Ruth Etheridge of Village Travel in Round Pond has recently returned from a vacation in Ireland. After arriving in Dublin, she went north to Letterkenny and Churchill located in the County Donegal in northwest Ireland.
While there she explored the Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland along with the Carrick a Rede rope bridge and the medieval Dunluce Castle in County Antrim.
She also visited Glenveagh National Park and Castle in Letterkenny. The castle is a 19th century mansion built between 1867 and 1873; the beautiful gardens were the work of Henry McIlhenny with plants he collected from all over the world.
Another Ireland landmark visited was the Grianan of Aileach, a group of historic structures atop a 801-foot hill in County Donegal. The main structure, a stone ringfort, was thought to be built in the sixth or seventh century but there is evidence the site was used even earlier.
After leaving County Donegal, she traveled towards the west coast of County Clare and Doolin. Enroute she stopped to view the Slieve League Cliffs, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe with an amazing sea vista and landscape.
Then on to Killybegs which is the largest fishing port in County Donegal and Ireland. Donegal Castle in Donegal Town was the last stop of the day on the way to Doolin. Donegal Castle was the home of the O’Donnells of the 15th century on the banks of the Eske River.
Doolin, located in County Clare is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music. The Aran Islands are just a ferry ride away and she visited the closest and smallest and most beautiful of the islands, Inis Oirr.
Inis Oirr is known for its Celtic culture and traditional way of life. Only 250 people are actually residents of the small island which boasts crystal blue waters, rare plants and flowers along with its breathtaking scenery. Etheridge has many photographs and recommendations for the little piece of Ireland she got to see, vowing she will return to see more of the Emerald Isle. Call her today at Village Travel, 529-2298 to see the photos, hear more of the Irish way and to book one’s trip to this incredible destination.
