Coming to collect us

Ever since we started exploring the islands of the Outer Hebrides many, many years ago, we have both loved ferries. We would always choose a ferry, rather than a tunnel or a road. We even remember very well the little ferry across to Skye, long before any bridge appeared. So, how could we not go across on the ferry from Magilligan Point in Northern Ireland to Greencastle in Donegal. This would also be another country tick, as neither of us had ever been to the Republic before. So (passports and) a few Euros in hand we set off.

This ferry is only 15 minutes and doesn't even have a timetable - they just shuttle across all day. There were seven cars on this morning, almost full. And soon we arrived in Greencastle, County Donegal. (My blip is actually on the return, as we waited for the ferry to take us back.)

We then had quite an adventure, including finding that the Tourist Information Centre we had planned to visit was now closed, but we were rescued by a librarian who gave us her own local knowledge kind of information - always the best. So it went on. We had planned to visit the Famine Village, but one look made us turn back and be on our way.

We made it eventually, following the Wild Atlantic Way signs, to Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland and so familiar to anyone who has heard the shipping forecast. Great scenery, but sadly by the time we reached Malin Head, it was a lovely sunny day and there was no sign of the Wild Atlantic Coast I had hoped to see (some people are never satisfied). It was impressive though (see extra). 

We did also manage a 6th century carved cross . . . and a stone circle. 

And we had a first-class lunch at Nancy's Barn in Ballyliffin (thank you to our librarian/stand in tourist guide friend). If you are ever in Ballyliffin . . .