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June 27, 2018
Éamonn (our house guest) left early this morning and the forecast called for a scorcher, so we headed out a bit early today. We made our way to the pier in Donegal Town where we booked the Waterbus for 2:30 PM. The last time I took the Waterbus was 18 years ago! The waterfront is very different now. The parking area is dominated by the new Tourist Information office, the Waterbus office is in the old Tourist Information building and the car park now charges for parking.
With our Waterbus tickets purchased we could now plan the rest of our day and headed out to find parking near Donegal Castle. We found a lot of parking on Marian Villas (across the river behind the castle) where 30 minutes of parking costs 50 cents (coins only).
We arrived at Donegal Castle about 10:45 after a brief snack break at Timoney’s Spar across from the castle. We paid €10 cash for Sarah and me (no credit cards) and again children under 12 were free. We were also able to join a guided tour just as it was starting.
The Gate House of Donegal Castle
Finishing our snacks outside the gate to Donegal Castle
This is a long list of available languages!
I was happy to see a guided tour as we had never had one before. While the tour didn’t last long it does make for a better visit than the self-guided tour. The children both enjoyed the children’s scavenger hunt as well as the tour and castle building.
Donegal Castle
The tower of Donegal Castle
The 17th Century Manor House at Donegal Castle
The Hall of Donegal Castle
The inside of the Manor House
Scavenger Hunting at Donegal Castle
The main fireplace at Donegal Castle
The Tower of Donegal Castle
The Upper Chamber of Donegal Castle
The courtyard and gate house
When we were ready to leave the castle it was too early for lunch so my family patiently accompanied me tweed shopping. I stopped into Magee’s on the Diamond but strangely they didn’t have a very large selection of tweed so we went into Irish House a few storefronts down which sells Triona Tweed (it is owned by Triona). I’m really glad that we did stop in here because they actually had a smaller size jacket than the other shops we had visited and I found a jacket that fits! Not only that but they shipped it to the U.S. and took the V.A.T. payment off for me in the store. I was very pleased with the service at this shop. It was also nice to discover that in addition to Triona Tweed (from Ardara) they also sell Fishermen Out of Ireland sweaters (from Cill Chartha).
After Irish House we walked around the corner to one of my favorites, the Blueberry Tea Room. The whole family enjoyed their meals here and the staff were great with the children. Though we arrived fairly early for lunch (about noon) the place was already almost full and only got busier as we ate our meals.
Me and Liam waiting for our food at the Blueberry Tea Room
Our lunch at Blueberry Tea Room
The day was already very hot (28°) when we finished lunch. We had an hour and a half before our boat sailed, so we moved our car to the car park at the pier (1 hour for 30 cents) and went to Donegal Friary. Unfortunately they were cutting the grass and trimming the hedges so it cut our visit short. We opted for sitting in the shade near the entrance to the Abbey and the break from the sun was much needed.
The children have always loved the miniature features at Donegal Friary
The ground on the eastern side of the monastery has obviously risen. Unless the monks were REALLY short.
The children do have lots of questions about the low doorways though.
The Nave of Donegal Friary
Seriously, how short were these guys?
Donegal Friary
The children pose as Aodh Rua while we wait for the Waterbus
Aodh Rua Ua Domhnaill – The builder of Donegal Castle and Donegal Friary – stands guard at the end of the pier in Donegal Town
Watching these two prepare to snorkel in the Bay while the tide was out was a perfect way to pass the time as we waited to board the Waterbus.
At 2 PM we went to the Waterbus (boarding is 2:15) and the line was already forming. Fortunately we were still near the front, as there is an air conditioner in the lower level and I thought the kids would be miserable on the top level (it is uncovered). I am happy to say that the boat tour was a hit, both children and Sarah enjoyed it. For me it is almost exactly 18 years since I last took this tour. I very much enjoyed the boat that day and especially seeing the seals and so did the family today. It is a much larger boat now and a much larger operation than my last visit though.
Liam watches Donegal Town fade away as the Waterbus leaves the pier
On the way out there is a narrative as you pass the different places on the shore. On the return trip he sings Tommy Makem/Clancy Bros. tunes.
Donegal Bay
Donegal Town and the Blue Stacks as seen from the Bay
The old Ball Hill Youth Hostel where I stayed in 2000. It closed in 2004 and is now abandoned, such a waste.
The seals of Donegal sunning themselves.
By the time we got back to the pier it was 30° and we were all worn out. This was the point where we took advantage of the air conditioning in the car and returned to the house for some relaxation and some hurling.
As you can see the hurling is getting better.
Liam’s Highlight of the Day: The Waterbus
Fionnuala’s Highlight of the Day: Putting money in the tip box on the Waterbus
Gaeilge Experience: Only the TV today.
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