Monk & Chips?

This morning our tour guide told us that the Catholic church is not as popular in Ireland as it used to be - but this lunchtime sign seen on an American-style diner on the harbour quay in Killybegs is going a bit far!

Our ship docked in Killybegs this morning. It's the biggest fishing port in Ireland. Only half a dozen of the 60ish trawlers based here are currently in the harbour - the rest are fishing for tuna off the south coast of Ireland. As well as the fishing industry, Killybegs has the only surviving Donegal carpet factory, where carpets are made on commission purely by hand. It's a fascinating operation!

We also went into Donegal Town about 20 miles away, where the lords of this area have always been based. The McDonnells built a medieval castle, now much restored. After they were thrown out by the British, the new lords (from Cheshire) built on a Jacobean manor, also now ruined, but both very picturesque. The trip included the opportunity to visit an Aran woollens and Tweed centre - unimaginable in this heat! And we were supposed to finish with an Irish coffee to warm us up, but most people opted for yet more Guinness!