Riding Stats (Link to Tom’s Strava)
Accommodations (daily mileage, elevation, etc.)
Route Tracker (track our northbound ride on a Google Map)
On our way out of town we stopped to watch just a bit of the Junior European Surfing Competition in Bundoran. I had no idea surfing was a thing in Ireland but it makes sense. I mean we’re surrounded by water and one side butts up to the Atlantic Ocean.
Once in Donegal we did a quick visit to Donegal Castle, a little gem tucked along the River Eske. Built in the 15th century, it was once home to the mighty O’Donnell clan, one of Ireland’s most powerful Gaelic families, who lived in it for about 130 years.
In about 1697 the O’Donnells and others left, destroying much of it before leaving so as not to allow it to fall into British hands.
Guess they didn’t wreak enough damage to the beautiful structure because subsequent to the “Flight of the Earls” English captain Sir Basil Brooke took it over, did some renos and then added an entire mansion on the left. You can see Basil’s addition above.
The Jacobean mansion was three stories and although none of the flooring remained it was easy to see where the floors would have been based on the window, joist holes and fireplace locations.
This was our first visit to the inside of a castle and we were awed with its massiveness and history.
Besides “castling” the short riding day also allowed some down time (nap for Deb) and time to sketch out the remaining four days of riding (Tom).
Armed with rest and route planning, we ventured out for food and pints. On our way out the door of our B&B, we saw that The Reel Inn offered nightly live Traditional music. And just like that, we knew we had to see what it was all about.
After a tasty meal at The Olde Castle Bar (and yes you could see Donegal Castle in the window) we ambled over to The Reel Inn for some traditional music and a potential candidate for our Pub of the Day.
The trad music sesh was enjoyable but turns out, not all that traditional. However when what looked like senior recruits for the all-island Irish Rugby Team walked in, the fun began.
They were six or so big lads, stood right by our table, and took up nearly the entire pub with their large physiques.
We got to talking to them and turns out they tour on motorcycles and were shocked when they heard about our bike ride. From Derry, Donegal and Muff, they told us to be sure to visit The Squealing Pig should our bike ride take us through Muff.
Cold Guinness and uber friendly Irishmen glad to share a pint with a fellow two wheeled traveler earned The Reel Inn our Pub of the Day. We came as visitors but left feeling like regulars. Slainte!🍻
Towns we cycled through today included: Ballyshannon, Creevy and Laghy
Click on the image below to view today’s vid:
