Day 64
Harbour wildcamp
We left Ballina via Belloch Forest Park. The path runs along by the river, we saw the wreck of Creetboom, which was purchased in 1937 along with other vessels, with the plan to scupper them at the mouth of the river to create ‘sand stops', however the Creetboom was damaged in a storm and has ended up as a tourist attraction. The forest houses a castle, endless remains of the industrial heritage, however we didn’t linger, a shame as would have been great to spend a day there.
The riding was easy, quiet roads, then suddenly we met a pair of fellow cycle tourists, Mark and Sue. They were even heading our way! We chatted as we rode along, all of us very happy to have met up!
We parted company after looking at a Round Tower in Killala. We just needed Rapunzel and a Knight in shining armour! We took a back to the coast, saw where the French had landed in 1789 to assist the Irish in a doomed rebellion against the English. Then we rode to Downpatrick Head. A stunning sea stack, blow holes and endless tales of St Patrick. He either banished all the snakes onto a tip of land, or the local war lord who refused to convert to Christianity, or one of many other tales, snapped off the land and left the snakes, war lord etc. to their fate! There is also a sign carved into the grass which warned airmen in WW2 that they were flying over neutral territory. Clearly this also was a pretty useful navigation aid to said airmen, thanks Ireland.
The Ceide Fields, a system of old stone walls built 6,000 years ago, creating an area of farm land are, I am sure, of massive historical importance, however the midges drove us away after a quick dash round on a rather wonderful walk way.
Again we stuck to the coast, which meant some hills, but stunning views and about two hours without a car in sight. Just the odd sheep or cow on the road! We were riding the Glinsk and Rossport cycle route, just absolutely wonderful. We dropped down to the tiny fishing port of Porturlin to pitch up for the night. The locals were welcoming, Angela happily offering the use of her toilet, hot water etc. Wonderful woman, thanks!
