When I started planning my trek across Ireland, I planned to follow the International Appalachian Trail. However, I thought it would serve me well to post up for a few days in a larger town. This would afford me the opportunity to get acclimated, recover from jet lag, as well as pick up any remaining provisions or necessities (i.e., local SIM card for my phone), while experiencing a major hub in Donegal, County. Letterkenny, Ireland is the largest town in Donegal, County at just under 20,000 people. The town reminds me of Seattle, Washington a bit, for a few reasons. First, sunshine is in short supply and rain is ample. It has rained every day since I have arrived. Second, Letterkenny is built on a hillside, similar to Seattle. If there is a flat stretch of road in Letterkenny, I have yet to find it. Below we look down onto the town of Letterkenny, Ireland a few clicks from my Airbnb.
Letterkenny is known for having the longest Main Street in Ireland as well as for the beautiful Gothic-style Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba. I first caught glimpse of the Cathedral on Thursday evening on my way home after dinner. I stood in there and admired the cathedral for sometime before moving on in the twilight. Today, Saturday, I decided to revisit the Cathedral. I arrived around 130 pm to find the place alive with activity. A stark contrast from the previous night. I sat in the parking lot across from the Cathedral watching. I took great pleasure in watching the good Irish folk bustling about for a wedding, that by my accounts, was to start at 2p. I watched the spectacle, the bustle of cars, the buzz of excitement, and the spectacle of color. I had not seen this many folks in the 3 days prior. I watched for approximately 30 minutes before everyone disappeared inside. Irish men dressed in blue suits. I cannot tell you why the Irish prefer blue, however, it was the prevailing color for men on this day. Women on the other hand dressed in vibrant spring colors. Dresses made of green, orange, red, and yellow fabrics made the scene come alive.
I also visited one other building on this rainy Saturday. This was another building named after the Donegal patron saint, St. Eunan's College. The college opened in 1906 as a seminary to prepare young men for priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. The building has a stunning presence and is the only Scottish Baronial Style building in this part of Ireland. Still functions today as a rigorous secondary school for men. The building was stunning in spite of the lack of human presence.
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