Gola Island, known as Gabhla or Oileán Ghabhla in Irish, lies on The Wild Atlantic Way, a mere mile off the Donegal coast. It is a haven for artists, nature lovers, walkers and rock climbers. A 15 minute drive from my home takes me to the Gola ferry leaving from Magheragallan. September’s Indian summer provided perfect conditions for my first exploration of the […]
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates I recently took a hike near my late mother’s childhood home. Travelling through quiet country lanes Past ancient peat bogs, with Errigal Mountain in the distance Enjoying the view across Mullaghderg […]
Photograph by Rapid Kayaking Rapid Kayaking Sea kayaking had been on my wish list for around three years, until I let go of some old fears and booked a two hour trip with local instructor James O’Donnell of http://www.rapidkayaking.com in August. “James is a member of the British and Irish Canoe Association and is a fully insured and up to […]
The ruins of Miseog’s Home Peggy Boyle known as Miseog, was a prophetess who lived in the townland of Ballymanus, a couple of miles from my home here in County Donegal. Background Miseog, a native Irish speaker, was born in 1816 and married Paddy Harley, who made several trips to work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. In those days […]
The Cross atop The Rock at Kerrytown On 11 January 1939, The Virgin Mary appeared on top of a rocky outcrop in Kerrytown, Co. Donegal, to Teresa Ward aged 15. Her sister Mary aged 19, had accompanied her outside but was inside an outhouse when Teresa first witnessed the vision. Mary thought Teresa was play acting at first but she […]
Elsie Jayne The 41st Burtonport Summer Festival programme included “Seal Watching Trips” to see one of Ireland’s largest seal populations, with Jim Muldowney of Dive Arranmore. Dungloe Bay “The islands and rocks of Dungloe Bay are home to around 300 seals including pups at this time of year”, the programme suggested. I felt compelled to book a place. The weather […]
I planned to take you to an island this week but the ferry never left the pier due to rain, rain and more rain… Feeling rather downhearted, I pondered on a suitable alternative, and after a trip to the local library followed by a coffee and slice of cake, the sun came out. The Wild Atlantic Way So we are […]
Cloudy skies I purchased a little, open fronted beach tent two summers ago; it has been such a blessing – I can now spend quality time by the seaside in inclement weather. The beach called me last Wednesday, so I packed my tent and a picnic, before heading out to a quiet cove. A few clouds graced the Donegal skies: Inside my beach tent Then the […]
Fibromyalgia makes driving long distances a challenge for me; I am comfortable on short drives around home, but anything beyond that requires careful planning and extra rest, both before, during and after the journey. Last week, an unexpected funeral around 60 miles away, took me out of my driving comfort zone. However, I decided I was going to enjoy the journey regardless, as it […]
Cows grazing near Dooey Beach County Donegal was recently voted “The coolest place on the planet” by National Geographic Traveller(UK). Outdoor Pursuits Donegal’s outstanding scenery provides a mecca for outdoor pursuits including: Walking Sailing Sea kayaking Swimming Fishing Photography Bird watching… We love to welcome new visitors. Beautiful Beaches We have many beautiful beaches. The following video was filmed on Carrickfin Beach. […]
Watching the Daisies 