| Many tourists don't travel the distance to the | | | | to the top of the mountain ridge just west of |
| northwest region of Ireland. However, if you want | | | | town. The Slieve League Mountain cliffs are the |
| an authentic and wonderful experience of Ireland, | | | | highest in Ireland at 2,000 feet. These spectacular |
| continue north to the Donegal Bay Coast. You will | | | | cliffs are amazing to look at from below and truly |
| take the N56 road west from Donegal town to | | | | breathtaking from the top. |
| drive north along the bay. The rugged coast of | | | | When you are on the coast road west of |
| Donegal Bay is gorgeous and wild. The roads wind | | | | Killybegs, take the turnoff for the Bunglass |
| along the rocky land, rolling hills and mountains. | | | | viewing point at Carrick. Once you are at the |
| The sea views are stunning. You will want to go | | | | cliffs, you can decide whether to enjoy the view |
| slowly or your drive and stop often for photos. | | | | from the safe place you are standing, or risk a |
| I have had some of my best hiking experiences in | | | | windy walk along the rather treacherous ridge |
| northwest Ireland and some of the best dining | | | | above. If you are fit and a little crazy, you can go |
| and lodging experiences there, too. On one of my | | | | for the ridge top. It will take you about 4 to 5 |
| trips to the Donegal Bay Coast, I stayed in the | | | | hours for the round trip and it will be among your |
| fishing village of Killybegs. The harbor is filled with | | | | top lifetime experiences. Really! Make sure you |
| colorful boats and the resulting seafood is terrific. | | | | have a camera with you. I did take some video |
| The traditional music is plentiful in this | | | | when I got to the top of the ridge. It was an |
| Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) section of the country. | | | | amazing hike. |
| Don't worry; the locals will be happy to speak | | | | If you continue on the coastal road west of |
| English with you as you enjoy a Guinness in the | | | | Killybegs, you will find the 5,000 year-old village of |
| local pub. | | | | Glencolumbkille. It is said that St. Columba built a |
| One evening I was dining in the Bay View Hotel | | | | monastery there in the 6th century. You will want |
| restaurant in Killybegs and I saw a lively group | | | | to visit the Folk Park, buy local crafts at the Folk |
| across the room. As it turned out, the woman I | | | | Village Shop and have some tea and a snack |
| sat next to on the plane from Chicago to | | | | before you leave. There are also two beautiful |
| Shannon Airport was in the group. We had each | | | | beaches in Glencolumbkille. You won't see crowds |
| traveled hundreds of miles over the week since | | | | if you make it this far west. From there, you can |
| the flight and ended up at the same hotel in | | | | loop back to Donegal town or, if you have time |
| northwest Ireland. What are the odds of that? | | | | to spare, keep going north for more adventures! |
| Well, it was meant to be and I had a fun evening | | | | Take a trip to northwest Ireland and visit the |
| of food, drink and music with that group from | | | | fishing village of Killybegs. You will enjoy this |
| Chicago! | | | | rugged part of the country and want to return |
| The highlight of my trip to Killybegs was my hike | | | | often. Enjoy! |