A Horse With No Name

Today was our first full day up at the far northern part of County Donegal. We started off in the usual manner, with a big breakfast. We were all given full Irish breakfasts - very, very big. Satiated thusly, we headed off to start at Glenveagh National Park.

Getting there, we drove some empty beauty typical of this part of Ireland. Once we parked, we rode a shuttle bus down to the castle and gardens. While we waited for our guided tour, we explored the gardens and grounds. It overlooks a lake surrounded by craggy hills.

The gardens are quite lovely, with a fantastic variety of flowers, trees, and other planty things. We all had fun taking pictures, challenging each other to come up with increasingly arty shots. We went on a hike to a view spot overlooking the castle. It was quite steep, and we were sure that Pat and Les had turned around. However, as we were taking selfies at the top of the hill, we saw them trudging up the final leg of the trail. They didn't have much time to rest, though, as we needed to book it down the trail to make our tour slot.

Even though I led us to a wrong turn, we all got down the hill in the nick of time. The tour was very interesting, and took us through the history of the castle. Why do so many interesting places have such a dark history? The builder of the castle took part in the infamous Donegal evictions in the mid nineteenth century. As the crops were failing, and people couldn't make their rents, landlords such as this jerk not only kicked people out of their homes, but razed them so that they could not return.

Apparently, his wife was much nicer, and after his death, became well-liked in the community (employing lots of locals can help salve wounds). Some very famous people enjoyed time at this castle (we saw Greta Garbo's preferred room). We also got some great outside pictures along the lake.

Back in the car, we took an alternate path to go ride horses on the beach. After a long, and nearly fruitless search for riding boots that fit, Carrie settled on a pair that would do. We got our riding helmets on, and trudged down to the stables to get our rides. I was given Murphy, and Carrie, Trevor.

They told her that Trevor was the Bob Marly of the stables, and was very mellow and slow. I was told to keep a tight reign on Murphy, as he wanted to be first in line. We hadn't made it to the beach, and Carrie had almost given up. I guess Trevor was far more interested in eating the leaves along the path than keeping up with the group. Our guide dispatched a helper to guide him back to the group and down to the beach.

On our Horn Head loop, we had seen this beach from far above. Now, we were in a single-file line riding along the waves. There was a little girl riding a pony in front of me and Murphy. Murphy was a little put out that this diminutive equine had a place of honor in front of him, and repeatedly tried to sneak up in a place more fitting of his great heritage, or something.

If the pony slowed, or stopped incorrectly, Murphy would nudge him in the butt (since he doesn't have a car horn). Toward the end of the ride, the pony was tired of that, and was swishing Murphy's nose with his tail.

Though slow, the ride was very nice, and it was beautiful. The tide was coming in, and by the time we left the beach, we had to ride through water where it was dry previously.

After we made it back and dismounted (and mine was as flawless and elegant as you might imagine), we got back to the car to find dinner. We drove back to Falcarragh, and stopped in at the Gweedore Bar. Now, if I haven't mentioned, everyone in Ireland eats much later than we normally do. So, being 6pm, it was very empty in the place, save a few chaps at the bar.

As we got our menus, we were all a bit distracted at the political discussion going on at the bar. One thing about Irish culture as well, is the F word doesn't have quite the same impact as it does in the states. Though, after number 65 in a few minutes, someone did actually say something to him. I wonder if it was because we were there - because the family with a few small children didn't seem to elicit concern. We definitely felt like we had dinner and a show.

Back at the B&B, internet was a bit slow, so after Carrie got her pictures uploaded to FaceBook, we called it a night. I'm catching up on Tuesday. :)