We spent the first 3 days at Omagh Rugby Club as we were going to the bluegrass festival at The Ulster American Folk Park.We were able to use the club facilities and there was a shuttle bus laid on to the park and back.The club bar was open until the last man left,and I heard someone doing that at 5am one morning.
Next we drove over to Belleek to the pottery,then spent the afternoon at Florence Court,and did overnight at The Shepherd's Rest near Draperstown.The facilities there are first class,and as we were the only ones staying there we had an enjoyable night spent in the bar being entertained by Colin the owner.I am a poetry loving Yorkshire woman,but Colin was able to introduce me to a Yorkshire poet I had never heard of.
The next day we drove up to Bushmills and called in the distillery where we had a very nice lunch,then on to Giant's Causeway.It has changed a good deal since we were last there in 1997 with the modern visitors centre.We spent that night at Ballintoy behind the bar and grill,no facilities,but free,and the bar staff made us feel welcome.
The day after we drove round the coast down to Jordanstown,our last overnight stop.We had lunch by the sea,and a school of dolphins popped up to play right in front of us,quite a magic moment.
We had a really enjoyable time,and the only place we felt a bit unwelcome was Portrush when we turned into a car park only to find there was a height restriction barrier.It was a bit difficult getting out as there was no place to turn the van around,but we managed it.
We have plans to tour parts of Ireland that we have never been,but it will have to be next year as we are a bit busy until then,but we will definitely be back.
