The Harringtons were ready to hit the road in their Citroën C5 Aircross MHEV Plus Pack after a comfortable night at Sligo Park Hotel. With the car packed, spirits high, and car insurance for an electric vehicle provided by Aviva, the family set off for another action-packed day on their Irish adventure, this time heading north towards Donegal.
Exploring the Cliffs of Sliabh Liag
The drive from Sligo to Donegal was nothing short of spectacular. Clear skies, rolling mountains, and glimpses of sparkling water made for a picture-perfect journey. Even the children were mesmerised by the scenery, pressing their faces to the windows and pointing out every boat, mountain, and coastline along the way.
Arriving at Sliabh Liag, the family was greeted by the hustle and bustle of tourists eager to explore the cliffs. Their first stop was the famous Cliff Walk. A short bus ride took them up to the trailhead, with the guide sharing fascinating stories in both Irish and English about the history of the area, which added a whole new dimension to the experience.
The walk itself was breathtaking. Winding paths led them past a series of viewpoints, including the second lookout where the so-called “Giant’s Desk and Chair” could be seen. The weather was perfect, warm, clear, and almost no wind which meant uninterrupted, panoramic views of the cliffs and surrounding countryside. Callum and Zoe were in awe, stopping frequently to take it all in and snap photos.
On the return journey from the cliffs, the family learned about historical ÉIRE markers, used during World War II as navigation aids along the Donegal Corridor, and about the growth of tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way. It was a scenic, educational, and family-friendly experience that left everyone inspired and excited for what was next.
Sailing the Stunning Donegal Coast with Paddy
After descending from the cliffs, the Harringtons made the short drive to the pier where Paddy from Sliabh Liag Boat Trips awaited. This two-hour tour offered more incredible views of Donegal’s rugged coastline, with stops to learn about the local history and spot wildlife.
The family was thrilled to see dolphins swimming near the boat and even a few jellyfish floating near the surface. The captain, Paddy, made sure everyone felt comfortable, especially the kids, and ensured the experience was safe, engaging, and fun for the whole family.
A Hearty Feast at The Rusty Mackerel
After returning from the boat, it was time for a hearty meal at The Rusty Mackerel, a local family-run restaurant. The menu catered to all tastes: Chelsey and Zoe shared a pizza, Callum opted for chicken goujons and chips, and Joseph enjoyed one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The kids finished off with dessert, and everyone agreed it was one of the tastiest meals of the trip so far.
Relaxing and Recharging for the Next Adventure
With the day’s adventures done, the family headed to An Chúirt Hotel for the night. The hotel is packed with amenities perfect for a family stay: a games room, a small petting farm, bouncy castles, a pool, a gym, and interconnecting rooms with views of the surrounding mountains. The Harringtons are now tucked in and ready to rest, knowing that their car insurance is covered with Aviva and their Citroën C5 Aircross MHEV Plus Pack is prepped and ready, they’ll be hitting the road again bright and early for Day 4, which promises even more unforgettable Irish experiences.
Up next on their itinerary is a unique encounter at Wild Alpaca Way, where the Harringtons will meet some friendly alpacas. They’ll also step back in time at Wild Ireland, an ancient woodland inhabited by wolves, bears, lynx, and wild boar. With more of Ireland’s stunning landscapes to explore and fascinating animals to see, there are plenty more memorable moments ahead on the Great Aviva Road Trip.
