donaghadee

Donaghadee, again!

~ Ashley ~ 25 Comments

There is something about this County Down seaside town that keeps drawing us back! Perhaps it’s the history with its connections to Scotland, perhaps it’s just a great place to visit with its variety of little shops and places to eat; my wife’s Scottish DNA may have something to do with it! Whatever it is, we’re back again, this time for a couple of days. We stayed at a wonderful location, right on the front:

Five Star Luxury – Sleep by the Sea

We were able to find out about One Shore Street through the TrekNI website:

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I’m not a historian but here are some things that might interest readers with history on their minds:

There is an Anglo-Norman motte from the 12th century. It must have been great defensive site. There has been a permanent RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) station here since 1910. Grace Neill’s bar has been in existence since the 17th century although it began under a different name. We had a wonderful meal there. Here is a link to its website:

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Here are a few photos from our short visit to Donaghadee:

We chose to walk along the path south towards Millisle. Looking back to the lighthouse was a completely different view. We met and chatted to lots of friendly people, many with dogs getting their daily exercise.

Perhaps this is where we should have returned to, 20 years ago! On our day of leaving, the temperature dropped and it felt like winter once again (come on Spring!) Nevertheless, what a great visit.

Ashley

My Spring

~ Ashley ~ 59 Comments

Just before Christmas I came down with a viral infection and so I spent the next few days in bed.  No Christmas Day lunch with family, no wedding anniversary (our 53rd) and no New Year celebrations!  We were determined that we should still enjoy those celebrations but at a later date.  Thankfully, I was able to move the night out we had planned for our anniversary to February, when it was also my birthday.

We have just returned, having spent a couple of days on the shores of Belfast Lough.  First it was a birthday lunch in The Stables, Groomsport and then on to Donaghadee where we spent the night at Pier 36.  Here are some photos from Groomsport:

Having feasted at The Stables we drove on to Donaghadee.  With the skies starting to dim, we signed into Pier 36 for our one night stay.  Here are some photos from Donaghadee:

On arrival back home after our little adventure, I spotted some bright yellow flowers in the garden:

From dark days,
To brighter days;
Look, daffodils!

Ashley

Note:  In case you’re wondering if you recognise Donaghadee from the television, you’re right.  The town was featured in a series called Hope Street and called Port Devine.  The series also featured a pub/hotel called the Commodore which in real life is Pier 36.