From Donegal to County Mayo: Waterfalls, Whiskey, and Wet Jeans

If you’ve been following along on my solo‑ish Ireland adventure, you know that every day has been a mix of history, humor, and a little chaos. (If you missed the last post, we wrapped up in Donegal with cozy hotel breakfasts and winding roads.) Today’s chapter picks up right where we left off – but don’t worry, if you’re new here, this post stands on its own. Consider it a travel diary entry, equal parts practical tips and personal anecdotes.

The Road Out of Donegal

After breakfast, we loaded up the bus and headed toward our next destination. The roads in this part of Ireland are long, winding, and narrow – beautiful, yes, but not exactly kind to those prone to motion sickness. Two of us were looking a little green by the time we reached our first stop. Pro tip: if you get carsick, sit up front or bring meds.

Our driver, Michael, deserves a shout‑out here. One of the perks of traveling with a local driver is that they know the little pull‑offs and hidden gems tourists would never find on their own. Sure enough, he pulled over at what looked like a random spot on the side of the road. But when we stepped out, it was a perfect photo stop – rolling hills, misty skies, and that wild Irish beauty that makes you want to pinch yourself.

Glencar Waterfall: Poetry in Motion

A little further along, we stopped at Glencar Waterfall, a spot immortalized in W. B. Yeats’ poem The Stolen Child. The walk to the falls wasn’t long, but by this point in the trip, I had developed a love‑hate relationship with stairs. Every time I saw another set, I just laughed. “More stairs?!” I joked to some from my group. “At least our butts are going to look amazing when we get home.”

The waterfall itself was worth the climb. Cascading through lush greenery, it felt like stepping into a storybook. Even with the drizzle, it was peaceful, almost meditative.

Sligo: Soup, Whiskey, and Roaring Rapids

Next up was Sligo, where we had about an hour and a half to explore on our own. I decided to skip a sit‑down lunch and instead grabbed hot soup from a convenience‑style shop. It was chilly and damp, and the soup hit the spot.

I wandered the streets, admiring the mix of old stone buildings and modern storefronts. A river runs through the city, and on this rainy day it was less “gentle stream” and more “roaring rapid.” I stood by the water, sipping my soup, people‑watching, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Eventually, I linked up with a few women from my group, and we ducked into a pub to escape the rain. I confidently ordered an Irish Coffee – only to be told they didn’t serve them. Apparently, not every pub keeps the cream on hand. Wanting to order something, I went with a whiskey. At noon. When the others decided to leave (the pub didn’t serve food), I wasn’t about to sit there alone – so I downed the whiskey in one go and hiccuped my way down the street with them to a café. Chaos method travel at its finest.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: Stones and Storms

Our next stop was Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the largest collections of megalithic tombs in Ireland, dating back over 5,000 years. Think Stonehenge, but spread out across a windswept field.

Our guide was fantastic – knowledgeable, passionate, and clearly in love with the history of the site. Unfortunately, this was also the one time on the trip when the rain really let loose. And of course, this was the one time I’d left my rain pants on the bus. My raincoat kept my top half dry, but my jeans were soaked through.

Oddly enough, it wasn’t miserable. By this point, we were all used to the rain. It felt like part of the experience, trudging through history with water dripping down our sleeves. I didn’t even realize how wet I was until we ducked into the visitor center afterward. Pro tip: wet jeans are not easy to peel off in a public restroom.

County Mayo: Bathtubs and Bedtime

By the time we reached our hotel in County Mayo, I was cold, damp, and dreaming of warmth. When I opened the door to my room and saw a bathtub, I nearly cried with joy. I hung my jeans to dry, filled the tub, and sank into the hot water. Bliss.

That evening, we gathered for a group dinner in the hotel restaurant. The food was hearty, the conversation lively, but by the time dessert rolled around, I was ready to collapse. Travel days have a way of wringing you out, even when they’re filled with beauty and laughter. I fell asleep that night with the sound of rain still in my ears and the comfort of knowing tomorrow would bring more adventures.

Reflections on the Day

This day was a perfect example of why I love solo‑ish travel. I didn’t have to worry about logistics – our driver knew the roads, our local guide knew the history, and the group provided companionship. But I also had the freedom to wander Sligo on my own, to make questionable whiskey decisions, and to laugh my way through unexpected rainstorms.

Travel isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s wet jeans, missed Irish Coffees, and too many stairs. But those are the moments that stick – the ones that make you laugh later, the ones that remind you you’re alive and moving through the world.

FAQ: Donegal to County Mayo Travel Day

How long is the drive from Donegal to County Mayo with stops? With sightseeing stops (Glencar Waterfall, Sligo, Carrowmore), it took most of the day. Without stops, the drive would be about 3–4 hours.

Is Glencar Waterfall worth visiting? Yes! It’s a short, easy walk and has literary significance thanks to W. B. Yeats. Bring a rain jacket and a camera.

What is Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery? It’s one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Ireland, with tombs dating back over 5,000 years. Guided tours provide fascinating context.

What should I pack for this route?

• Rain gear (yes, even rain pants)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers for unpredictable weather
• A sense of humor for when things don’t go as planned

Can you explore Sligo in just 90 minutes? You won’t see everything, but you can get a good feel for the town. Stroll the main streets, grab a bite, and enjoy the river views.

Do all pubs in Ireland serve Irish Coffee? Surprisingly, no. Some don’t keep the cream on hand. If you’re craving one, ask before you sit down – or be ready to pivot to whiskey.