s the living of every moment that gives one a truly comprehensive view of the wonders and the wonderful aspects of this country.

All good and all will be tucked away in our hearts and minds forever.

I hope we can make it back here again, but for now, we'll go home totally refreshed, excited to see our beloveds and more grateful than ever that we have been able to enjoy this amazing experience in this amazing “motherland” one more time.

And, as always, it's been great fun sharing our travels. 

This is Maura.  

She runs a tight ship wherever she's in charge at the Seaview Tavern. 

And, we love her sharp and perceptive wit. 

We met Angela and Nigel who were walking their cocker spaniels yesterday morning while out on a walk here in Malin Head.  

They moved here a few years ago from England and they love the peace, quiet and beauty of the area. 

They invited us to to see a beautiful Air B and B home nearby which they watch over for the owner. 

JP works as a cab driver in Derry. 

Liam

Ireland 2026; Day Twelve

 

I can turn to my left and enjoy the rolling white waves of the North Atlantic Ocean splash against the shoreline.  To the right, I can see homes, green fields, sheep and mountains in the background.

Those scenes have always provided the draw for requesting Unit 3 on the second floor of Seaview Tavern B and B near Malin Head in County Donegal where we have stayed on several trips to Ireland.

We’re here for two nights, and Maura, who’s in charge while owners Caitriona and Michael are traveling, has seen that our room is warm, tidy and supplied with enough pillows.

Our room is spacious so it has been fairly easy to do the transfer of my clothing, electronics, personal bathroom supplies AND souvenirs from one suitcase to another.

So far, I’ve emptied my smaller suitcase and soon I’ll pack all the goodies in a newer model with more space.  

Such things happen occasionally when we travel, and this trip I could tell early on that the fully packed suitcase I brought over would not hold all the extra items purchased along our way.

When we purchase souvenirs all along our way, there are always restrictive elements with our choices---nothing breakable and select items that don’t take up space.  Even with those guidelines, my choices necessitated a newer, bigger suitcase.

Part of that decision became apparent several days ago when Bill told me that the Christmas present he had purchased for me at the Irish National Stud would probably need to go in my suitcase.

I have an idea what it is.  It’s framed, and, along the way, when Bill would ask art dealers about the most efficient way to send it home, they always said to remove the frame.

Well, that hasn’t happened, and so it will be packed carefully in between my items of clothing, while those bags of souvenirs will be condensed into fewer bags and stuffed wherever possible in the new suitcase.

We have one day left of leisurely travel enjoyment in this country that we love so much.  Tomorrow will be another driving day as we return to Dublin Airport and fly out Thursday.  

We’ll hang around the Malin Head area and take a few short trips today but mainly enjoy the views we have right here at the B and B.

Yesterday brought on more rain for most of the day.  The moisture did lessen at times while we visited Glenveigh National Park.  Bill pointed out that this visit means that we have now seen every national park in Ireland.

It’s a lovely park with lakes, streams and beautiful blends of mountain ash,  very tall Scots Pine, Holly and other ornamental growth.  

In one spot, I observed that the ground cover was shamrocks. That gives me an idea for some areas around our home.

We took a nature walk and then boarded a bus to visit the castle grounds, which include beautifully designed gardens.

  The huge expanse of land was, after its initial owner died, owned by Americans before being transferred to the Irish government.

Little and adorable Irish robins provided the highlight of our visit to the park.  Seems those birdies in seating areas have figured out that the other two-legged visitors may have some handouts.  So, the little darlings are as friendly as they are cute.

We’ve encountered two days of rain at this end of the trip, but we haven’t minded too much, as most of the trip has involved some stunningly beautiful weather.  As one man said to me at the hotel, “this is proper Donegal weather.”

Looking forward to a fairly relaxed day highlighted by the little side trips and the fun of visiting with the staff here at the restaurant/pub.  

We love getting to know our always efficient servers (three Ashley's included) and learning their stories about what they plan to do in their lives.

Two young ladies, whom we met last night, plan to spend their year after high school in Australia before coming back for further education.

And, of course, we love Maura who has been a Seaview staple ever since our first visit.  Once again, I don’t like to be too repetitive, but Ireland has beautiful scenery and equally beautiful and interesting people.

Oops! It's half 8. 

Off to breakfast.

Happy Tuesday.

A common view at Malin Head, the northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland. 

Bernard McBride (left), one of our park bus drivers, started the collection of patches (below) on his bus shortly after 9-11. 

Ireland is very tidy, but occasionally we see signs that not everyone uses the garbage receptacles. 

This tree species grows much taller and leaner than the Scots Pine we see in Idaho. 

Bill said this was a crab boat headed off from Malin Head last evening. 

One of our perennial places to stay in Ireland. 

Below:  Jillian was one of our chefs last evening. 

Once again, the custom-made meal for me and my colitis was very satisfying and tasty. 

Huge tractors like this are a common sight on major roadways and the back roads of Ireland.