A Weekend in Donegal

This past weekend I was kindly invited to a small family reunion in Donegal, which is where Lorraine is originally from. Donegal is about two hours from Belcarra so after school on Friday we packed up the car & made the trip up. One thing that I love about Ireland is that no matter where you go, no matter how long the drive, you are bound to have a scenic journey. 

Another thing that I love about Ireland is the hospitality & friendliness. Since I arrived two weeks ago I have not been hungry, thirsty or uncomfortable once! The entire family is always checking in, making sure I am okay. This past weekend we arrived on Friday evening at Lorraine’s dad’s house. Dinner was waiting for us. After dinner is tea. & then wine. & then snacks. & then more wine. Sometimes I feel like I am at a bed & breakfast! One thing I can honestly say about the Irish is that they are some of the most welcoming, approachable & friendly people I have ever met.

After a full night of music & craic, I woke up Saturday & went for a morning stroll with my new English friend, Sheila to see more of the beautiful countryside. After that we went to Rossnowlaugh beach for some sightseeing. It was a gorgeous day – about 60 degrees & sunny. After wandering up & down the beach for a bit we walked up the hill to an old monastery that was built in the 1470’s. It was destroyed  in the 1600’s & then rebuilt as a full functioning church in 1952. The grounds were filled with history & lovely gardens.

After the morning adventures we arrived back at the house with yet another meal waiting for us on the table! & when I say meal, I don’t mean grilled cheese. The food here is AMAZING! I’ll need an entire post to write about that =) After lunch I went into Donegal town with my two new friends from England. We first visited the Craft Village, which was way out of my price range so I quickly found my way to the coffee shop. After our afternoon mocha, we walked into town. I went off by myself & wandered the streets for a bit. The villages are quaint & everything you’d picture it to be. A group of lads started up a conversation with me on the street. After my sweet “hello” they blurted out “SHE’S AMERICAN!” Am I that forthcoming? =) After chatting for a bit one guy asked me if “I’d like a fag?” Luckily I had heard this term earlier in the week & knew that a “fag” is a cigarette. I can only imagine what my reaction would have been if I hadn't known! When we got home I realized that my phone is semi-broken & would not turn on. To make a long story short—MINI HEART ATTACK! After that, another delicious meal & more music all night.

It was a busy weekend but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. This weekend’s adventures are in the making right now!