West to Westport

Wednesday August 30, 2023

We took off this morning in a light misty rain.  Our tour director PJ, says the weather has been unseasonably wet and cool for this time of year, but it hasn't bothered us so far.

 

We stopped in Donegal at a 5th generation family- owned business called Triona.   They treated us to Irish coffee as they demonstrated the art of handweaving, using lambswool and an elaborate century-old loom.  Denis (one of the family who is 75 years old) worked the loom with his expert skill.

They produce fabric which is then tailored into capes, blazers, jackets, scarves, etc. with beautiful craftsmanship and top quality.

I made the mistake of trying on a cape, made with dyed wool of their secret family recipe for the dye, inspired by the heather on the hills of Ireland.   It's coming home with me.  However, I'm worried that my suitcase is shrinking....

We saw the Donegal Castle which sits right on the street in the center of town, but no time for a tour.

We were surprised to see evidence of fall arriving with the changing leaves.

We headed west through some beautiful countryside and hills on our way to Westport.

It was a longer drive than usual, but we are now back in the Republic of Ireland, in County Mayo.  We are staying at the Wyatt hotel, right on the town square (really an octagon) in Westport.  There will be more time to explore tomorrow.

And Happy birthday to son Tom!  We are drinking a Guinness in his honor !