A long day of driving has bought us into Northern Ireland, which I thought might at least be sign posted, but to no avail. The first I knew that we were in Northern Ireland was when we went to buy coffee and needed pounds instead of Euros. The rain stopped this morning, which made our drive beautiful.
We have just settled in a lovely Hotel in Maghera in County Derry, where B and B’s are a scarcity leaving the lovely memories of our “mad” range of hosts in the Republic. What a crew they were, ranging from Basil Faulty to Hyacinth Bouquet, each with their own set of memories and each one very memorable.
Connell, our last host in Clifden was the postman, the deliver of confidential government documents, and on occasion’s money to the banks. Not too mention Basil Faulty at our B and B, which erupted this morning when he had more than 4 guests for breakfast. It was pandemonium, and he managed to set the kitchen on fire while out talking to us. He called on the help of his 13-year-old neighbor Janine who had obviously just stumbled out of bed and got all the orders mixed up which we thought was hilarious. However the American, and French couple looked like they had sucked very sour lemons and left.
We leave the west coast of the Republic with our pockets still full of Euros and our hearts full of laughter and fun for all the characters we have met. I feel kind of sad actually that this part of our journey has ended. The Irish people we have met on this leg of our journey, have remained authentic to their reputation, they are warm, friendly and gregarious people who despite the despair of their economy have a bounce in their step and a warm hand to shake.
The political and economic commentators report worse to come for this country, and forecast a severe impact that Greece’s debt will have on the EU. Granted, this influence will pan out as it is destined, but it is the attitude of the Irish, like the Kiwi’s, that will sustain the important qualities of life
I could live here in a flash, except for a few things. You realize the privileged life we have in New Zealand from many angles, and I mean this with sincere respect to our new Irish friend’s and family. Our families, our friends and doing the work we love are our highly regarded treasures.
So we left Clifden (and Connell) at 10.00am and travelled through Joyce County heading inland towards the East, up through Ballinrobe, Scarduan, Knock, Kilkelly, Tubbercurry and fanged the Audi up to Sligo. East again to Manorhamilton and crossed into Northern island at Garrison. Steadily climbing east around the Lower Lough Erne paying respects to our friends, family and colleagues in Christchurch, at the Tobernalt Holly Well (Photo of Marty lighting a candle). Up through Omagh and arriving here at Maghera at 6.00pm.
We are staying at Walsh’s Hotel in Maghera, and it is a lovely old Hotel that has just served us a great pub meal and an ongoing supply of booze. Tired from our long day driving we have decided to base ourselves at this Hotel for 3 days as it is in close proximity to the places we want to visit here. Namely looking up the one “William Arrell” we have found in the phone book. That’s pretty exciting don’t you think?
We hope you have enjoyed the photos of our West Coast Trip. We of course have thousands more but it is a case of using WI FI wisely as it is precious resource here, that cuts you off every 5 mins when down loading photo’s. I have been known to swear loudly when this happens and it just pisses me off, some hope you have been able to share some of our experience through the photos.
Love to you xxx
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