Headed out to our next stop. We rode to a place called Slieve League Cliffs. These are the tallest cliffs in Europe rising 1900 ft over the north Atlantic. Very rugged and windy. Arrived at a charming cafe and craft shop. From there we had to climb onto a mini tour bus. Once we got started up the mountain, we could understand why we downsized our transportation. The road was very narrow and steep. Farmers let their sheep free range over the mountains. At the top we stopped for photos. Not too many people stayed outside for long. The wind was brutal (even by the locals standards). Once we returned to the cafe, the owners treated the group to hot tea/coffee and fresh baked scones. It was delicious and hit the spot. After perusing the craft shop, we walked out with a couple of purchases. The owner's mother painted watercolor Irish thatched cottages. We each had to get one of those! Now off we go again like a herd of turtles...to Ardara through the Glengesh Pass to the Triona Design Center.
Arrived in Ardara and the shop owners demonstrated the art of weaving tweeds. They do all the master tweed from start to finish. They showed us how the weavers sit and can weave up to 96 yds of cloth in a week. The cloth is then sent 20 miles down the road to be washed. This brings out the natural oils, color and texture of the cloth. They have their own patterns and seamstress in the lower level that cut and make their designs. Beautiful tweed coats, dresses and capes. Of course, we had to purchase a couple of things. Lol!
We now are headed back to Donagel to explore the Donagel castle. This castle sits in the middle of town. It was built in the 1400's by the O'Donnell clan. In the 1600's the castle was given to the Brooks from England. They " remodeled" the castle to add a manor house and larger windows. After a 45 minute tour, we had free time to walk around town. However, with the weather as cold as it is, we opted to return to the hotel for a nice cup of tea and a snack.
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