November 2022, Week Four

 Well my lovelies, I've been here a whole month already, and the time has just flown by. I feel more settled and happy here than I have ever felt anywhere else in my life. It feels like home, and I am so grateful to be able to live here. It's what I've always wanted, and I have not been disappointed! I've made several new friends already, and everyone I've met has been so genuinely lovely and considerate. It's a small town, so any newcomers will stand out a bit, and I probably stand out more than most, with my blue hair and American accent, 😆 but I feel like I have been welcomed with open arms. 

Morning Cloud over Bulaba/Bulbin.

 

One of the things I really love about the people in this area is how accepting they are. Before I moved here, so many people expressed concern, or confusion, as to why I would want to live in such a remote area, with no job waiting for me. I told them that I've always wanted to live here, and I'm going to chase my dreams at last, focusing on my creativity as a writer and artist, but I could see the scepticism on their faces. I've been told so many times that I'll never make it, that my dreams are unrealistic. Which is always fun to hear. However, when I tell people from this area that I moved here because I've always wanted to, and I want to be a writer and artist, they understand instantly! There are so many creative people in this area, whether they were born and raised here, or found their way here later in life, so it doesn't come as a surprise to most people. And after all, they are surrounded by this beautiful scenery every day, and can see how inspiring it is. Of COURSE I wanted to live here!
I know that the path I've chosen won't be easy, but I have to at least try, and this is the time to do it.

Leek and Potato Soup at Nancy's Barn.

Steak and Red Wine Pie and Chips, Nancy's Barn.

Grey Skies over Glashedy Island.

My fourth week here was another full one, and I loved every moment of it. Gareth came to visit me and we had a wonderful time exploring the area some more, as well as going out with new friends and exploring the inside of a few pubs. Another thing that people were concerned about on my behalf, was that I would be very lonely here. I didn't think that would be the case, but it's nice to be right!

Standing Stone with Raghtin Mor in the Background.

Clonmany River Walk.

Sunday was an especially good day. Gareth and I went to see the Gap of Mamore, a narrow pass in the Urris Hills which provides spectacular views of the area. I've never had the chance to go before, and we were lucky to have a clear day to enjoy the view.

Looking towards the Fanad Peninsula and Lough Swilly from Slievekeeragh.

Driving up to the Gap of Mamore.

View from the Gap of Mamore.

View from the Gap of Mamore.

Looking out over Leenankeel Village and Leenan Beach, with the Fanad Peninsula in the Distance.

From the top of the Gap we saw a lovely sheltered cove called Leenan Beach, and decided to see if we could make our way down to it to have a wander about. It was perfect! A long stretch of sand sheltered on both sides, with a beautiful view of the Fanad Peninsula across Lough Swilly, and fishing boats in the bay. We could just about make out Fanad Head Lighthouse in the distance too. 

Leenan Beach looking across Lough Swilly.

  

Urris Hills and Leenan Beach.

Fishing Boats in Leenan Bay.

 

Leenan Beach.

After our adventure on Sunday, we went for a drink at the Rusty Nail to warm up, and later in the evening we were out in Clonmany with some friends. Did I mention that I'm living my best life?! I'm so happy to be here!

Guinness at the Rusty Nail, Crossconnell, Clonmany.

November 2022, Week Three

Hello my lovelies! I'm attempting to catch up with myself today, so after this post I should only be spamming your feed about once a week. I bought a new planner diary, and a phone case that matches, so I feel like I have my whole life together now!
My third week here was just as wonderful as the first two; I went on some lovely walks, ate some delicious food, welcomed more visitors, and started doing some studying online! I have to get back into a regime of self discipline when it comes to working from home. I find it so tempting to just stare out of the window at the beautiful view, or to go off exploring. The weather has been mostly good since I've been here, and so I want to take advantage of the dry days and get some exercise. I tell myself that as the views are so inspirational, that it counts as research, haha! I don't mind the rain either, and there is something so deliciously cozy about curling up and working on my laptop while the rain streams down the window, and I have a steaming mug of tea to hand. I definitely get more work done on wet days!

Last Tuesday I went for a walk into Ballyliffin and treated myself to lunch at Nancy's Barn. It's definitely my favourite local place to go, the food is incredible and the staff are all so lovely. You'll be hearing about more trips there soon, I'm sure! The walk there was beautifully sunny, and I got to enjoy a view of the sunset on the way home. 

Crockaughrim Hill.

Ballyliffin village looking down to Pollan Bay.

A quiet moment at Nancy's Barn.

Sunset over the hills.

I have a large patio where I live, with a stunning view of Bulaba/Bulbin hill, and a waterfall and stream on one side, that runs into the Clonmany river at the bottom of the garden. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to be able to rent this place and enjoy these incredible views! This past week my landlord kindly gave me the use of some patio furniture, so I spent a couple of hours on Wednesday sitting out and enjoying the view, with a book and a Bloody Mary. It was a cold day so I was wrapped up warm, but it was totally worth it! I also now have a bird table, and I have been enjoying watching the birds come down to feed. So far I've seen several robins, pied wagtails, magpies, and crows, and there is a heron that feeds in the river!

Bloody Mary and a view.

I walked into the village a few times this week, for supplies and to visit a local pub or two. I'm so glad that I have so many amenities within walking distance, and that the weather is temperate enough for me to enjoy the walk! Where I lived in America it was usually far too hot or far too cold, and the infrastructure just wasn't pedestrian-friendly.
On Friday I went back to Nancy's Barn (See? I told you I'd be back!) for another Tapas and Jazz night, which was great fun. To all my friends and family that are planning on visiting me, I will definitely be taking you there! 

Morning light on Raghtin Mor.

Autumn Colours.

Morning Clouds over Bulaba/Bulbin.

On Sunday I had my second set of official visitors, when another aunt and uncle came to see me. I have lots of relatives nearby, and it's so nice to know that I'm close to my family and old friends again. I lived in America for 17+ years, and it was always difficult, being thousands of miles away from home. Covid made things even worse though, and I wasn't able to travel home for almost three years until I moved back permanently.
Speaking of friends and family, I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for all of the support you've given me over the last few years! It's been a tough time, but I am finally where I have always wanted to be, and I've never been happier. I so appreciate all of the love, you mean the world to me!

How am I supposed to get anything done with this view?!

Paying more attention to the view than my work!

November 2022, Week Two

Hello again my lovelies, I hope you're doing well, wherever you are? I've been living here for just three weeks, but I've never felt so settled in a place, so I know I made the right decision coming here. I don't usually find it too difficult to make friends, but here it is even easier than usual. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, and everything just feels "right." I'm very grateful to have met some wonderful people already, and I have no concerns that my social life will be limited!

My second week here I did a lot of walking and exploring. I don't have a car currently, but there are shops within walking distance, and perhaps more importantly, several pubs too! I love that I can just step outside my door and go for a wander, and every path seems to lead to a beautiful view. Even now in late Autumn, there is so much colour, and I feel very lucky to be so close to both the ocean and the hills.

Standing Stone and Shetland Ponies in front of Raghtin Mor.

Clonmany River Walk.

Clonmany River with Raghtin Mor in the background.

Raghtin Mor. This is my view on the way to the shops!

 

On Friday 11th November I took a longer walk down to the shore at Pollan Bay, also known as "my" beach, haha. I sat near the park looking out over the waves and Glashedy Island, and watched the sun go down. This is where I spent every summer growing up, and I find it incredible peaceful and healing to listen to the waves. My family is from here and I have always felt a strong connection to the place, which is why I always wanted to move to this area!
When it got dark I walked back into Ballyliffin village and went for a pint at the Corner Bar in the Ballyliffin Townhouse. It was quiet at that time of day, but I'm hoping to go back soon when it's more lively, as I've heard good things about it. From there I went to Nancy's Barn, which was open late for a Tapas and Jazz night. I had the best evening! The music was the perfect accompaniment to the incredible food, and the whole atmosphere was so warm and welcoming. I got to make some new friends and I promised/threatened to be back!

Shore Cottages at Pollan Bay, with Binnion in the background.

Pint at the Corner Bar, Ballyliffin Townhouse.

PJ Sax at Nancy's Barn.

 On Saturday 12th November the Glendowen Craft Shop was having an Open Day, which I really wanted to go to, so I walked the 4.5 mile/7.4 km round trip to Altahalla. Luckily it was a dry day, and while the road was very steep, I need the exercise, and it afforded some incredible views, so it was a win win!
If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit to the Craft Shop. I've been a few times since they opened in 2005, and never come away empty handed. There is a wide selection of local crafts, clothes, jewelry, handmade soaps, and even chocolate! The owner, Ann, is an absolute treasure and you're likely to be offered a cup of tea, or homegrown apples when you enter. When Gareth and I were there last week she also gave us a demonstration on the loom, where she and others weave incredible tweed to make into blankets or clothes which are sold in the shop. I treated myself to a beautiful tweed blanket hand woven by Ann herself, as well as some pottery. You can find out more about the Glendowen Craft Shop HERE.
I got to the Open Day in time for a talk by author Felicity Hayes-McCoy, and got a signed copy of her latest book, 'The Keepsake Quilters'. As an aspiring writer myself, it was very interesting and hugely inspirational! Afterwards there was traditional music performed by some incredibly talented musicians, which I enjoyed until I had to leave while it was still light enough for the walk home.
On Sunday 13th November, I had my first official visitors in my new home, when my uncle and his partner came to see me. That was a lovely day, and after lunch we went for a wee walk to the standing stone near me, and along the Clonmany River walk, before a quick drive down to the shore to check on the family cottage. They were as impressed with my beautiful home and surroundings as I am, and I think I'll be having more visitors soon!

View of the sea from Altahalla.

I wasn't expecting such a steep hill, but the views were worth it!

View of Glashedy Island from my family's cottage.

November 2022, Week One

Hello again my lovelies, I hope you've been having a great week! Thank you to all of you who have read my wee Blog so far, I know it's not the most groundbreaking work in the world, but I hope you're enjoying my adventures. I am still behind, but I wanted to share some of the things I got up to in my first week here.
My boyfriend, Gareth, helped me to move by driving me over on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. Unfortunately, it was the most horrendous crossing, and he's not a great sailor at the best of times. It was so bad that I was concerned he'd never want to come back to visit me, but as soon as we disembarked, he felt better. Luckily for me, he fell in love with Ireland too, and already has his next trip booked, which is a relief! We stayed over Halloween night in Blackwatertown, Northern Ireland, and drove on to Donegal the next day.
Tuesday the 1st November, I finally made my dream come true and moved to Inishowen! We unloaded and moved my things in, but after that the first thing I wanted to do was go to what I call "my" beach, and say hello to the shore. And after that, Gareth tried his FIRST EVER (I know!) Guinness at the Ballyliffin Hotel, where we also had a lovely meal. 

Gareth's first pint of Guinness ever, and my first this week.

Wednesday 2nd November, it rained pretty heavily all day, so we spent it settling in, shopping for groceries, etc, and I cooked our first meal in my new home. That was tasty, but not worth sharing a photo of, haha!
Thursday 3rd was absolutely beautiful, with clear blue skies and sun, so we explored the local area a bit. First stop was the Glenevin Waterfall, and seeing it in the Autumn was just spectacular. I think I will be visiting there quite often, taking a picnic and sitting by the river, admiring the views!

Walking from the car park to the Glenevin Waterfall.

The Glenevin Waterfall itself.

View from the scenic overlook near the waterfall.

It's only a short walk from the car park to the waterfall, but it was enough to work up an appetite so afterwards we stopped at Nancy's Barn in Ballyliffin for lunch. I had the Seafood Chowder again, and Gareth had the haddock Goujons. Both were delicious!

Two pints of the Black Stuff at Nancy's Barn.

From Ballyliffin we drove up to Malin Head, and went for a lovely walk around the cliffs. It was getting more cloudy at this point, but the views were still spectacular, and it was a very calm day. I've been there on very windy days and was afraid I'd be blown off the edge! Malin Head is the northernmost point in Ireland, and to make it even more interesting, they filmed part of The Last Jedi there! 

View from Malin Head of Scheildren Beag and Scheildren Mór.

View from the Cliff of Pracha, Malin Head, looking south to Glashedy Island.

Feeling on top of the world!

It was starting to get dark when we left Malin Head, and the temperature was dropping, so a pub with a fireplace sounded like a good idea. We went to Farren's Bar in Slievebawn, which is the northernmost pub in Ireland, and on the way passed the sign for R2D2, a road that was renamed to commemorate the Star Wars movie being filmed nearby. The road had previously been called R242, and I love that they did this!

R2D2 road, renamed to commemorate the filming location of The Last Jedi nearby.

Farren's Bar.

A pint of Harp and a pint of Guinness (complete with shamrock!) by the fire in Farren's Bar.

On Friday 4th November, we went to the Glendowen Craft Shop, (which I will write more about in my next post) and back to "my" beach for a wander, before having a quiet night in. Gareth had to leave on the Saturday morning, but luckily, this crossing was much smoother! I spent the rest of Saturday unpacking and organising my wee home. I love it so much!
Sunday 6th November was another nice day, so I went for a walk near where I live. I hadn't gone far when I found a standing stone in a field nearby! I don't know anything about the history of it, but I'm planning on finding out as soon as possible, because these kind of things fascinate me. I walked along the Clonmany river for a while, and then turned uphill to follow the road just to see what I could see. I am constantly blown away by how beautiful the countryside is around here. I have always loved this area, but it seems like every time I turn a corner there is another incredible view, and seeing it in the Autumn has been especially magical. 

Standing Stone with Raghtin More in the background.

Clonmany River Walk.

 

Clonmany River Walk.

View of the sea and hills.

I looped around to come back to Clonmany and stopped in at the Square Bar for a pint, which is where I found out they were having a big night later on. The current owners were leaving after 14 years, so there was a big party planned, with multiple live bands playing. Of course, I had to go back for that, and had the best time, sitting at the bar, listening to great local music, and making some new friends.

So there you go, my first week living in Inishowen was a busy one, and I loved every moment of it. I am so happy to be here!