Tour of the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal
Sheep searching for greener pastures can get stuck in odd places. On the cliffs of Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, shepherds have been known to risk their lives to save their livestock, their livelihood. Captain Paddy Bryne recounts such harrowing tales to his passengers aboard the Nuala Star. As he navigates below the 598 metre cliffs, Bryne explains that if the sheep gets itself into a difficult spot it may be left to its own demise. The sheep will either fall onto jagged rocks, crash in ice cold water or starve once it has grazed over the tempting green patch.
To tour the cliffs of Slieve League you can board the Nuala Star at Teelin Pier in Donegal. To view the cliffs from the top, you can drive up an extremely narrow and winding road. The road makes it way extremely close to the cliff side, be glad Irish rental cars are small. It makes for an adventurous drive. You'll come over a crest and see nothing but the crashing waves below, but as you come around to the top of the crest you see you have a few feet of security. At the end of the road you will find a short trail to take you to the summit of the cliffs. Sheep are much better climbers than humans, they are much more stable on four small hoofs.
Once you are back on solid ground you can stroll to a classic Irish pub in Teelin. A real Irish Coffee or a Jameson and tea will warm you up. Cul A Quin is a small pub, cozy with its many sections and corners for gathering small groups. Musicians gather around a table for sessions that go on 'till the wee hours of the night. They seem to play for themselves as much as the enjoyment of their local fans. This welcoming pub has the decor that Canadian Irish Pubs strive to look like, but can't imitate. You need creaky chairs, nicks in the wooden furniture and panels, wavy floor boards and the Irish sea winds blowing outside the door, encouraging you to stay for one more pint.