Become the Ohio Rose of Tralee and Compete in Ireland
December 27, 2024
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Some of the best music, dance, festivals, culture and other events across our Irish community
Get in Lads, We’re Going on an Adventure: The Diamond Experience – A Brilliant Day in Donegal
- iIrish Admin
- December 26, 2024
- Edited 3 hours ago
Table of Contents
Get in Lads, We’re Going on An Adventure:
The Diamond Experience - A Brilliant Day in Donegal
In the heart of Donegal town lies the Diamond, a square that once served as a bustling market for livestock and other goods. Since then, it is now a popular spot to meet up, relax after a day of sightseeing, or simply take in the views of the surrounding town.
Like many Irish town squares featuring monuments, Donegal town does not disappoint. At its center stands a tall four-sided stone pillar, honoring the historians who composed The Annals of the Four Masters, a written account of medieval Irish history. The Diamond was the perfect starting point for our day to discover.
Karen Relates
For lodging, we stayed at the Central Hotel, which, as its name suggests, is centrally located and conveniently close to everything. The hotel was nicely decorated, clean, and our room was sufficient.
However, there were a couple of drawbacks. The beds were uncomfortably firm, like sleeping on plywood, and there was no fan, making the room stuffy in warm weather.
While we could open the window for fresh air, our room’s location in an inside corner limited any breeze, in addition to a couple of pigeons roosting in the eaves, looking at us like they were waiting an invitation in! Acknowledging that this is an older hotel, we didn’t let these issues affect our stay, but if we return to Donegal town, we might consider trying a different place.
The Best Scone in Ireland
For breakfast we went to the Blueberry Tea Room & Restaurant, a short stroll from the hotel. The warm spring sunshine made it perfect to sit outside and enjoy a delightful meal. For over 30 years, this family-operated establishment has been serving scratch-made pastries, soups, sandwiches, and more—proof of their quality and service.
I ordered a cup of tea and a scone with clotted cream and berry jam, and though I had to wait a few extra minutes for a fresh batch to finish baking, it was worth every second. So far, it was the best scone I had in Ireland.
Wandering around the Diamond, we stopped at Triona Design. If you are looking for authentic handwoven tweed made in Donegal, this family-owned business features their own curated designs, along with other Irish-crafted goods and jewelry.
I finally found the sweater that I had been searching for, and the staff were so kind and helpful, ensuring I was fitted for the right size. Though you can shop online on their website, they only have stores operating in Donegal.
Just a few buildings away from the Diamond, is the Bluestack Bar and Lounge. Our driver, Phillip, recommended we stop in to understand and appreciate what a traditional pub was really like “back in the day.” Walking through its doors felt like stepping back in time.
This was no modern, tourist-packed pub filled with snugs, posters, and signs; it was unfussy, with a bar along one wall and seating along the other that looks as though it has not been updated since the 1970s. Its greatest asset was the welcoming publican behind the bar, the same kind gentleman that has been pouring drinks and telling stories for the last several decades.
Shannon Relates
A great way to start an evening is with a pre-dinner cocktail. A 2-minute walk across the street from The Central Hotel is McCaffertys – an Irish pub that has live music. Once inside, a mixture of tourists and locals decorate bar stools and the dance floor in the back.
The space is open and spans generations. It is a great option for people watching and enjoying the craic but not a destination.
One of the greatest advantages to staying in a central location is the wide variety of dining options within walking distance. Although I wouldn’t describe my taste in food as particularly adventurous, I can usually find a dish or two I am excited to try. When our tour guide Philip suggested La Bella Donna, my heart and stomach were immediately happy.
Shades of taupe, black, and gold create an atmosphere that feels like you’re stepping into an exclusive dinner party with a close circle of guests. Tables situated next to one another afford impromptu conversations, but still maintain a level of privacy.
With an atmosphere like this, I was confident the food would live up to the setting. La Bella Donna’s menu is comprehensive, showcasing a variety of classic dishes. It is also thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, clearly indicating potential allergens and specifying which dishes contained them.
I ordered the linguine al pesto and ate every, last bite. While it was not quite Tuscany, this Italian restaurant was an enjoyable meal with a great location.
Irish Dessert
Dessert is always on my mind; wrapping up a meal with something sweet is my go-to tradition. Sometimes I prefer to order dessert from the same restaurant where I had dinner, but often I enjoy seeking out a different spot to try something new. When Philip mentioned a 99, my curiosity was piqued.
That curiosity grew when we wandered into what appeared to be a convenience store—stocked with the usual items, but featuring a dedicated space for serving 99 cones. I learned quickly about one of Ireland’s favorite desserts.
A 99 is simple- vanilla soft serve in a wafer cone with a Cadbury chocolate stick. The placement of the stick can vary, but most prefer the side of the cone. This felt like an arrival. I was a local with her 99.
Looking back on my love for Donegal, much of it comes from spending the evening and the wee hours of the morning at The Forge. When you are 1 of 3 Americans in the pub, you know you are in for a good time.
The Forge, with its intimate space, encourages connection and introduces you to some of the most fascinating characters you’ll ever meet. Discussions of Frank McCourt are followed with several rounds of drinks that keep the conversations flowing. You have not had a night out in Ireland until you have a proper lock-in, accompanied with an Irishman strumming his guitar to “Piano Man.”
Diamonds are timeless for a reason.
Read more of Karen & Shannon’s Get In Lads, We’re Going on an Adventure, HERE
Wise Craics: Irish Jokes, Humor, Stories
December 27, 2024
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Need a Laugh? Or many times that? Check out the Wise Craics words for this month
Off the Shelf: The Drowned
December 27, 2024
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The Irish have always been great writers, this month’s selection is no different. …
Karen Bennett and
Shannon Thomas-Ziemnik
*Karen and Shannon are two old friends who share a passion for all things Irish. You can find them at PJ’s on Tuesday nights with a Jameson and ginger in hand, attending the Speak Irish Cleveland class. As far as their column-writing abilities are concerned, this is, in fact, their first rodeo. They can be reached at [email protected].
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