Tour of Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland

- Backblip - Northern Ireland Day 12 (Republic of Ireland Visit)

We crossed on the Foyle Ferry from Magilligan Point to Greencastle in County Donegal and met up with P & D's friends Colm and B. What a treat to have a personal guided tour of the Inishowen Peninsula. Coffee in Greencastle to discuss the plan, spotting a sign in the shop saying Unattended Children will be given an Espresso and a Free Puppy.

As soon as we started driving we began noticing the differences, particularly many more painted houses, including brand new ones. The cornerstones are painted a different colour to the main walls. We called one duotone Custard and Toffee - it seemed to be quite popular. I wonder if there is any discussion between residents when a row of houses are being painted about colour co-ordination?

Visits to the High Crosses at Clonca (bottom left) and Carrowmore (bottom right), Pillar Stones at Carndonagh (far right) and then Chowder, Smoked Salmon and Guinness in McGrory's at Culdaff.

After lunch, on to the 10-arched bridge at Malin (Blip Advisor has to take lots of shots here), then the winding road, with great views, up to Malin Head, the most northerly point in the whole of Ireland. Famous for the daily shipping forecast reports. I could hardly stand up in the wind when we got there. We found old WW2 outlook posts and huge words in stones on the ground, EIRE, so the aircraft knew this was neutral territory during the war.

On the drive back to the ferry we passed this brightly painted cottage, so out of the car for photos. Once back in Northern Ireland, we stopped on the beach at Downhill to watch a horse and rider in a single cart heading into the sunset.

A truly memorable day, with sincere thanks to C and B for the tour and friendship shown.