After months of so called ‘cocooning’ as we sheltered from Covid-19, it was with some trepidation that we headed north west to my home county of Donegal for a holiday. Our chosen location had been determined by a road marathon that had been cancelled due to the pandemic, but we decided to go anyhow. And what a great decision it was!


We were located in the south-west of Donegal, about 15 km from the town of Ardara, along a maze of narrow roads, with only sheep and babbling brooks breaking the silence. Our house was spacious and very comfortable,with all mod cons,apart from internet or a telephone signal. A huge basket of turf was provided for the fire, to add to the coziness and to the sensual experience of being in Donegal, where delicious turfsmoke permeates the air.
So this was going to be a time for enjoying nature and wilderness, a time for walks and fresh air and wide open spaces.The vastness of the empty landscape was sheer paradise. apartment.

Just a short distance in either directon was the fabulous Donegal coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way with a choice of secluded little coves for sitting, or vast exapnses of relatively unoccupied beach for vigorous walks.
This particular region is well known for its spectacular historical features.
The Pilgrimage route or ‘Turas’ at Glencolumkille comprises engraved standing stones, tombs, wells and ruins of an ancient church and would take several hours to complete.
Not quite as ancient, but even more poignant for me are the many remains of old buildings in the area, where families once lived and once toiled.
There is an abundance of beautiful native flowers thriving in grasslands.
Orchid Harebells Clover, Bugle and others
And not only delicate blossoms….. Fuschia hedges abound
Donegal is also known for its lovely hydrangeas, widely planted outside houses.
A socially distanced trip to the fishing village of Killybegs, for roadside Fish and Chips beside the busy harbour was a ‘must do’. The fresh-from-the-sea flavour is a dream!
The most dramatic feature in the area has to be the waterfall outside Ardara. It was in full flow after a night of rain when we visited.
This was my first extended trip to this part of Donegal. There is so much to see, so much to do – and this is just a sample of what is on offer.
I am eagerly awaiting my next visit!
Looks like a trip to restore the soul. Beautiful pictures, and it makes me want to visit Donegal all the more. Seeing the old ruins of houses makes me wonder where the descendants could be today. I loved the babbling brook and the rams that look so friendly. Donegal reminds me a lot of Tasmania. They both seem to have a sense of sereneness.
Thanks Darryl – it was a perfect antidote to the confines of my apartment, and of course far from the madding crowd that we are trying to avoid these days. I have set up a new facebook group Mevagh/Rosguill Family Connections if you would care to pop along there to see if anyone might be able t progress your research – although I ;d say you know most of it already!
Thanks for dropping by here anyhow and stay safe!
Hi Angela, I hope to do a similar trip in Tassie in November. Thanks for inviting me to the Facebook group – I’ll check it out.
Thanks Angela and stay safe.
Darryl
galanta!
Hi Go raibh míle maith agat. 😀
Beautiful Angela, love the babbling brook (brooks are often lost in the vast splendour all around). I’m afraid my one visit to Donegal was too brief to stop and drink in the landscape. I hope to do so at some time.
Thanks as ever for dropping by. Babbling brooks are very comforting!
By coincidence, my next blog read was also about south-west Donegal herehttps://hopsskipsandjumps.com/2020/09/18/the-most-beautiful-place-in-ireland-south-west-donegal/
There you go… confirmation that it’s one fabulous place!
Congratulations! Your blog has been included in INTERESTING BLOGS in Friday Fossicking at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2020/09/friday-fossicking-25th-sept-2020.html
Thank you, Chris
Looks beautiful…
Thanks Chris
You’re welcome..
Beautiful pictures – how lovely you managed to get away for a break. It looks a wonderful place to socially distance and get out into nature. Do hope you’re doing ok as I know restrictions are now back in Ireland, take care.