Derry through Galway

An amazing inland scenic journey through farmlands of Strabane, Donegal Ballyshannon and a stop at the Belleek Pottery factory. We crossed the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic several times without noticing differences or interferences. The farms are mainly sheep and cattle with multiple beautiful greens of early barley, wheat and corn. The grazing pastures are demarcated by centuries' old dry stone fences, most of which stand without benefit of mortar. The Belleek factory has a museum and we toured the interior where workers painstakingly made the intricate woven baskets and other hand-painted items. We could not avoid making purchases of a pair of mugs, vases and some jewelry.

Belleek

Samples of the weaving patterns

W.B. Yeats' Grave w/ wife, George

A combination of modern and medieval, Galway is a charming and comfortable city. Spent a lot of time roaming the pedestrian streets, checking out shops and restaurants along Shop Street. Visited two in-town museums and participated in two optional excursions. Able to purchase 4 pieces of marble core from the non-negotiating owner, Mr. Joyce.

Galway

Shop St. Facade

Connemara Marble Factory – Ambros Joyce

New Friends

Fish & Chips Lunch

Pub Night Entertainment w/ singing & dancing

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Gothic Church

Kylemore Tulips

Killary Fjord Lunch Cruise w/ Irish coffee

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Abandoned farms & houses from “The Famine” (ca. 1847)
 
 

Northern Ireland – Belfast thru Derry

The coastal coach ride from Belfast took us through some beautiful seaside villages and gorgeous countryside farmlands. We had an extensive stop at the Giant's Causeway, the most remarkable geological formation we have seen. Each rock is naturally hexagonal. They seem piled on top of one another, but have been formed that way. Take a look at a few pictures below:



Fishing Village at Carrickfergus

Giant's [Finn MacCool] Causeway

Giant's Causeway w/ visitors

Giant's Wishing Chair

A WALK ON THE ANCIENT DERRY WALL

Local Planter & Window

 

Barber Shop adjacent to the Wall

St. Augustine's  Church

Mural: 1st Girl Death during "Troubles"

ULSTER-AMERICAN FOLK PARK

Weaver's Cottage

Ducks at Mellon Homestead

Campbell House

That concludes our Belfast through Derry Experience!

Northern Ireland - Belfast

Here are six of Louise's photos of the highlight's tour of this historically "troubled" city.  There have been conflicts due to politics, religion, regionalism and socioeconomic conditions for centuries.  Currently, there is a truce and a plan for conciliation.  Let's hope!

Murals dominate the walls and change often.

Northern Ireland Regional Parliament Complex

Queens University of Belfast

Remnants of huge fence separating Nationalists/Catholics from Loyalists/Protestants

"The Crown," a most famous pub on Great Victoria St.

Our pub lunch included Irish Stew, Mussels and a "pint."

Stay vigilant, if you choose.  We'll add more from the North Coast.

Andrew & Kristina's London Highlights

What a magnificent experience spending 6 nights with our London grandchildren, Andrew & Kristina. We had the benefit of their many months exploring the city and environs. They took us to most of their favorite places, using the buses, underground and our own foot power. We kept up with them for the most part, although we were exhausted!




Here are some photos our A & K personalized tour.

In the 'hood

Borough Market                 St. Paul's Cathedral

Camden Markets 

Victoria & Albert Museum

Evening Out

Excursion Outside of London

Canola Fields in Cotswolds

Back in London

We've Only Just Begun...

Patiently waiting at JFK.

Orientation tour around the 'hood - by bus.

 

 

Dinner w/ the students!

Senior Splendor!!!