Carndonagh – Inishowen June 2013

I mentioned in my Dad’s 60th Scrapbook entry that his parents were originally from Ireland,

My gran was 6 months pregnant with my dad when they all moved to Scotland, so Dad had never been to Ireland

So for his 65th Birthday in September given as I also mentioned how difficult he is to buy for, also the fact 

that he has been really good at helping us over the years me and my partner Ian decided to take Dad over to Ireland for his birthday

but given the organising it needed we initially decided Spring 2013 but had to push it back to June (Thank Goodness we did as the weather was fantastic, not one drop of rain the whole week)

Anyway I booked a Cottage (Erin Cottage) in Carndonagh County Donegal (My grandparents home town)

 

 

Front View of Erin Cottage Stunning wee cottage and the owners were so hospitable couldnt wish for more.

  

Erin Cottage in Carndonagh the sunsetting view from our backgarden

 

 

 

  

John McClure ( Dad’s cousin) drives the fighter plane which protects Air Force One

My Dad’s grandparents John McClure & Elizabeth McClure (nee McCloskey)

My Big Cousin Maureen at 8months old

Mary (Dad’s cousin, Mum, Dad and Mary’s husband Mickie and their two ponies and goat:) they also had chickens and a lamb too 

McClure cottage at Inishoneill in Carndonagh

Dad’s paternal and maternal grandparents and family graves

Stunning views from Malin

The curiosity shop in Malin head the furthest most north shop in Ireland

Doagh Famine Village in Ballyliffin

Mum, Dad and another cousin also called Mary

At St Patrick’s Cross in Carndonagh

Dad and Mum with Mickie McClure in McClure’s Bar in Carndonagh

Dad’s cousin Mickie

Mum at the beach at 5 fingers in Inishowen

Dad being a devout Catholic and passing through Derry on route home we planned to stop off at St Eugene’s cathedral (Dad’s name is Eugene)

the church is STUNNING inside and the surrounding grounds were beautiful.

 

We my partner and I loved it so much we have booked up to spend Christmas in the cottage with the kids a proper traditional Christmas,

and hopefully return next spring/Summer with more of the family, mum & Dad, my sister and my niece.