Plenty of undulating countryside and a huge amount of road building going on this country, but made good progress to our first goal, a quick border crossing into Eire. We had chosen Muff as our destination for this, things could have got a bit hairy as Bryn lacked any ID, but made it along with many, many jokes.
After a few Muff shots we then drove back to Derry, or Londonderry, depending on your point of view. I can't even begin to understand the complicated historic context, religion perplexes me, although suspect issues now more in the social/cultural plane. But one thing is clear, the ebb and flow of the recent Troubles as well as the centuries of division have left us with a fascinating town to explore, and one that looks every bit the modern European/British city (again depending on your point of view, which I will also endeavour to stay clear of) Started very much with the modern, parked up in the shopping centre, took a stroll down to the river Foyle and crossed the Peace Bridge - a pretty good place to start the whole journey I think, and one I trust sets the tone for the future (and not just of our current trip!) Had a spot of breakfast, building up our strength to tackle the City Walls.
Took a look at the Townhall, famous for the Clinton and Hume tentative first steps in the peace process, and more recently brought to our attention via Derry Girls. More on them in a moment, but the walls were a literal trip down memory lane, so many seiges of the City marked and accounted from the 17th Century onwards. I really do need to get a better understanding of the deeper history, but it certainly shows the centuries old nature of the feelings. More modern remnants very much on display in the form of flags, murals and the odd bit of graffiti. Overlaying all of that though is very much a city growing into its 21st century modern self, and a friendly one at that, noticed people eager to smile, engage and a real warmth. Yes, people aren't forgetting, but humanity appears to be winning.
No better example of the warmth and pride can be seen in the citys most modern mural, the humour, the stoicism, the simple kindness of the Derry Girls perhaps the real signal of where the City can go, as people take pride and learn from their past. We obviously did the selfie thing, before returning to the modern world and drove back east.
I had noted a big climb on the way across with a pub at its peak, and this seemed a pretty good place to stop on our return. The Pondarosa, something very Bryn Cartwright about the name, and the highest pub in Ireland. A great Irish Stew was our reward, more corned beef hash than cawl in consistency, and right up my street. Good ambience, and set us nicely on our way as we drove down to our Air BnB.
So to Magherafelt and our very functional AirBnb. Went for price rather than quirk this time, so it does what it says on the tin, good location, home comforts. Settled in, checked out Tescos and the shortest of family jogs to get our bearings. It has been a very long day (almost 2 have merged together!)
-Carys-
A surprisingly good night's sleep considering our cabin was around 2m by 2m in size (we could have just about been socially distant if that was necessary) and the rest was well needed for our busy day.
Beautiful sunrise from around 4:30 through the porthole, which was well worth the extra 5 pounds as it was nice to see and look out of before going to sleep, and in the morning after. The cramped space got to us a little as we got ready for the day, but we avoided too many tiffs and got out to the lounge as the boat started to dock.
Rushed back for the bags and bid farewell to the tiny cabin, and soon it was time to exit the boat and get back into our cars. It wasn't long, thankfully, before we could drive off the ferry, and we took a nice and easy ride over the border into Muff. A simple town, but nice to say we were in yet another country. Our visit was brief, and we arrived shortly in Derry!
Parked the car and had a lovely day walking around the border town. Lots of exploring the streets and learning about the history - though I feel I know the streets like the back of my hand no having surveyed them multiple times - not always intentionally - in the 4 or 5 hours we spent there.
It was still very early, though throughout the whole day it kept feeling later than it was. Hungry from not having much at breakfast - I felt a bit sea sick, as you do - we went in search for something to eat. Over the Peace Bridge - which was very ;pretty by the way - we found a nice little cafe where I had beans on toast. That caused confusion apparently, as they didnt have it on the menu, though I can't really imagine a meal much simpler than beans on toast. Fair enough to them though, they kindly made it for me. All very yummy.
Walking builds up an appetite, so later in the day from a souvenir shop we picked up a bar of chocolate called 'Derry Milk'. Hehe, get it? I didn't at first, then felt very stupid considering how obvious the play on words is. Quite amusing.
Seeing the graffiti art and information about the civil war, as well as the Free Derry wall felt very important. Sad stuff but none the less still very intriguing.
I haven't finished the Derry Girls series, annoyingly, but am familiar with the plot, characters etc. The mural was really great - amazing art and great to take pictures by as you can see.
Back to the car to head towards our bnb and say bye to Derry. Had a pitstop in a lovely mountain top pub - proclaiming itself the 'Highest bar in Ireland'. Lovely grub, had my favourite, macaroni cheese and garlic bread with a few shared chips. I couldn't ask for much more though I probably stuffed myself a bit too much. Also enjoyed some fizzy apple juice.
Then it was onto our air bnb to settle in. We popped to Tesco to buy a few nice snack bits and pieces, and some necessities for the week. It made up a nice tea for the evening. Also went on a short jog to see what the area was like, with a mile out and back. It was hot and sweaty but good to get some more fresh air. Again, super tired from the busy day but excited to see what we'll get up to tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!
