Keshgrammy
'Adventures in County Donegal'This past March 2014, I finally decided it was now or (maybe) never, and headed up to Co. Donegal, to tackle the Slieve League Cliffs. The drive itself was incredible, the changing landscape through Mayo & Sligo's, Ox Mountains, Benbulben, the Dartry Mountains, through Lietrim, into Donegal, the drive along the coastline, was stunning.I arrived in the Kilcar area, in the early afternoon, exploring on foot the coastal area of Kilcar, the lovely Village of Kilcar, a visit to Donegal Yarns/ Studio Donegal, and ended up at the most delightful tea shoppe, Mocklers, for a delicious supper.Early the next morning, (thank goodness I carry packets of oatmeal w/me) I headed out to Muckross Point, Beautiful views, very cold, windy, icy bits, snow, and, a rainbow, what more could one ask for.I then drove back to the town of Killybegs, (about a 20 min's) headed to SuperValu, for picnic supplies, from there I went into town, parking just in time as a snow squall came through, covering roads, sidewalks & vehicles, another tea break till I could drive back to the Kilcar area. I returned to the accommodation, added another layer of clothing, picked up a few items & headed to Carrick, another delightful village, which, I drove up the R263, exploring the surrounding area of Carrick.Before heading to the Cliffs, I stopped in at Ti Linn, Slieve League Cultural Center, (a Tripadvisor recommendation) hoping Paddy would be there (At this point, I was in need of reassurance, I was somewhat apprehensive on taking on Slieve League Cliffs, not sure what to expect). Paddy & his wife, Siobhan, were very encouraging, (while I sipped a cup of tea) Paddy patiently explained I would not be needing the repelling equipment, helmet & safety harness.BTW, Ti Linn Cafe & Shop, lovely looking goodies, photographs of the Cliffs & surrounding area & hand crafted items.Up the road I headed, parked the vehicle, and immediately, ducked back in, to put on another layer, I pulled my alpaca wide headband around my neck, and tugged my alwero cap, down tight on my head, I stuffed my water bottle in one pocket, snack bar in the other, and pulled on my gloves. A number of vehicles drove up, some headed for the gate, others parked, I spoke w/5 young adults, who were from Austria & Switzerland, (studying in Dublin) they headed up the mountain path on foot. I slowly made my way up the path keeping an eye on the sheep along the path, when the two young male students, came huffing down, telling me how exhausting the walk was, they needed their vehicle to p/u their three friends. At this point, I asked the two students, if they had room in their vehicle to include me, which, they said yes, and, it's exactly what I did, I shared a ride to the top, (six of us!) in their vehicle.The Cliffs were majestic, the changing colors from the sun & clouds passing above, was breathtakingly beautiful, the views toward the Atlantic Ocean & water below, were absolutely amazing, you lose track of time, which, possibly the altitude plays a role. There is a observation deck, w/railing so one can safely look out over the area, there are picnic tables & benches available, a wonderful path snaking up from the observation area, once again, more incredibly brilliant scenery looking West out to the Atlantic Ocean. As I walked down the road on foot, a couple offered me a ride back to my vehicle, which, I gladly accepted. I stopped in at Ti Linn's, to thank Paddy & Siobhan, for their support, and headed to Mocklers Tea Shoppe, Kilcar, for a absolutely scrumptious afternoon tea.