The rest day in Ballina achieved what it was meant to. We caught up on all the chores that we had fallen behind with. Cleaning the van, getting the laundry done and just catching up with the usual tasks of life that still need attending to even when on the road.

Despite the sky looking a little unpleasant it was warmer than of late when we set off for the run to Killybegs. The road from Ballina strikes north up the east side of the River Moy estuary. The landscape is estuarial and flat. But this immediately caught my eye.

With no identifying marks I took a photo to see if I could identify it later. Well what a find she was. Her name is Creteboom. Creteboom is one of only three ‘Crete Tugs’ that survive today, making her an incredibly rare and hugely important example of industrial and maritime archaeology. She is a monument to World War I invention and ingenuity and already attracts a lot of interest and is a popular tourist attraction for boat trips. You can read her very interesting story here. Another one of those amazing finds just off the road that well trod.

As we continued east towards the town of Sligo the imposing face of Ben Bulben fills the horizon. It is hard to miss. Part of the Darty mountains it dominates the landscape. The road passes along the western slope. It seems there are numerous walking trails signposted to it from the road.

We dropped into Sligo town. One of our gas bottles had run out and we have had a devil of a job getting a replacement. You would think it would be easy. But oh no. I phoned around a few suppliers to find a 6kg propane gas bottle. Nope. Seems it is too small for most applications. Until I called Sligo fuels and spoke to Ceara. What a complete and utter darling she turned out to be. Her first questions was “is it a south or north fitting?” Who knew there was a difference. I didn’t. I told her I had no clue. “We have 6kg bottles with both fittings so just bring it in.” I did. South or North refers to the Irelands. The North and also the UK valve fitting is female. The South Ireland and Europe is male. We had the north fitting and we were duly supplied a correct replacement gas bottle. Result! We filled up the van with fuel there as well. It was the least I could do to repay her kindness.

Just to the north of Sligo we stopped at St Columbas Church of Ireland in Drumcliffe. For here lies one of Irelands most famous sons. The poet WB Yeats and his wife Georgie. There was no way we were passing by without paying our respects.

His Great Grandfather John was the Rector at this church. The nearby cafe was relieved of a decent cup of coffee, a slice of raspberry and coconut cake and a book of poetry. We reflected and passed time in the church and moved on.

The road winds its way passed Classiebawn Castle on Mullaghmore head. We reach the seaside town of Bundoran. Most of the shops have their shutters down. It looks like one of the old English seaside towns. A shadow of its former self.

We pass through the bustling town of Donegal before making journeys end at Killybegs.

I took Debbie around the port road where I had docked my ship two years ago. We are camped for the night in the Killybegs holiday park overlooking the harbour entrance.

Here is the pilot Patsy Kelly and I just after we had docked.

I will leave you with a few shots from our motorhome. It has been another interesting day. Whilst we dont stop and take hundreds of photos, the changing scenery, the little towns and villages and the people we meet all paint their own pictures. Donegal is often called the forgotten county. I can understand that sentiment.

Todays jouney has taken us fro County Mayo to County Sligo to County Leitrim and finally into County Donegal. I had never heard of County Leitrim until today. Thats the beauty of travel. learning never stops.

Todays distance: 116 miles

Total Distance: 1202 miles.