Killybegs
It was worth rising at 0530 this morning to include a visit to the lovely island of Inishmurray off the coast of County Galway on Ireland’s beautiful Atlantic coast. The ancient monastic settlement there, dating from the sixth century, is in a remarkably good state of preservation considering that until comparatively recent times more than a hundred people lived on this relatively small island. The various ancient artifacts also remain untouched – a credit to the families that lived in the vicinity and respected this ancient Christian site.
Onwards then to Killybegs (photo) in County Donegal, the northernmost county in Ireland: politically South but geographically North, as it were. Being able to come alongside a pier and walk ashore from the ship was much appreciated, and we were soon exploring this interesting little town where everyone seems to be connected, in one way or another, with the fishing industry. Killybegs is Ireland’s premier fishing port and the factory trawlers that were the M.V. Endeavour’s port companions were of gigantic proportions. Absent was the daddy of them all, the world’s largest trawler, currently fishing off the coast of West Africa. Most guests availed themselves of a nature walk through the green and lush countryside.
After lunch, buses took everyone onwards to the county capital, where Donrgal Castle was the main attraction. Some went on to take an optional nature walk, this time in bogland where open cross-sections of turf banks revealed its ancient history. Following dinner, we cruised slowly past the Slieve League cliffs, the tallest in Europe, their tops disappearing in cloud. A very enjoyable end to a very full day!
It was worth rising at 0530 this morning to include a visit to the lovely island of Inishmurray off the coast of County Galway on Ireland’s beautiful Atlantic coast. The ancient monastic settlement there, dating from the sixth century, is in a remarkably good state of preservation considering that until comparatively recent times more than a hundred people lived on this relatively small island. The various ancient artifacts also remain untouched – a credit to the families that lived in the vicinity and respected this ancient Christian site.
Onwards then to Killybegs (photo) in County Donegal, the northernmost county in Ireland: politically South but geographically North, as it were. Being able to come alongside a pier and walk ashore from the ship was much appreciated, and we were soon exploring this interesting little town where everyone seems to be connected, in one way or another, with the fishing industry. Killybegs is Ireland’s premier fishing port and the factory trawlers that were the M.V. Endeavour’s port companions were of gigantic proportions. Absent was the daddy of them all, the world’s largest trawler, currently fishing off the coast of West Africa. Most guests availed themselves of a nature walk through the green and lush countryside.
After lunch, buses took everyone onwards to the county capital, where Donrgal Castle was the main attraction. Some went on to take an optional nature walk, this time in bogland where open cross-sections of turf banks revealed its ancient history. Following dinner, we cruised slowly past the Slieve League cliffs, the tallest in Europe, their tops disappearing in cloud. A very enjoyable end to a very full day!
