A vow to be a tourist in my own country... and county
As university draws to a close, discussions of summer plans are rife on campus. Many of my friends plan to jet off on J1 visas to America, go interrailing across Europe, teach English in a foreign country and live abroad as they figure out what their next steps will be. Now is the final push for exams and assignments for most college students. Having something to look forward to really helps get through the stress of deadlines.
I adore hearing travel plans and I would encourage anybody to do it if they can. Yet, among all the talk of young people leaving Ireland, I am determined to find the beauty in Ireland. While meeting people abroad, I found that they had actually seen more of this country than I had. I made a pact with myself to change that, so that the next time somebody asked me for a recommendation I could say, yes, you absolutely must go to Donegal, climb Sleeve League, visit the hidden waterfall and rest along the beautiful beaches. Oh, and don’t forget eat at the Seafood Shack in Killybegs along the way. The pact is a slow process between juggling college and trying to earn a bit of money along the way, but I’m slowly making my way around. I already have some favourite spots.
First up, I have to give my credits to Killykeen Forest Park where you will find me at least once per week and on most days when I am at home full time. My dog and I are blessed to have it on our doorstep. I love going there, meeting the same people each week and always some news faces too. The trails are top class for running, walking and cycling and can be made as short or as long as you wish depending on where you start from. There’s benches dotted everywhere and ample space to throw down a towel and relax on the grass.
My next excursion there will be trying some kayaking with Cavan Canoe Centre. I’d also like to use this opportunity to request that the coffee man return, or that some adventurous entrepreneurs take his place. A close second for forest parks in the county is the stunning Dún a Rí in Kingscourt, my only regret is that it’s about an hour away from where I live. While it’s a bit far out for a quick 5k, it’s an amazing place for photos and I would always call in if I’m in the area. Fabulous coffee and cakes too, a business adventurer from Cootehill if I'm not mistaken.
With my favourites in the home county covered, next up has got to be Donegal for me. If you want peace, quiet and tranquillity, Silver Strand beach at Malin Beg in the southwest of the county is your place to go. It is my most recent excursion and I had the pleasure of having the horse-shoe shaped beach almost entirely to myself. Besides a few locals with dogs and a some sheep who cut through the sounds of the waves with their bleating, the place was deserted. This beach is a good bit off the beaten path but, if you can make it out, it’s completely worth it.
Also on my bucket list for Donegal is the Sleeve League Cliffs, some of the highest in Europe. I tackled them (or them me) on a clear sunny day and the views were spectacular. They have been marked as moderately challenging. I parked at the visitor centre and walked to the cliffs but there is also a bus. In my opinion, you’d need some sort of fitness level, but you don’t need to hike to the highest part of the cliffs to enjoy the captivating views. You really do feel as though you’re on the edge of the world. While passing through Killybegs, the Seafood Shack is an absolute must. Sitting along the wall and watching the boats dock in the port town is the perfect way to finish any hiking or beach day.
On par with Donegal is County Clare with Kilkee, Lahinch, and the Cliffs of Moher top of my list. Anytime I made the trip from Limerick, I was not disappointed. Most recently, I hiked the Cliffs of Moher. Upon starting, I had two heavy coats shielding me from the wind and rain. Half ways up the cliffs, the day transformed completely with clear spells revealing sea stacks and cliff edges surrounded by deep blue water. On route back down, the new-found sunshine had brought masses of tourists making me happy to have started under grey skies. The cliffs are €10 per person, which is taken upon parking the car. One of the Clare girls had given me the hint of clearing the car of its passengers before reaching the carpark, however I felt guilty doing this. Maybe if I’d an eight-seater. I followed up my cliff experience with a sea swim in Lahinch and a mince pie ice-cream from Spooneys – don't knock it until you try it.
Irish summer starts today - hail, rain or shine we have a beautiful country so let's make the most of it.
* Gemma Good is from Killeshandra and a fourth year journalism student in University of Limerick
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