Day 4 – Killybegs, Ireland

It was a short overnight transit from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Killybegs, Ireland, of 192 nautical miles (170kms) where we docked unlike in Dublin.

Transit In

I woke up in time to be able to enjoy the picturesque transit to the Killybegs, Ireland, wharf.

From my suite’s balcony there was a strange site, a number of large white tubes. They are the tower sections of a wind turbines.

Today’s Tour

The Wild Sliabh Liag Cliffs

Stand atop a stretch of coastal cliffs that are among the highest in Europe, an exhilarating experience that will feel as if you’re at the very edge of the world. The towering Sliabh Liag Cliffs—also called the Slieve League Cliffs—plummet straight down to the sea in one of the most remote areas of County Donegal. Almost three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher, Sliabh Liag presents panoramic views of a wild, absolutely pristine landscape that are stunning beyond words. On a clear day, you can see the town of Sligo and the Mayo Mountains across the sea to the south. The guide will offer a historical perspective that may reference ancient stone still is that suggest the cliffs may have once been a pilgrimage site. Later, you will have time to reflect on the experience while enjoying scones and a beverage at the Tí Linn Café & Craft Shop.

• Take in the stunning views while standing atop one the highest coastal cliffs in Europe.
• Gain a historical perspective of the wild, isolated cliffs that may have been a pilgrimage site.
• Reflect on the experience while enjoying a snack at a nearby café and craft shop.

Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour includes approximately 2 hours of moderate uphill walking/standing; There will be some inclines, steps and cobblestone surfaces to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns who are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability.

On a pleasantly cool, 16⁰C (61⁰F), overcast day we drove through the countryside to the Slieve League Cliffs Centre / Ti Linn Cafe & Gift Shop. This is how I imagined the countryside of Ireland to look. To get up to the Cliffs we need to change buses to a smaller vehicle which meant we had a chance to have a cuppa (tea) and a very yummy scone.

The Sliabh Liag Cliffs are the second highest cliffs in Ireland at 601m (1,972ft) and among some of the highest in Europe. This is definitely a place to visit, not sure my pics will do the place justice.

This is the guy we passed on the way up to Bunglass Point he walked the full 3.4kms up a decent incline. He then continued up the walking trail as far as he could go with his walker. Legend!

Eire Marker 71

On the way back to Ti Linn we passed Eire Marker 71 which is one of the markers constructed along the coast Ireland to assist flyers during WWII identify where they were when the reached the coast. 83 of these markers were constructed at the request of the US, they helped to prevent the aircraft in transit to the UK landing in neutral Ireland. Although there was apparently a deal done, in secret, later in WWII to allow Allied aircraft to land in Ireland if necessary.

This was a great tour, enjoyed the scenery, the stroll and the fresh air. We were lucky that the rain held off until we got back to the ship.

Irish Tour Guides

One thing to note is that all the tour guides Ireland and Northern Ireland must have the same “dad joke” joke book. Every one of them started with the same joke about the Coach Driver just receiving his license either that morning or the day before… All the Coach Drivers we had in all three ports were excellent, how they get their large coaches into the places they do without any difficulty needs to be commended.

I had planned to head into Killybegs for lunch after the tour, unfortunately had to put that plan on hold as it started to rain. Next time!

Sail Away

Ireland is probably more picturesque than most realise. My pictures don’t do it justice.

Sliabh Liag Cliffs

As we sailed away from Killybegs we could see the Sliabh Liag Cliffs, gives you more of a perspective of how high they are.

Thanks Killybegs and Ireland, see you next time.

Dinner

Tonight’s dinner was back in Chartreus, time to step the wine up a bit and bring out one of the bottles I bought with me.

The White Wine

Les Hors Dóeuvres

The Red Wine

Les Soups

Les Viandes

Les Desserts

The Dessert Wine

Not far from my table there was an interesting looking bottle of something “red”. The guy at the next table (Bob, we became friends shortly after this at a wine lunch) was intrigued as well so he decided to have a glass of it. The wine was a French Fortified Grenache. Seemed rude to make the Sommelier push the cart all of 3 metres for just one glass, so I gave it a go as well. I am very glad that I did.

To extract the wine, the Sommelier had to use a wine thief, think this is the first time I have seen one used in a restaurant. At first I thought (and I found out later Bob thought the same thing) were only getting a small amount of the wine, I was wrong we ended up with a very full glass.

BTW, this was not included as one of the wines so had to pay USD12 a glass for it.

Chartreus

Another great meal at Chartreus, I was surprised that this was not more popular as I was usually able to get a table every time I asked, even for larger groups, where as Prime, which is equally good, was always booked out.

Another Gift

When I returned to my cabin I found another present from Regent, two engraved Waterford Cristal tumblers. Thanks Regent, no idea when I will use them, I am sure I will find an excuse soon enough.

Killybegs

What a great town, the only downside is that the restaurant I was looking forward to dining at was closed even though there was Cruise Ship in town. I would have gone even with the rain.

Spending a few quite moments just sitting on the rocks over looking Sliabh Liag Cliffs is something I recommend.

I would like to do a road trip around Ireland some day and would be making sure I spend more time in Killybegs, just not on a Tuesday!

Thanks Ireland, see you next time.

Oz’s Cruise Tips

On some cruise lines, especially the inclusive lines like Regent, they allow you to bring your own wine and spirits. Royal Caribbean allow you to bring on a bottle of wine per passenger, maybe more for longer sailings, but not spirits.

I recommend checking your Cruise Lines T’s & C’s as bringing a bottle or seven (as I did this time) of your own wine can add to the fun. Also, the Sommeliers do enjoy trying new wines and are known to reciprocate with a glass or two (maybe a bottle if you are lucky) of wine that is not on the list.

Cheers!

Next up the North Atlantic Ocean (one more Ocean to go) and a few sea days!