The Ham Nomads

27 Jun 2014. <IE> Monaghan, Co. Monaghan; <GB-NIR> Omagh, Co. Tyrone; Derry, Co. Londonderry; <IE> Grianan of Aileach, Co. Donegal —

Happy birthday Warren! Woke up on the banks of the Boyne in Slane. The day looked a little dubious, so we decided not to go back up to the Hill of Slane (as we had been half considering doing), but instead to push on northwards. It was a good day for driving, with intermittent showers, so that's what we did.

We drove north up the N2 through Monaghan (Muineachan), and in so doing drove through the only county of the Republic of Ireland that we had not yet visited. We kept on northwards, and the N2 became the A5 — we were now in Northern Ireland, and back in the UK. Miles per hour, and pounds Sterling! We went up to Omagh, where we pulled in to a park and pay to get our bearings. Warren walked in to find the local Tourist Centre (this has become almost routine by now as our first stop in any town), and to ask for the location of a convenient launderette. Turns out it was an easy walk from our van, so we went round to see if they could fit our laundry in before the end of the day (it was by now after one pm). No worries, and the woman in the launderette showed us where we could park just outside to offload. So we went back to the van, sorted out what needed to be washed (making a HUGE bundle), then drove it round to her. It took a while to drop it off, as she, like many Irish, really wanted to talk!

We then took the van back to the park and ride, paid for three more hours (only £1, which by chance gave us to the following morning — not that we needed it!) We settled in to rest, but not before Warren celebrated with a birthday cake and a bottle of Guinness!

3.35pm came, and we returned to the launderette, where we picked up our laundry and, after another lengthy conversation, took our leave. Our next plan was to get to Londonderry (Derry), then back into the Republic to have a look at a nearby ring fort, Grianan Ailigh, near the village of Burt in County Donegal. On the way, just coming in towards Derry, we noticed a picnic area off the road just south of Prehen, about 3km south of Derry — a good option for tonight! And then, coming in towards Derry itself, Susie's shin started to cramp, so we needed to pull off fairly quickly. We crossed the River Foyle on the lower deck of the Craigavon Bridge and, instead of turning right and following the A2 north towards our intended destination, turned south to find a park and relief for Susie's shin. Just south of the bridge is/was the Foyle Valley Railway and Museum. It is closed down at the moment, but its car park has been left open for free public parking. We pulled in, and then thought that this would be an ideal base of operations for tomorrow!

Susie at Fort (+ Tourists!)

Anyway, Susie's shin recovered, and we drove on and out to the Grianán Ailigh. This is at the top of a rather steep hill (first gear all the way!) and, as we continued to climb, the view became better and better. This has to be one of the best views we have ever seen — it's absolutely magic. So, at the top, we got out and explored the ring fort (until a coachload of German tourists gushed out of a bus that miraculously got up that narrow road up that steep hill). We then sat in the van for at least half an hour and just enjoyed the view, a perfect ending to a wonderful birthday for Warren. when we finally came down, we drove to the picnic spot we mentioned before, and settled in for the night.

Distance driven — today, 138 miles ( 222 km ); to date, 3,292 miles ( 5,298 km )