March 13, 2019
Who doesn’t love donuts and shopping?
I went with some friends to the Foyleside Mall because who doesn’t love a little retail therapy more like window shopping. The best thing about the mall is that there is a Starbucks there. It’s been hard to find a nice iced caramel macchiato in town and Starbucks is old faithful.
March 15, 2019
Guess who got their nose pierced?
I just want to make it clear that this was not an entirely impulsive decision. Alaina was coming to L’Derry so we could travel to Donegal together for St. Patrick’s Day. We researched and found a perfectly non-sketchy and sterile tattoo and piercing shop, Holdfast Tattoo and Piercing. No appointment needed, just walk-in. I meet Alaina at the train station and we walked and got our noses pierced right off the bat. It hurt and I almost chickened out multiple times, but I did it!
For lunch, I got the pleasure of introducing Alaina to Patricia’s Coffee Shop which will be even better to go to when it gets warmer because it’s located on the riverfront. Basically we ended up walking along the riverfront, eating pastries for dinner, and clutching our throbbing noses.
I finally got to check out the Omniplex Movie Theater in town. We saw What Men Want (super funny and I would recommend) and the seating there is AMAZING. Enough leg room for people to pass without them being in your lap, seating that is cushioned, and the seats RECLINED. I know I’m being dramatic but I’ve have never experienced such luxurious in a movie theater. Now, the popcorn we need to work on. Apparently, it is not a thing here to put butter on popcorn. Even the at the movie theater the option is only salty, not salty and buttery. However, there is the option of getting SWEET popcorn. It’s not caramel corn but it’s like they put sugar instead of salt over the popcorn-a whole new cultural experience.
March 16, 2019
Most of our day was spent traveling by bus from L’Derry to Donegal. Honesly, it was a very nice ride and the views were amazing. I am always amazed by how most of Ireland seems to be agricultural. I was also able to experience the border situation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which is to say I was able to experience why a hard border would be an issue.
Currently, traveling from Northern Ireland to the Republic is like crossing state lines in the United States. It happened so quickly I didn’t realize that we were in the Republic until a while later. From the stories my professor tells us about his childhood growing up with the border and seeing how many lives depends on the freedom of movement between the two countries, I am beginning to truly understand how much an impact Brexit can make on an individual level.
We made it to Donegal and with check-in at 3pm we decided to look into all the cool little shops and checked out the places that the town had to offer. But of course it was raining so it was mostly finding places to take cover. However there was a bit of sunshine as we were touring Donegal Castle.
I got to try a traditional Irish lamb stew, one of the specials at Blueberry Tearoom and Cafe, for dinner. It was truly good and what I needed after the cold and rainy day. The waitresses were super nice and seemed to know every local that came in. Don’t even get me started on the dessert! One of the waitresses recommended it to us and to be completely honest I didn’t hear anything beyond chocolate.
Views from the Airbnb 
The lovely breakfast Christina made us.
Donegal Town is small and it seems that everyone seems to know everyone. Our taxi driver knew our Airbnb host and was able to navigate with much direction. Christina and Eamonn were our Airbnb hosts and they were the nicest people. The was nice and we had our own full bathroom!
March 17, 2019
It’s Lá Fhéile Pádraig !!!! (St. Patrick’s Day)
If you don’t know, St. Patrick was the one to bring Christianity to Ireland in the year 432 AD which is why he is so important to Irish history and culture.
The Bank Walk 
Christina recommended the Bank Walk to us after breakfast which we had never heard about. It is this pathway along the River Eske that flows into Donegal Bay. It also the cutest fairy doors and houses all along the path in the trees. And it was actually sunny today! Our Airbnb was not particularly close to town, but Eamonn offered to drive us since he had to go into town which was super sweet.
Nutella Crepe with Strawberries and Bananas with a side of vanilla ice cream 
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate and a nutella, strawberry, banana crepe constituted a late lunch. By 3pm the parade was starting. It was fun seeing the parade especially since it started with a bunch of children jumping up and down chanting, “Exercise!” Lots of cute children, families, and the random tourists like us. I think that’s why I think we made the right decision going to Donegal, it was mostly local people and not as crowded or touristy as Dublin from what I’ve heard from some people that went there. My favorite of the evening was a float from the Bohemian Rhapsody movie.
We spent some time trying to find a spot to eat because you can imagine that every place was packed. Thankfully a table at The Harbour was open. I have to say that I am becoming a fan of fish and chips. Earlier when Eamonn dropped us off he had recommended McCafferty’s Pub and from how crowded it was it was probably well worth the recommendation. Unfortunately, even the locals couldn’t get into the bar because it was so packed. We went to the Castle Bar instead and it was just as good. We were able to get a seat in the corner and enjoy our drinks in honor of St. Patrick.
Donegal has been great and I almost hate to leave, but I classes to show up.
Until next time, Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Ireland!
