Inishmurry & Kellybegs
This morning we awoke onboard the National Geographic Endeavour to yet another day of sun and calm seas. Due to these blessed conditions we were extremely fortunate to make a landing on Inishmurry. The energy of this place could be felt as soon as we could feel the spongy earth beneath our feet. The light breeze carried the delicious air to us and beyond. An Irish monastic settlement was established here back in the 6th century and we marveled at the ruins that were left behind from the Vikings who attacked the settlement in 807. The lichen covered walls led us through patches of Blue Bell flowers in their full glory. Circular walls surrounded gardens that had covered almost all remaining evidence of the cemeteries within, except for the intricately carved headstones, rich with Celtic origins. As we explored the different sites of homes, gardens and beehive huts, we couldn’t ignore the snipes, shags, lapwings and oystercatchers that could be both seen and heard along our short excursion throughout this place. We imagined what it must have been like for the monks to live here so isolated and cut-off from the rest of the world, but saw and felt the magnificence it holds and understood why they must have chosen here.
Our next stop after returning to the ship was Kellybegs, the most significant fishing port in all of Ireland. Shortly after arrival, we boarded the buses and headed for Donegal. We walked through the O’Donnell’s castle, located right in the center of town and built in the 15th century. Afterward, we took a short drive to a local craft village to witness a hand-loom weaving demonstration. We then had some free time to wander through town and do some last-minute shopping, for this would be our last stop in Ireland.
Once back on board we graced our ears with the sounds of live traditional Irish music in the lounge. It was impossible to not tap our feet and clap along as we enjoyed the sounds emanating from the 3-piece band. However, all good things must come to and end and as we waved good-bye to our new Irish friends, we were surprised by the local marching band, which had come to perform and send us off. Shortly after leaving the harbor, we made one last pause to take in the impressive Cliffs of Slieve League, standing tallest in all of Europe at 600 meters. And as we sail for Scotland, we leave Ireland in our wake, thankful for the opportunity to experience all the richness, warmth and culture it has to offer. I can still hear the faint sounds of the fiddle, uillean pipes and the citern fading in the distance behind us.
This morning we awoke onboard the National Geographic Endeavour to yet another day of sun and calm seas. Due to these blessed conditions we were extremely fortunate to make a landing on Inishmurry. The energy of this place could be felt as soon as we could feel the spongy earth beneath our feet. The light breeze carried the delicious air to us and beyond. An Irish monastic settlement was established here back in the 6th century and we marveled at the ruins that were left behind from the Vikings who attacked the settlement in 807. The lichen covered walls led us through patches of Blue Bell flowers in their full glory. Circular walls surrounded gardens that had covered almost all remaining evidence of the cemeteries within, except for the intricately carved headstones, rich with Celtic origins. As we explored the different sites of homes, gardens and beehive huts, we couldn’t ignore the snipes, shags, lapwings and oystercatchers that could be both seen and heard along our short excursion throughout this place. We imagined what it must have been like for the monks to live here so isolated and cut-off from the rest of the world, but saw and felt the magnificence it holds and understood why they must have chosen here.
Our next stop after returning to the ship was Kellybegs, the most significant fishing port in all of Ireland. Shortly after arrival, we boarded the buses and headed for Donegal. We walked through the O’Donnell’s castle, located right in the center of town and built in the 15th century. Afterward, we took a short drive to a local craft village to witness a hand-loom weaving demonstration. We then had some free time to wander through town and do some last-minute shopping, for this would be our last stop in Ireland.
Once back on board we graced our ears with the sounds of live traditional Irish music in the lounge. It was impossible to not tap our feet and clap along as we enjoyed the sounds emanating from the 3-piece band. However, all good things must come to and end and as we waved good-bye to our new Irish friends, we were surprised by the local marching band, which had come to perform and send us off. Shortly after leaving the harbor, we made one last pause to take in the impressive Cliffs of Slieve League, standing tallest in all of Europe at 600 meters. And as we sail for Scotland, we leave Ireland in our wake, thankful for the opportunity to experience all the richness, warmth and culture it has to offer. I can still hear the faint sounds of the fiddle, uillean pipes and the citern fading in the distance behind us.
