clairedavieswriter

And that’s a wrap for my end-to-end of the island of Ireland. From its most southerly point at Mizen Head, I’ve pedalled 733.8k and climbed 6,858m on my way to its northernmost tip at Malin Head

You’ll notice that the sun is shining again. It wasn’t yesterday for our day off in Derry/Londonderry, so we sought shelter in a historical exhibition at the Guild Hall. There we learned more in a short time about the Plantation of Ulster than any UK history curriculum had ever bothered to teach us (ie nothing). A circuit of the ancient defensive walls also offered a unique perspective on Londonderry’s troubled past.
Which all gave me plenty of food for thought this morning as I re-crossed the Peace Bridge on my way north

Joining joggers, dog walkers and the occasional cycle commuter, I pedalled along the west bank of the Foyle with warm sun on my back

Speaking of West Bank, in Derry there were plenty of signs of solidarity with the Palestinian cause

But absent border signs again, text in Gaelic and speed limits in kilometres were today’s clue that I was back in the Republic

I knew it would only be a short ride, so I made sure to appreciate the views

And it was a glorious day to be on a bike – so much so that it’s hard to pick out the highlights, but I’d certainly include enjoying the quiet country lanes

Inhaling the scent of salt and seaweed from Lough Doagh

Cycling past Ireland’s tallest sand dunes

And catching a first glimpse of the north coast – with the Scottish islands of Tiree, Islay and Jura visible in the distance to Bernard’s right

My mid-morning snack also deserves a mention: a scone the size of a farmer’s fist, warm and doughy on the inside, dripping with fresh custard on the outside, served with butter, jam and cream. Did I mention that it’s important to keep well fuelled while touring?

And please enjoy this picture of Bernard in the sunshine, outside a shop in the border town of Muff

Otherwise, it was all about the destination.

The rocks around Malin Head are the oldest in Ireland, dating back nearly 1.8 billion years, and the views from them are spectacular:

Whichever way you looked (note the Eire marked out in stones, to indicate to aircraft in WW2 that this was a neutral country)

And in the middle of this one, you might just make out Ben Nevis, over the top of the island lighthouse

But it wasn’t just the views I was pleased to see

Overall, I can confirm that, to borrow a line from my coffee cup earlier in the week, Today was a Good Day

Thanks for following my journey. Stick around for a few general thoughts tomorrow, or see you back here in July for my next challenge – Switzerland!