We leave our accommodation and head south towards the southern border of County Antrim.
There is a strong west wind blowing. It whips the waters around Belfast port into white waves and gives the trees a good workout. It is dry. A few spots of early morning drizzle quickly peter out. A quick call is made to BMW Belfast to pick up a part for my bike. What a great bunch of people there. Friendly and helpful. After an hour of chatting we move on.
We skirt along the borders of Counties Down and Armagh touching on the southern shore of Lough Neagh. It is the largest lake in the UK.
The wind buffets us strongly and brings a chill with it off the lough. We have to slow down to stay sfae in the wind.
Passing the towns of Lurgan, Craigavon, and Portadown, we skirt around Armagh in rolling green pasture land. Much slurry has been spread upon the fields. The nasal attack proves it.
Time for a break. Finding nothing in the pretty town of Markethill we press on to Keady and find a small cafe. We stop for a coffee and slice of something nice.
Continuing southwest, it is a short distance to the border. We cross into the Irish Republic and enter County Monaghan. The road signs turn from MPH to km/hr. The traffic noticeably quiets.
At the border the road changes from the C196 to the L3530. Same road. Different name.
The road winds its way through verdant green farmland. Ballybay has its bunting strung up. This is music festival season.
We cross into County Cavan and pass through the town of Cootehill. The very impressive St. Michael’s Church dominates the landscape. It is a big church for such a smallish town. You can’t miss it as you pass through.
We arrive in Cavan town itself. It is clearly the largest town in this region. It is bustling with shoppers. We park the bikes and find another cafe for a coffee and a sandwich. Hanging baskets of flowers are everywhere. Much care has been taken to present the town at its very best.
The wind still whips up the parasols in the cafe, and the clouds fly by at some speed. Threatening clouds are whisked away. Out of the wind, the 20°C temperature feels rather nice. In the wind, the chill drops it substantially.
Leaving Cavan heading southwest, we pass through Bellanagh. Then we leave the N55 onto the L2514. This is a road much less traveled. It is tough going on the backside, being very uneven in places, but the views over the pastures are beautiful.
We pass a myriad of lakes and Loch Gowna. The banks are dotted with fishermen trying their luck. It looks idyllic. The wind must be giving them some challenges, I would think.
We pass into County Longford and journey’s end at the Farnaught Farmhouse in County Leitrim.
As we pull in, we are greeted by Gerry the farmer and his two elderly collies. They bring a toy bone with them and want to play a game of fetch. Of course, we oblige.
The afternoon sun is giving way to the evening now. A cup of tea on the patio out back and a chance to air out biker’s apparel are both taken. Time to relax and reflect on the day once more. This is a part of Ireland through which I have never been. I can’t say I have ever heard of the places we went through. I have no idea what to expect. Clearly, this is prime farm country. Mainly dairy it would seem.
We continue tomorrow and shall see what the day brings. More new territory for me at any rate.
Woodend Wanderer 