Dancing in the Streets !

I awoke to a nice clear sky (well, for Ireland !) at the top of the Island of Ireland, with my hilltop views of the coastline, and out to sea (next stop America !), and after breakfast drove up to the old lookout towers on the top of Malin head , and had a wander around the headland,looking at the stones marking out ‘Eire’  to give pilots a clue during the Second World War.. and then seeking out ‘Banba’s crown’, the official spot of the most Northerly point in Ireland , a weatherbeaten cross indicating it, where people had put coins in varying nationalities (presumably to mark ‘home’ ). As usual I was caught in a brief but heavy downpour, and had to laugh at one of the information boards which said Malin Head got the most sunshine in Ireland ! 

I could have spent all day exploring, but had decided to go to the Fleadh http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie/ being held in Londonderry/Derry…and so made tracks back inland to try and find somewhere to stay… I knew everywhere was solidly booked out but I thought there may be some temporary campsites there.. so drove there, seamlessly entering Britain again, without so much as a ‘Welcome’ sign – I realised I’d changed countries when the speed limits changed to MPH rather than KPH ! I saw some signs for a ‘Family campsite’ and followed them to Templemore sports centre, where I negotiated a reasonable fee £15 (p/night) to park Wally on a cinder area, the secure car park for campers… and had a welcome shower inside the sports centre.. I’d never been to a Fleadh, so didn’t know what to expect…just that it would be busy !

I  walked into town, only about a 40 minute walk, although there were shuttle buses going (didn’t have any sterling though !) to find the streets already busy, with the prospects of more to come later, already there were differing groups playing everywhere, even a lone bagpiper playing on a balcony overlooking the square ! It’s hard to describe what was happening, every nook and cranny was filled with a few people, playing Irish traditional music, and various stages set up around the city, with big productions on…all for nothing ! –as if I haven’t heard plenty of Irish music and fiddle playing on my recent travels !

I got the bus back to Wally, and changed for the evenings entertainment, and then went back into town to see what was happening…with instructions from Anthony for some pictures , although I didn’t get much of what he wanted, but loads of other pictures of packed streets and more music everywhere …even an appearance from someone who’s just won ‘The Voice’http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/118596/The-Voice-UK-Final-2013-Andrea-Begley-Is-The-Winner so, on that high note, I’ll leave you, whilst I’m dancing (and drinking) the night away , Slainte