Well hello again my loves, and happy Friday! I am pleased to tell you that this post will probably be a lot more interesting than the last few, haha. All of these photos and videos were taken from 25th - 28th April this year. That was my birthday weekend, and I treated myself to a mini break away, so I have quite a few photos to share, and some different views for a change!
About to head off on another adventure!
As you know, I was struggling a lot so far this year, and had barely left my house, for various reasons. Previously, I had planned on taking a trip somewhere with Gareth for my birthday. Obviously, those plans fell through. It would not be the first time that I've spent my birthday alone, but I desperately needed a change of scenery, for my mental health. So, I looked for places that I could easily get to by bus, would be new to me, and where I could do some of my favourite things. After all, why shouldn't I treat myself? No-one else is going to!
Delicious breakfast at the Corner Coffee, Carndonagh.
Pint of Guinness at the Blackbird, Derry.
Pint of Guinness at the Blackbird, Derry.
It didn't take much research before I settled on Donegal Town as my destination. I had never actually been there before, and it had everything I wanted in a mini break. So, Friday 25th April saw me up and out early for a mini adventure. I caught an early bus from Ballyliffin to Carndonagh, where I had a yummy breakfast at Corner Coffee, before catching the bus to Derry. I had another wait there, so popped into the Blackbird for a pint of Guinness before catching the 13:00 bus to Donegal Town.
Donegal Castle, River Eske.
The Reel Inn.
The Reel Inn.
I had booked a room at the Railway Lodge Guesthouse for the weekend, so made my way there first to check in. It was perfect, lovely rooms, and such a convenient location, being very close to everything, but far enough away to avoid any noise. Once I was settled in my room, I immediately went out to explore a little. Of course, me being me, I had done some research in advance of places I wanted to visit. One of those places was The Reel Inn, which was in a fantastic location, and boasted live Trad music every night. Perfect! I stopped in there first to check it out, and sat outside in their covered beer garden which overlooks the River Eske and enjoyed another pint of Guinness. The weekend was off to a good start!
Olde Castle Seafood Bar.
My next stop was to the Olde Castle Bar, where I started off with some oysters, before having a delicious seafood pie and greens for dinner. Oysters were one of the things I had researched before planning my trip, as it had been forever since I'd had any. I was really looking forward to them, and they did not disappoint. After a lovely meal in the beautiful and cozy restaurant, I was feeling sleepy, and went back to the Guesthouse for a nap before I went out again later in the evening.
Selfie over the River Eske.
Donegal Castle.
Donegal Castle.
Later, I walked back over to the Reel Inn and managed to get a seat at the bar for the evening. I got to chat with the friendly staff, make friends with some of the locals, and enjoy the live music. And, since they are open late, the clock ticked over to my birthday while I was there, which got a cheer and I was bought a drink! A lovely surprise.
This is 44.
Saturday I had breakfast at the Guesthouse, and chatted to the Landlady about my plans for the weekend. I had already planned on doing most of the things she recommended, but I might just have to plan another trip soon to see more. I got ready and went out for the day, determined to enjoy every moment of my birthday. The weather was cooperating, and it was a gorgeous, warm, sunny day for the most part. I wandered around the town centre/Diamond area and looked in a few shops, then walked over to the Abbey ruins and graveyard to explore a bit. I love exploring old ruins and learning about the history and architecture, as well as old graveyards, so this was a must for me. The setting was just stunning as well, being right on the river. From there I walked out of town to the Donegal Craft Village to have a look at some work by local artists.
Old Abbey of Donegal.
Old Abbey of Donegal.
Old Abbey of Donegal.
Old Abbey of Donegal.
Olde Castle Seafood Bar.
After that I walked back into town and went back to the Olde Castle Bar for a "snack" of more oysters and a dessert. At 15:00 I caught the Donegal Bay Waterbus for a tour around the Bay, which was a lot of fun. The tour guide was extremely knowledgable and had lots to tell us about the history of the area on the trip out. On the way back, he played music and sang songs, and the whole boat joined in the singing. There was a Hen Do on board, as well as a lady celebrating her 90th, and although no-one knew it was also my birthday, I still felt like I was a part of the fun.
Views from the Donegal Bay Waterbus.
Views from the Donegal Bay Waterbus.
Views from the Donegal Bay Waterbus.
Views from the Donegal Bay Waterbus.
I went back to the Guesthouse for a power nap, before heading back out to find somewhere nice to eat dinner. I had passed a few places that looked good earlier, and made my way back to the Quay West Restaurant, which overlooks the Bay. It was Saturday night, and I had no reservation, but was able to sit at the bar and have a glass of wine before a table opened up upstairs. I had a beautiful seafood pasta and enjoyed the view as the sun set over the water. While waiting at the bar I had been chatting to one of the managers and mentioned it was my birthday, to justify ordering a large glass of wine. To my surprise, after my meal, the staff brought me dessert, complete with a giant sparkler, and sang Happy Birthday to me! It was such a lovely gesture, but also the only point during the weekend where I felt truly lonely. Of course, every other guest in the restaurant turned to look at me, and upon seeing that I was alone, there were a lot of sympathetic looks, and I overheard some comments about "must have been stood up!" It had been my choice to travel alone on my birthday, but feeling everyone's eyes on me, and knowing that they were feeling sorry for me, for whatever imagined or projected reason, was pretty emotional for me. Sometimes, the loneliness can be unbearable, and this was one of those times. I managed not to cry in public, however, and chose not to explain to the nearby tables why I was dining alone, as I simply did not want to get into that!
Quay West Restaurant.
The Reel Inn.
The Forge.
The Forge.
After dinner I wanted to go to some other bars in town. I stopped at McCafferty's first, which was a fantastic old place, but far too crowded for me on a Saturday night. I managed to squeeze up to the bar in the Sonny McSwine's section and found a corner seat there, but left after one drink. I stopped at the Reel Inn again, but it was also extremely crowded, so I didn't stay. I walked over the bridge and made my way to the Forge on Meetinghouse Street. Being slightly out of the main town area, they were far more quiet, and I spent the rest of my evening there. It was a lovely place, full of great old decor, and cozy nooks to sit and chat in. I definitely want to go back when I'm next in the area.
44 plus one day.
Sunday morning I decided to forego breakfast for the sake of some more sleep. (I'm 44 now, I need all the rest I can get!) Once I got up and ready, my first stop was the nearby Famine Graveyard. It was a grey and rainy day at this point, and I felt such an overwhelming sadness being there. There is not much to actually see there, but I found it very moving, and would recommend you stop by if you're in the area. From there I went to the Chandpur Restaurant for lunch. I had read good things about it and decided to try their Sunday Buffet, which was very good. I was glad I had skipped breakfast!
Exploring Donegal Castle.
Exploring Donegal Castle.
Exploring Donegal Castle.
Exploring Donegal Castle.
Exploring Donegal Castle.
After lunch I went to see Donegal Castle, which was very interesting. I do love visiting castles, and it was definitely one of the reasons I chose to come to Donegal, so I took my time exploring. It was also still raining at that point, but expected to clear up later, so I planned my day around the weather. After exploring the castle, it did seem like the clouds were lifting, so I made my way over to the River Bank Walk on the other side of the Eske. The further I walked, the brighter it got, and I had a really lovely walk amongst the trees and alongside the river. I walked as far as I could along the footpaths, enjoying the sights and sounds. There is a section where fairy doors have been added to the trees which I always enjoy seeing, and I was lucky enough to see a red squirrel as well. I have never seen one before, so that was a real treat!
River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
Red Squirrel. River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
View of the Abbey. River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
Fairy Tree. River Bank Walk, Donegal Town.
After heading back into town I stopped at La Bella Donna restaurant for a meal. I was also able to get a Dirty Martini there, another treat for me, the first I've had (other than the Filthy ones I make for myself at home) since leaving America. After dinner I had another nap back at the Guesthouse, before heading back to The Reel Inn for more Trad music on my last night in town.
La Bella Donna Restaurant.
Monday morning I had an early breakfast at the Guesthouse again before packing up and heading out. I had time before my bus, so did a little more shopping, and then stopped at The Blueberry Tearoom for lunch. The weather was better again that day and I was able to sit at one of their outdoor tables and have a lovely seafood salad and glass of wine while I watched the world go by. It was the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful weekend away. I caught the 13:00 bus back to Derry, and found a bar called Tinney's near the bus stop to wait for my connection home. Good to know for next time!
Outdoor lunch at The Blueberry.
Tinney's Bar, Derry.
It was a really great weekend break, and a much needed boost for my mental health. Yes, I spent my birthday alone, but as I mentioned before, this wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last. I have also gone on solo trips before as well, and I fully intend to go on more in the future. It means I have only myself to answer to, and can do all my favourite things, on my own time, without worrying about upsetting anyone else. I do find it interesting how many people called me "brave" for doing this. People either seem to feel sorry for me for being alone, or impressed by my courage. To me, it doesn't take any courage to travel alone. I guess, after moving countries and continents alone, a short trip to a nearby town is nothing! I know some people that won't even eat alone, but that has never bothered me either. I always have a book with me, either a physical paper book, or ones I can read on my phone, and I can take my time and enjoy my meal without feeling rushed. I am lucky enough that despite my social anxiety, I am able to talk to people pretty easily, so if I do want company, I can always find someone to talk to.
I try to make a point to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, and that was one of my main goals this trip. I wanted to go somewhere new to me, which I did. I wanted to do some of my favourite things, like exploring ruins and walking in woodland, which I did. I wanted to eat some seafood and have some drinks, which I did. I wanted to listen to some Trad music, which I did. And I found all of this just a few hours journey by bus from where I live! The cost of the accommodation was very reasonable, and everything else I did was either free or fairly low cost. Obviously, I ate out a lot, and seafood does tend to be somewhat expensive, but given that I was treating myself for my birthday, and I don't often get to eat oysters, it was well worth it to me. I had a lot of time to sit and think as well, and the change of scenery did me the world of good. This year money is extremely tight for me, but it won't stop me from mentally planning future trips. There are so many places I have yet to visit, here in Ireland, as well as overseas, and it is important for me to have something to look forward to.
Hello again my loves, I hope you're doing well? I am still so far behind with everything, and honestly struggling so much with my mental and physical health. It's difficult to imagine a point where I will ever catch up with where I want to be, but I promise I am still trying.
These photos are from the third and fourth week in April this year. Once again, I barely left the house, so there is not much to tell. This is a very unexciting Blog lately, I know! There was, and always is, plenty going on internally, - emotionally and mentally, but not really anything I can share here. My inner world is scary enough at the best of times, and everyone is better off without me sharing my darker thoughts.
Instead, I will share some of the dramatic skies that I captured during that time. I love watching the rain move across the bay, and I will never get tired of seeing the Northern Lights from my own house! I did get out one day, taking the bus to Carndonagh to run some errands, but otherwise I stayed home and admired the views from my windows.
