Ireland – Lo Vedo Life

Going back to Ireland

Ireland, 2024 edition

In August I returned to Ireland, in part to escape the heat of southern France, and in greater part because I’ve completely fallen for the Emerald Isle. This year I traveled with my California friend Amy, with a few days at the end of the trip on my own.

Over the years, I’ve found that my preferred way to travel is to pick a place and settle in there for a while, getting to know the place, its people and its region. I don’t really like to spend my vacation time with lots of planes, trains and automobiles. This trip, however, involved some moving around, and we did see some great places.

Good craic in Donegal

Continuing from my previous post on Ireland, this post is about the 17 days I spent in Donegal, finding beauty, history and plenty of good craic (pronounced crack, meaning fun). I was based in Rathmullan on the dramatic and beautiful Fanad Peninsula.

Contents
• Fanad Peninsula, including a good story
• A day trip to the north
• A day trip to the south
• A day trip to see some beaches
• Places to eat, drink and be merry

A bit o’ fine Irish magic

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Ireland. It was my first time there; I went to escape the heat of southern France. What I found—with the help of some wonderful people—is a place that is bigger than words can convey. Magic and energy and connection. Inescapable history, remembered pain. Ireland is a place of striking contrasts. There is wild surf crashing against rough rocks and impossible cliffs, while woolly sheep quietly graze nearby on velvety green grass. There is the historical pain of attempted colonization, while the people are also the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. There is divine music and Guinness on tap. It’s a little slice of heaven right here on earth.