Ballynahinch Loop Ride

We got up about 8:30 this morning and had our breakfast in the dining room. They had a buffet and also entrees that you could order if you desired. We left the castle about 10:00 and headed out on our first ride.

The countryside is gorgeous--very green, lots of "water features." We would stop every so often to rest or take a picture.


Stream along the Ballynahinch Loop. (©2005, Williams/Bacigalupo.)

Along the way we passed the Alcock & Brown Monument that memorializes the first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight. After sixteen hours and twenty-eight minutes they crash-landed in the Derrygimlagh bog. Actually the terrain where we were riding is very boggy.

In Ireland they also drive on the left. Their country roads are barely one lane wide, but the drivers seem fairly tolerant of the bikers. We saw lots of them as we were going. We started smelling the slightly salty air of the ocean fairly soon and shortly after got a really nice view.


Roadside view of the ocean along the Ballynahinch Loop. (©2005, Williams/Bacigalupo.)

We stopped for a snack at Keogh's Bar in Ballyconneely Village (known for its golf and sea fishing) and then continued on our way. The terrain isn't terribly steep, but Junel and I had a hard time keeping up with Dave and Teresa (the jock and jockette). What was really cool was when we arrived at Roundstone Village, we stopped at Michael Killeen Craft Park and visited the Roundstone Musical Instruments Workshop.


Bell Tower, Michael Killeen Park, Roundstone Village. Remains of a 19th c. monastery. (©2005, Williams/Bacigalupo.)

Dave and Junel each ended up buying an Celtic drum called a bodhran (Pronounced BOW [rhymes with cow]-Rahn). It is played with a double-ended "beater." No, we didn't carry them back on our bikes. We had them shipped. Dave can announce when his first concert will be.

Afterwards we headed back to the castle and stopped at the bar there for a quick beer before dinner. The whole ride was about 30 miles (Ouch!). I think Teresa and Junel were going to hop into the shower (not together) before dinner. I decided to blog a little now, but as I look at my watch I should probably get off the computer and freshen up.


Teresa and Dave in a romantic candlelight setting at Ballynahinch Castle. (©2005, Williams/Bacigalupo.)


Junel and I. Ditto. (©2005, Williams/Bacigalupo.)