A little holiday in Donegal, Ireland
Over the Summer we managed to get a few days away in Donegal. It’s a place that none of us had ever visited before and what made it even better was, we were getting away with family. I had always heard that Donegal was such a gorgeous place to visit, so we were excited to go & see it for ourselves.Β The drive there was a long one, and the heavens opened up a few times, sadly, the rain rarely stopped during our four days but that didn’t stop us having fun.
It was just myself, the Husband and our youngest going as my older children were off to Blackpool to visit their Grandparents. The joys of shared parenting following a divorce! Being away from the children for a week is never an easy thing to do – but it’s just one of the many things a parent must do when you have the family dynamic that we do.Β
We were visiting for a few days but just being able to get away from the usual four walls, the same old street and seeing the same faces every day, was a breath of fresh air. It was also lovely to have some quality time with our youngest daughter and for her to have a little holiday with her cousin. Even if the both of them together reeks of havoc, mischief, and mayhem!Β
Annabelle got to ride a horse for the first time which she was thought was the best thing ever. She rode a Donkey while we visited Weston-Super-Mare last year so she was {in her words} “so super excited!” to go for a walk around the paddock on Texas the horse. The Carrigart Horse Riding Stables do horse riding down onto the beach and if given half the chance, Annabelle would have been off! Maybe next time!Β
Donegal is gorgeous
We took a drive to the gorgeous village of Dunfanaghy which was such a quaint and beautiful little town. So picturesque with its postcard-perfect scenery. We popped into the American candy store and indulged in far too many treats and we saw the cutest little snack van with dainty little table and chairs out its front. It was the perfect setting for a cup of tea and a treat, especially with that view!Β
We paid a few visits down to Tramore Beach in Downings which was absolutely stunning. Cold & breezy, but stunning! This beach is unlike any I have ever seen. It’s almost like a cove and it curved right round to the other side. The next time we visit we will without a doubt explore the beach from the other side.Β
We managed to get a little bit of sunshine when we took a drive up towards Atlantic Way on our hunt to find the Singing Pub. Thankfully we found it without getting lost – Hurrah!
We had some delicious food at the cutest little Irish pub and the kids were able to play in the park outside. Also, can we just take a moment and appreciate the scenery at this place? It was way up on the hill, away from everything below and it was so peaceful & lovely. A proper little Irish gem.
We visited Tropical World which is an Animal Farm kind of place, with reptiles and a play park. A very cool place to visit and we all had a great time. Such a fun place to spend the afternoon with the family. The butterflies were especially friendly!Β
As you can see, all of the excitement and seeing {and holding} so many cool animals/reptiles/bugs & more – she was shattered. This kid slept in the car a lot! I also think her Aunties car has magical qualities because every time {mostly without fail} she’ll be asleep without 15mins of getting in the car.Β
During our four days in Donegal, we did lots of sight-seeing, breakfasts around the table, swung on tire swings, laughed loads, ate great food and saw more rainbows in those four days that I think we do in a year back home in Belfast. We had such a great time and cannot wait to go back sometime to make more memories together.
Have you ever visited Donegal before? I cannot recommend the place, enough!Β
Lovely photos, it sounds like you had a lovely trip! I’d love to visit Ireland! xo
Aw what a lovely holiday to go on. I love Ireland and would love to explore more than Dublin where I’ve been to before xxx
This sounds amazing – I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland! And those cows look so adorable!!
What lovely family photos! It looks as though you had a wonderful trip, I’m glad the weather didn’t ruin your good times π
Thank you!
My friend is from Ireland near Donegal and I have always wanted to go . I really love your landscape photos, what camera do you use? x
Your friend is lucky – it’s such a beautiful place! I actually used my camera phone for these – the Samsung Galaxy S7. x
oh it looks like a wonderful trip! I’ve never been to Ireland even though my grandad was Irish! x
I’ve never been to Ireland before but I would be a lace I think I’d like to visit especially from your photos. The horse riding looks like fun x
I’ve never been to Donegal before but it looks like you all had a great time! x
I forgot to say that Tropical World looks a pretty special place to go and visit, I cannot believe just how friendly those butterflies are!
Sadly I have never been to this part of the World, but think I need to rectify this. Those photo’s are simply great and it looks like you had an amazing time. My favourite is where your little one is asleep… what a cutie!
Equally happy among butterflies as snakes, what a star! Lovely pics x
She was very happy among all the animals {and would have held them all given half the chance!} – thank you! x
Oh it looks like you had an amazing time and so many beautiful memories made and the pictures are amazing
We really did and thank you!
Love the look of Donegal. And the camper van is so retro too!
It is a beautiful place and we only got to see a small part of it. That campervan was EVERYTHING!
Looks like you had a great trip, your photos look lovely. I would love to visit.
Thank you!
What a cute little break away. I myself am jus planning a trip to Ireland also, so this could not have come at a better time. Great pictures too π x
It was adorable and I hope you have an amazing time in Ireland!
Wow it looks wonderful! Some beautiful pictures. Another place to be added to the ‘to visit” list!
Thank you and yes, if you ever have the chance to visit? DO! It’s beautiful.
Oh wow Donegal is BEAUTIFUL!!! Its not somewhere we have ever thought of going to be honest but this has made me consider it! Such gorgeous photos, glad you got some sunshine. xx
It truly is a gorgeous place and to think that we only got to see a small portion of it! xx
Glad you got a little bit of Sunshine. Thanks for sharing the photos. It looks wonderful there. No doubt I will visit soon. My boyfriend is Irish and we are slowly working our way round the country on various holidays.
Thank you and how fun that you guys go to different places each time on holiday!!
Oh wow what an adventure. I think Ireland sounds and looks amazing. It is one place I am yet to visit and I can’t wait to one day go and see the place for myself.
What an adventure it will be once you do go! It’s a beautiful place!
What a lovely looking place to spend some time I would love to go over to Ireland one day it is definitely on my bucket list.
What a wonderful time you all had! I haven’t spent a lot of time in Ireland. I am now living in Toronto so I’m not as close anymore. But I loved reading about your trip and seeing your images. Annabelle enjoyed everything that was on offer. She looked quite comfortable with the snake around her! Not sure if I would be..lol.
She looks so happy to be on that horse, bless her. Donegal looks like the perfect location for a holiday π
Wow, what a stunning landscape! It looks like a great place to visit, love the look of the campervan cafe too π
I really enjoyed your post,Deborah…great pictures as well. How far is Donegal away from your home? Is it a flat ride or hilly?