October to November 2024, Celebrating Halloween and Two Years in Ireland.

 Well hello again my lovelies, how are you all doing this weekend? I hope you've had a good week? I have been dealing with some health issues recently and haven't had the strength to get anything done, so alas, I have fallen behind in my posts again, as well as everything else on my to do list! The good news is I'm finally starting to feel better, and I'm hoping that's the end of this particular flare up. Fingers crossed!
Anyway, here are some photos and videos from the last few days of October and beginning of November. After I was in England for my friend's wedding, Gareth and I traveled back to Ireland together on the ferry. It was fun to have a long road trip with him up to Scotland, and we took the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne, and then got back to Ballyliffin that evening. Now that Gareth has a new job, he is able to visit me for longer, which is a huge bonus. The 31st October marked exactly two years since I moved over to Ireland, so it was a good excuse to celebrate that, as well as Halloween.
Derry City, in Northern Ireland, has a huge Halloween festival every year. In fact, it's the biggest in Europe, but I have never been able to go to it before, so was very excited to see it this year. The whole event lasts four days or more, but we only went on the last day, Halloween itself. You can see more about Derry Halloween HERE. Another year I'd love to go and see more, because there is honestly SO much to see and do, and I loved the atmosphere.
We dressed up for the day and went to explore some of the sights. We must have looked pretty good, because we got stopped multiple times by people asking if they could take our photograph, haha! We even got interviewed by someone from the radio station CoolFM! We had some delicious street food, listened to live music, watched some of the street theatre, and had a few drinks at the Guildhall Taphouse. We were sat near the door, and it was so fun to see everyone's costumes as they came and went. Later, we went to watch the closing parade and see the fireworks over the river, both of which we enjoyed immensely. Then, after we got back to Ballyliffin, we got to see a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis together, so all in all, it was a very special day!
That weekend we traveled down to County Roscommon to see Gareth's daughter and her boyfriend's family. It was a flying visit, and a very sad one, as they had suffered a bereavement, but we were glad that we were able to see her and help for a few hours. I couldn't be more proud of her strength if she was my own blood.

Windswept Selfie on the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne.

All dressed up for Derry Halloween.

Derry Halloween. I don't actually think I look that different to most days!

Pint of the Black Stuff at the Guildhall Taphouse.

At the Guildhall Taphouse.

Derry Halloween Parade.

Halloween Fireworks over the Peace Bridge, Derry.

Starry night, Ballyliffin.

Starry night and a hint of Aurora, Ballyliffin.

Discovered an awesome wee pub called Delaney's in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.

October 2024, Family, Friends, Food, and Drink.

Well hello again my lovelies, and happy Sunday! I hope you've all been doing well? I've been busy with travels, visitors, and family things recently, so I'm a little behind again, but I plan on catching up in the coming week. Expect a few more photo dumps from me in the not too distant future!
Anyway, here are some photos from the last full week in October, which was another busy week. In fact, I was so busy with my travels and fun events that I didn't take many photos other than selfies, so please excuse the apparent narcissism, haha. As you can see, I treated myself to another delicious breakfast at Nancy's Barn, and then I was off to England for a flying visit. Saturday 26th October we got to celebrate with my friends James and Michaela on their wedding day, which was a lovely event. We were honoured to be there for the ceremony as well as the after party, where I got to see some old friends and also make some new ones. On the Sunday, we spent the day at my sister's house and had a pumpkin carving party, complete with spooky snacks and creepy music. We had a blast, and I carved my now-traditional Jack Skellington face into mine.

Another delicious breakfast at Nancy's Barn.

Sun shining on Glashedy.

Tea in Derry.

Drinking wine at Derry Airport. What else can you do when your flight is delayed??

Stunning sunset on the drive from the airport to Shrewsbury.

All dressed up with the love of my life.

Wearing black and skulls to a wedding, because it's almost Halloween!

Swift pint at the Exchange pub in Shrewsbury before the evening do.

Congratulations to the lovely couple!

Pumpkin carving with family!