Woke up after an excellent sleep at Roe Valley Manor.  Sharon was already making a too big breakfast downstairs. Sharon was great to chat with and we could have easily relaxed there for the rest of our vacation but we are back on the road today.

It was windy and cloudy when we arrived in Londonderry.  Most of the businesses were closed as it was just after 10:00 Sunday morning.  We started to walk towards the city walls and discovered we were right in the middle of the 2019 Road Cycling Championships. Lots of cyclists, we were told some quite famous.  22 km road course race (8 Laps total) around downtown Londonderry. The two blocks before the finish line were a very steep up hill.  We got tired just thinking about doing that once never mind 8 times! The Londonderry city walls were built in the 1600s as a defense against enemies.  Even after all this time, the wall remains intact and visitors could climb to the top and walk all the way around.

We came across what looked.like a beautiful church with a large square and sidewlk fountains just between the city wall and the River Foyle.  We went to investigate and discovered it's Londonderry's famous Guilded Hall, their City Hall and it was open to visitors. The lady inside said it has never been a church but one if the building designers used to do churches.  Like so many buildings in Ireland, the woodwork and stain glass were amazing. Inside there was also an exhibit documenting some if the history and 'plantations' of Londonderry.  At first we thought they were planting crops but in this instance plantation pertains to designation of people's in areas of the land.

Onward to Donegal.  We arrived during a festival there as well but found a vacancy at Gateway Lodge - simple reasonably priced room.  Our requirements are generally location, private bath room, free wifi, parking, decent price and hopefully breakfast.  This lodge fulfilled all counts.

We checked in and explored around town.  The festival had the town centre full of people - locals & tourists.  The bands we heard were pretty decent, mostly classic rock selections.  There were many other festival events over the weekend but we arrived as it was all winding down.

Just off the town square, we visited Donegal Castle, originally built in the 1400's and changed over the years & centuries depending on who owned it.  Now many parts such as the gate walls are no longer intact.   Some interesting features were the construction of the wood sections without nails & screws and the numerous fireplaces for cooking & heating.  There was tapestries and furniture pieces from the Castle's history as well as an exhibit explaining the past history & castle occupants.

We followed up the visit to Donegal Castle with a drink at the Castle Bar.  Quaint, traditional var with a lovely old decor.  Cheers!

We ended up by the pier and had supper at Dom's.  Greg went with the beef & Guinness stew - a bit surprised with a pretty hefty portion which included 4 medium/large whole potatoes!  Eve had the Starter Chicken Caesar salad, which was still large (still stuffed from lunch).  Both were very good.

We trekked across the still congested town square back to the lodge to relax....much needed after another busy day!