Where are you going on Vacation? On Saturday, the Irish Times and Donegal Native ALANNA GALLAGHER had this to say about her home as an Ideal Vacation Spot.
DONEGAL offers a real disconnect, both physically, given the long border with the north, and literally. The county still has mobile phone blackspots and regular public transport links are rarer that the sound of the corncrake.
It might be hell for the locals, but a it’s big plus when it comes to holidays. You have to let go of electronic gadgets, unwind and really drink in the surroundings.
The atmosphere of Donegal is part of the Clannad sound, says singer and band member Moya Brennan. “There’s a haunting, surreal beauty and an earthiness to the old land. Because it’s almost surrounded by the Border it has been a forgotten county, which now serves it well.”
This is its unique selling point. Insiders such as Lonely Planet writer and Newstalk broadcaster Fionn Davenport, who’s been visiting Dunfanaghy since he was 15, believe the county is all the better for it.
As one local puts it: “Down here, and it’s always down rather than up, we don’t call holidaymakers tourists. We refer to them as visitors. And that distinction is important.”
The discretion in Donegal also appeals to celebrities. With the forthcoming release of Sex and the City 2 you can’t mention the county without referring to one of its best-known visitors, Sarah Jessica Parker, who while on holiday swops designer shoes for hand-loomed fisherman’s sweaters she buys in Kilcar.
It is worth remembering that Donegal is a huge county. Hiring a car is essential. You need to drive to explore the place. Stick to the coastline as that’s where you’ll find the real wilderness.
The question now is, will Aer Lingus allow a Cow to fly First Class? I'm there and the article said that Donegal has surfing, I think it is time to try it. Anyone know what corncrake is?
Moora
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