The rough weather lasted for a matter of hours last night as it must have been rounding the top of Ireland as we came into the Atlantic. We awoke to beautiful calm seas and sunny skies as we started the journey into Donegal Bay early this morning.
We decided to see the Belleek factory, some 45 minutes along the coast, southward. We stopped in Donegal for a short break where we all got out and toured this sleepy little town. The remains of the Donegal Castle and the tweed and gift shops is about all that is there. Quaint little place though.
I checked at the tourist bureau to see if there were any Dinsmores about and sure enough the clerk does some walks with Dinsmores. Farmers they are she informed me. Donegal and Dinsmore is where that 1/4 Irish in our family started. Not too sure when the Dinsmores arrived in Canada though. It seems that the Irish have been leaving this place for centuries for a variety of reasons.
The economy here, like so many places, is struggling although the Irish were doubly hit because they also came down from the biggest economic boom in their checkered history some few years ago as the whole world got slammed. I don't think the EU has done them any favours but what would I know? The deep sea fishing fleet sits idly in port as they now share the fish with the Spanish, French and others. It is good for the fish however.
We made it to the town of Belleek where we had a very nice tour of the facilities where they make that delicate china that looks like it was woven. We were tempted to purchase but we decided not to as we don't really need anything else in this world.
Fellette took a fancy to a knit sweater in Donegal and I took a shine to a cap so that was our contribution to the local economy today. Back on the ship and lunch at 2:00 consited of a hot dog for Fellette and a hamburger for me. We were starved as we started out with a light healthy breakfast some six hours earlier.
We had some intersting history lesson today from our guide. It appears that Ireland has had numerous invaders over the centuries as they try to use Ireland as a stepping stone to England. The English started their occpation of Ireland around 1588 if I remember correctly. They beat the chieftains and then granted large plots of lands to favoured Englishmen and they had to start a town, with a church, a judicial system, and other essentials to be self sustaining entity. That time was called The Plantations: they were planting Englishmen in their conquered land. That lasted until 1922 when they became a republic after some nastiness that contined for decades. All appears to be calm nowadays.
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We are quite enjoying the cruise, the journey is as pleasant as the destinations for us, made so by our accommodations. We do not seem to have any bucket list to see in Ireland, just being here and seeing what little we do is quite enough for us. Tomorrow we have a free day, in Galway. We have chosen to go ashore, [in tenders], and just wander on our own. The coach tours become a bit of a drag after a while although you certainly see the coutryside. The fellow passengers are fine, no issues, but they constantly remind me/us how we ourselves must look!!!
Once again, apologies for the spelling and other mistakes that must be in this blog!
Sailing into Donegal Bay this morning.
What one would expect here, I saw one thatched cottage, at 35 MPH, but hey, not bad.
All the properties, residential and commercial, seem to be exceptionally neat and tidy. Very few flower gardens though. The weather does not get too cold, nor hot. Above 20C is exceptional. Lots of rain as well, lots and lots of it.
Rivers run through towns as they have for centuries.
How is that for a good looking babe I met in Donegal?
This store did quite a business today.
The remains of Donegal Castle, I believe I heard that the Irish Burned it to prevent the dastardly English from capturing and using it.
In Belleek pottery. That is a large mold in front, drying for some time before the piece is removed and it starts it's journey to some stately home.
Interesting day in the works.
How they make that weave pattern is interesting, we sat through a video of how it was made, it was fascinating, yet so simple.
Dainty and all the more interestingas we now know how it is done.
Hand decorating commemorative mugs for the new Royal Baby
Fellette picked up this elderly Irish Gent in Belleek. The photo was taken by a gentleman from Moncton who was visiting his son's nanny whom they have kept in touch with for over 30 years.
Green everywhere as you would expect, from the rain.
The fishing fleet, tied up until September. They fished in March and April and caught their quota, and so they sit. I suppose Ireland must get subsidies from the EU of some sort.
Some excitement as we sailed out; an Irish Coast Guard helicopter and the ship did a training exercise as the helo hovered, very, very close to the ship as if to drop a man dowm. A bit of excitement to end the day in port.
That is how close he was and we were doing about 12 knots. It was neat to see it happen.
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