On to County Donegal Cont.

After leaving Grianan of Aileach and our instruction in Irish fire fighting tools, We arrived at the Glenveagh National  Park.  Getting there, we crossed back into the Republic of Ireland.  Sean’s border trick didn’t work the second time.  On the way up from Dublin to Belfast, Sean warned us to  have our passports ready as we approached Northern Ireland.  As we were rooting around looking for them, he announced, “we are in Northern Ireland,” of course we didm’t need passports, open border.  Groans all around.  

Back in the Republic, Glenveagh is one of six national parks of Ireland.

 http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/ 

The castle on the property was built by John Adair, who evicted some 244 Irish from the homes and destroyed their dwellings so they would not interfere with his views.  A well loved individual.  Mr. Adair died relatively young, maybe divine retribution? http://www.movilleinishowen.com/history/moville_heritage/land_lords/john_george_adair.htm 

http://www.monikie.org.uk/jamesmurrayassassination.htm  

http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/derryveagh-evictions.html

A beautiful walk up to the Glenveagh Castle..

 

Some views of the grounds of the manor house or castle as the case may be:

 

Jeannie tiptoeing under the arbor.  

 

From Glenveagh, we rode to the quaint village of Ardara, still in Co. Donegal.  We spent the night at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel and had a very nice dinner at Nancy’s Pub.  Next a nice morning walk around Ardara, a weaver and the cliffs of Sliabh Liag.