Killybegs, County Donegal, Ireland
This morning while our photo experts were in the midst of presentations, we took a brief break while the Irish Coast Guard practiced a helicopter rescue! We were happy to assist in their training exercise, and it was very exciting to watch at close range. As the large helicopter hovered just above the ship, they lowered a man to the National Geographic Explorer’s sun deck. The exercise went flawlessly; two bottles of fine whiskey were lifted to the safety of the helicopter.
Today we arrived in Ireland. Killybegs has long been one of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports, and large fishing trawlers line the waterfront of the well-protected harbor. In the older portion of town, narrow, winding streets lend a cozy atmosphere. (Several pubs along these streets are warm and cozy, too).
We had three options to choose from today. Many people visited the famed woolen mill, Studio Donegal, while others visited an archaeological site. Some of us opted to take a 3-mile walk in the picturesque countryside of Glencolmcille, well-known for the small church where St. Columba worshipped. Peat is dug and used for heating fuel here, and the scent of burning peat was in the air. It is also a region where Irish (Gaelic) is still spoken.
The quiet, green valley has quaint homes, quiet streams, endless stone walls and grazing sheep. We walked up a steep hill to a Napoleonic-era tower, then to a meek fence near the sea cliff edge. The vista was stunning: sheer cliffs topped by pink heather, waves pounding rocks far below, and sea stacks just off rocky points. The sky was dark, dramatic and cloudy, and while rain pelted the surrounding area, we were spared a soaking.
Back on the ship, our afternoon finished with local musicians playing the lovely sounds of traditional Donegal music.
