The Winds of Time

Donegal! The land of my ancestry! What a wonderful, windy day.

We started in Derry, driving around to the Free Derry sign and the Bloody Sunday memorial. I've learned a lot about the Troubles in recent years through film, music, and my mother's dedication to preserving my knowledge of our homeland, so seeing the memorial was incredibly moving.

Then, we hit the road and headed for Donegal, making a stop at Grianan of Aileach. This fortress was created in the 8th century by leprechauns, faeries, and the gods and goddesses of the sun, moon, sky, and earth. The view of County Donegal were breathtaking, and we were even lucky enough to see a full rainbow across the sea of rolling green. In my own, personal, secular-spiritual-religious way, I felt a little closer to whatever higher power humanity has worshipped throughout time.

It was windy!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^

Inspired by the fortress, here's a magical poem:

The wind whips my hair, the gods call to me

A fairy is singing "O dearest, come see!

Come see what wonders we have in store,

items of plenty, feasts of even more!

We dance in the moonlight, her glorious glow,

we pray to the sunlight, pray that she won't go.

You could join us," she sings, her voice soft as rippled water,

"We will welcome you greatly, you will be the earth's daughter.

A small price to pay, the simplest fee:

you must never return to your house on the sea."

I gasp at this ask, for my home I love dearly.

"I could never," I answer, all most sincerely.

The fairy scrunches her nose, disgusted and mad.

"You will never know whats in the world from what you already have.

You are a foolish child," she spits and she cries.

"If I were a human I'd much rather die."

As she flies into the wind, her wings gleaming with light

I find myself smiling, realizing she's right.

I am only human, someday my breath will leave.

So I happily return to my house on the sea.

Next was Glenveagh Castle. It's a national park, one of six on the island, and is lush with fauna and dazzling views of Lough Beagh. We got to explore the castle on the grounds and the gardens surrounding it, finishing up with a delicious lunch at the cafe. I got to have my first cheese toastie (grilled cheese) of the week. It was wonderful. If you want a more in-depth opinion on the sandwich, check out my instagram: @maddieratesgrilledcheese.

We decided to take the 2.5 hour scenic route to Donegal, which was obviously wonderful. We even drove through Ardara, which is the town nearest Rosbeg where my great grandmother's homeplace is. In Donegal, I was able to meet up with my cousins Catriona and Anthony (daughter and father) and talk about our family tree. It was so magical to meet them and hear about their lives in Ireland, and I'm so eternally grateful that the connection was made.

Me and my (grandma's first) cousin Anthony! ^^^^

Great day overall! Windy, but still we pushed through.