From Ballyliffin to Laghey!

Hi everyone! I had a lovely few days off- in my daughter's words: ''it was the best week EVER!'' My days off coincided with my birthday and began with a surprise present of a pampering session at the fabulous Ballyliffin Lodge Spa Absolute bliss! Can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed!

Galloping waves at Ballyliffin by Jen Doyle

Last week was a week for adventures, and we also took a trip to Glenveagh National Park and did approx 10km of rambling. The scenary is breathtaking, and reminded me a little of the fjords of Norway- and there is also an amazing variety of wildlife, from eagles to deer to the cuckoo- and we were lucky enough to hear the call of the cuckoo when we were there. What a place- well worth a visit!

Glenveagh National Park- photo by Jen Doyle

Glenveagh Castle- photo by Jen Doyle

Glenveagh National Park- photo by Jen Doyle

I'm sure you'll remember that I had been asked to design and make a crown for the Festival Queen of Laghey, well I went along to the opening parade of the Laghey Blast Festival on Saturday the 30th April and met the lovely Gráinne, winner of the festival queen competition and got a great photo of her wearing the crown! She also made my daughter's day by obligingly posing for a photo with her :)

Gráinne wearing the crown designed and made by me! (photo also by me)

We finished off the day by going to the circus to see wonderful acts of acrobatics - my daughter loved it! I was very fascinated by the contortionist- does this woman have rubber bones? Perhaps not but watching her slide from one move to the next with very little effort made me wonder! :)

Contortionist at Gerbola Circus- photo by Jen Doyle