Back to Malin Head

 

We always go back to Malin Head. 

It's the most northerly point in the Republic of Ireland. 

It is beautiful, and where we stay at the Seaview Tavern/Restaurant and Bed and Breakfast always feels like another of our wonderful homes away from home here. 

Sadly, this trip, the owners, Michael and Caitriona, are not here.  They are in Florida, but I know when I go downstairs for breakfast Maura will be there, and seeing her is always fun. 

Even though we are seeing some different faces among the staff, the quality and precision of service is still topnotch, as we have always seen before. This place, with all its offerings, runs like a well-oiled machine. 

It's also a place where the locals dine, so it's always fun to see the families from the neighborhood here for special occasions. 

Last night a couple came into the restaurant, and I sensed some familiarity.  I wondered out loud to Bill if they could be a couple from Belfast, whom we had met a couple of years ago. 

After dinner, I stepped over and asked if they were from Belfast.  Sure enough.  She had also sensed some familiarity when they walked in.  They are here celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. 

Today will probably be a day filled with scenic vistas and beaches as this area has a lot of coastline to explore. 

On our way here in County Donegal, we passed through Buncrana, which has special meaning. My mother's Irish ancestors came from the Buncrana area. 

Several years ago, we visited the Scoil (school) Mhuire (Mary) and presented the staff with a set of my mother's Western notecards. It was a fun event and even merited a nice feature article in the local newspaper. 

We love walking in the expansive and beautiful park where the Crana River runs through and where a monument to the hymn "Amazing Grace" stands next to the ocean.  We've also learned that former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil had family in Buncrana. 

Bill and I are experiencing this portion of the trip by ourselves.  Though we always enjoy the travel time together, this trip's bonus of Annie for six days in Spain and Portugal and Willie and Debbie for six days in Ireland has been a gift of a lifetime. 

It's so much fun to share meaningful places with family, and we've had great opportunities to do just that.  Yesterday Willie and Debbie set off on their own and had a delightful time in a village not far from Dublin known for its lace. 

Looks like breakfast time downstairs is a-coming.  

Top o' the morning to ya from the top of Ireland. 

Enjoy the photos. 

Fabulous tomato soup at Seaview Restaurant in Malin Head.

Lots of good cooking happening here.

 

The town of Letterkenny up north in the Republic of Ireland has neat sculptures at their roundabouts.  This is one we saw yesterday.