Postcards from South West Donegal.

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!

The neighbours (Image Thesilvervoice)

A babbling brook beside the house (Image Thesilvervoice)

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.

An expanse of Donegal bogland (Image thesilvervoice)

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.

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A great choice of little ‘private’ coves to sit at …..(Images Thesilvervoice)

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Or great exapanses of beach to walk on (Images Thesilvervoice)

This particular region is well known for its spectacular historical features.

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These are some of the ‘standing stones’ that form part of a pilgrimage route in the area around Glencolumkille. (Images thesilvervoice)

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.

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Ruined buildings (Images Thesilvervoice)

There is an abundance of beautiful native flowers thriving in grasslands.

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  Orchid

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  Harebells

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  Clover, Bugle and others

And not only delicate blossoms….. Fuschia hedges abound

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Fucshia is everywhere ! (Image the silvervoice)

Donegal is also known for its lovely hydrangeas, widely planted outside houses.

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Garden Hydrangeas (Image thesilvervoice)

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!

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Part of the Killybegs Fishing Fleet (Images Thesilvervoice)

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.

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Assaranca Waterfall (Image the silvervoice)

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!