Day 3

Yesterday, we departed Glenties. The weather has now improved so I decided to have a swim in the Atlantic ( it’s waters are much warmer than the waters of the East coast, as a consequence of the North Atlantic Drift). The nearest beach, we were advised was Narin. We had to traverse some of the same route we had taken to Burtonport the previous day and arrived at a sunny, fine sand beach. 

I togged out and ventured in -  the water felt icy at first but once submerged, it was so refreshing !! The beach was full of holiday makers enjoying the glorious sunshine 

The area had an association with St Conall, whose island retreat is accessible on foot at low tide. 

Afterwards, departed for Ardtara House, adjacent to Maghera, Co Derry. We drove through the scenic Sperrin Mountains and arrived in the late afternoon. It is a beautiful house, built 1895 by linen magnates. 

The property had been sympathetically restored and the gardens and are a wonder to behold.

We were allotted  one of the best rooms in the house with views of the garden and woodland to the front 

Friends joined us on the lawn for drinks as we soaked up the sunshine - in fact we had to retreat to the shade after a time. 

Aperitifs in the drawing room followed by a sumptuous dinner, in what was formerly the games room, was a gastronomic pleasure. After a digestif, we repaired to our rooms. 

A very pleasurable evening.