The Berries of Higginstown
Our ramble today is down a road in the townland of Ballymunterhiggins ~ in Irish Baile Muintir O’hUigín - or Higginstown, just a few miles outside Ballyshannon. Although the walk was relatively short, a profusion of berries demanded attention- the brambles are weighed down with pulpy, inky blackberries, the dog rose berries are flashy burnt orange, the hawthorn berries are a bright fire-brigade red, and the snow berries live up to their name well- the wild flowers still make a bid for attention but as the Autumn takes over, the berries are winning. Fun facts - dog roses are so called because they were believed to be a cure for dog bites, and snow berries, while sounding and looking innocent, are toxic to humans. Our thanks to Collie, who alerted us to this beautiful little walk - enjoy the -donegal ramble folks!
#Ireland- #donegal #higginstown #berries #rambles

One mucky labrador enjoying today’s ramble in the wilds of Donegal -Tyrone border country.
#donegal #rambles #ireland #Tyrone #labrador

Rainbow over Tullan Strand, Bundoran
#ramble #donegal #ireland #Rainbow

We are rambling in border country today, and on a trail that stretches across three continents. With two doggies. This is the Ulster section of the Appalachian Trail, 457km of the same geological heritage as the USA trail, and stretching from Sliabh Liag in Donegal right across the province to Larne in county Antrim. This is Slievedoo ( Sliabh dubh- black mountain) straddling Tyrone and Donegal, a wondrous God’s-own-country landscape of mountain and forest, bog, wildflowers and big sky.
There are excellent routes up here for walkers, and plenty to appreciate- lots of mushrooms at the moment, still some heather in bloom, 50 shades of green between the young saplings and the gnarly old timers. Two tails wagged for the entire walk, and two baths were in order when we got home! enjoy
#appalachiantrail #tyrone #slievedoo #rambles #findmyireland
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Today’s ramble was thanks to Donegal Sea Adventure who dropped us to Rutland Island, just off the coast of Burtonport. We have reported to you before about the absolute beauty of our offshore islands in Donegal, but what a day to visit Rutland. And it’s an island full of surprising history.
This island was home planned settlement having been established by William Burton Conyngham from 1784, ( hence Burton’s port) including a street, named ‘Duke Street’ but rechristened the less colonial name ‘Duck Street. It had a post office, school house and a fish landing and processing facility - and Donegal’s first bar!
Sadly, a number of factors, including a devastating sand storm, the dredging of Burtonport Harbour, decline in fishing catches, emigration and the unfortunate neglect of the islands by successive governments, Rutland’s glory days were over.
However, there are now new houses and renovated houses on the island, as people are realizing what a tiny paradise each of these Donegal satellites are. Exploring the beaches, caves, coves and old historical places is a joy, the isolation is splendid, the ocean bracing and pristine, and - a bonus- all of the ferries and small businesses you will encounter while visiting the islands are run by knowledgeable and friendly locals, who recognise your value as a visitor and return impeccable hospitality. Thank you Denis abd Donegal Sea Adventure for taking us, it was a fantastic day, made even better by lunch at the nearby Wheelhouse restaurant, highly recommend.
 #findmyireland #Donegal #rambles

Dawn patrol at Tullan Strand, Bundoran - Summer remembered to show her tardy face and the ocean joined the party and gave us these waves. Our morning ramble was golden and gorgeous, and we will be in this water before the day is out!
#indiansummer #donegal #ireland #bundoran #rambles #findmyireland