Malin Head to Ballybofey

Day One from Malin Head to Ballybofey via Malin, Carndonagh, the Lough Swilly ferry from Buncrana to Rathmullen, Ramelton, Letterkenny and Stranolar. Clocked Up 88.46 km

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Lovely early desent along the coast down into Malin village. Onwards to Carndonagh, coming out of which we tackled the first tough climb of the week. Lovely cycle onto Buncrana from where we took the Lough Swilly Ferry across to Rathmullen. Stopped in Ramelton for lunch before journeying onto Letterkenny. First blow of the week came in the form of a puncture to Donal's back wheel but we still just about managed to reach Stranorlar/Ballybofey in time for the Heineken Cup final after a very tough climb coming out of Letterkenny. We watched Munster's terrific win in the "great" rugby pub that is McGuigans Bar and later had dinner at the Villa Rose - excellent.

All Set For The Off At Malin Head

Malin Head

Malin Village

Beach at Rathmullen on Lough Swilly

Ballybofey to Rosses Point

Day Two from Ballybofey to Rosses Point via Donegal, Ballyshannon, Bundoran and Drumcliff. Clocked Up 95.02 km

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Tough early climb out of Ballybofey and through the picturesque Barnesmore Gap with the Blue Stack mountains to our right. Stopped briefly at the diamond in Donegal Town before Donal got another puncture just before Ballyshannon. We stopped in Bundoran for lunch and upon leaving the seaside town, we caught a first glimpse of Ben Bulben. After an ever-so-brief trek into Leitrim, we entered county Sligo. With Ben Bulben on our left, the Atlantic to our right and the sun above us, what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We visited W.B. Yeats grave at Drumcliff, just a few kilmetres short of our destination. Upon arrival at Rosses Point, we took a walk around the area before later eating at The Embassy in Sligo town - quiet but very nice.

Donegal Town

Ben Bulben

Drumcliff

Rosses Point