Well, I was so impressed with this video of Ronnie Quinlans that had to include it on the site well worth the watch.. Its really chilled, great music great surf..
Get the camera rollin' Ronnie...more vids required..seriously good !

"Inishowen  shore...".. A selection  of   Photos from  Inishowen , Co. Donegal..showing the natural beauty that's on offer..







 

Why don't you send us your photos of your special occasions,
 friends, parties.. or whatever and will post in our hall of fame

Remember Guys n' Girls Today is Valentines Day !!!



     Is in the Air...

The Rose of Tralee-a new Ambassador for Bundoran!

 

The current Rose of Tralee, Australian Kathryn Feeney recently spent a weekend in Bundoran, taking part in a charity function in aid of Down syndrome.  So impressed was she with her visit and the craic over the weekend, Kathryn was more than happy to give up some time over the weekend, joining Tourist Officer, Matt Britton of Donegal Bay endorsing the resort.




























"It was one of the best weekend I have spent in Ireland since winning the Rose of Tralee’’ she said. ‘’ Even though it was in the middle of the Winter with the storms raging it was some of the most breathtaking scenery I have seen in Ireland. The rugged coastline with the waves crashing over the cliffs, then just the next day, the tranquillity of Tullan Strand. You guys seem to have four seasons all in one day" she commented.


 

Did anything surprise her about Bundoran? "Well obviously I have read a lot about Donegal; part of my current reign as The Rose involves a comprehensive knowledge of the country. What fascinated me in a big way was the amount of surfers on the Bay-as you know, Australia would be regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. I did not expect to find a slightly cooler version of Bondi Beach in the North West of Ireland-you guys must be all members of the 'Polar Bears Club!'she said.

 

Kathryn was particularly delighted that her visit generated so much for the Down syndrome charity-in excess of 20,000 Euro. " It makes this job so much more rewarding when you know that you have played a part, however small, in improving the quality of

one's life or just bringing a smile to someone’s face." she added It is easy to see why this girl won the 'Rose of Tralee'.

 

Hopefully Tralee will not be too annoyed that Kathryn has discovered an equally’ firm favourite ‘up in the heart of Donegal.

 

Matt Britton.

Forza Italia…..!!


When in Rome, do as the Romans do. However a hardy bunch of Italian girls have been braving the changeable conditions of the Irish climate in Donegal for the last three weeks and behaving very much as we do ourselves, if not more so !

Visitors are welcome to Donegal any time of year, but it is especially nice to welcome people in the month of January, and the International Language School at Donegal Adventure Centre has been the home to this group of students from Assumption University of Rome since the start of the year.. The girls have come to Bundoran to study English Language, and immerse themselves in activities and local culture. including surfing, body boarding, climbing and hiking, as well as cultural trips to Yeats Country, Derry City, Donegal Castle and indeed , a few visits to the local pubs.

Donegal Adventure Centre has recently been fully approved as a language school, and manager Niamh Hamill is delighted with the response to date. "This novel method of teaching English through participative activities is creating it's own market niche in the Educational/Tourism sector .It beats sitting in a classroom all day and by its nature is a team effort which necessitates using the English Language. Local businesses are extremely appreciative of this influx of people during a time of year when visitors are thin on the ground."
Niamh added' There are hundreds of students abroad looking for travel opportunities. Donegal is an ideal stop-off on a gap year break - we have superb educational and cultural facilities. Add that to our fantastic outdoor resources, friendly locals and stunning scenery, it is an irrisistible location. Donegal has to work twice as hard to bring in visitors from the overseas markets but those working in education, leisure and accommodation are very pro-active and forward thinking. We appreciate the support from our tourist boards and the investment in amenities and attractions,. However we need to continuously remind people that Donegal can offer visitors a superb experience. It is also vital that we continue to develop our resources in a sustainable and sensible way, so that we can offer visitors a great experience without compromising the value, beauty and heritage of the county.'

Chatting with the students, they could not hold back their enthusiasm for the experience they shared in Donegal." It has been so good-'molte bene' that six of us stayed on in Donegal for a few extra days to improve on our surfing-the rest have gone to Dublin to have a look at city life. Sure, we have enough cities at home, but no surf ! " said Lucia Lucchessi from Rome in her best Donegal/Italian accent. I have a feeling there will be some broken hearts around Bundoran this weekend when our adopted friends finally say 'Ciao bene-a la proximo'

Article Matt Britton

"Blizzard like conditios hit
Donegal today"-is this the first snow in the county for 2007 ? Strange as it
may seem, thes Wintry conditions have been created by the ferocious winds
whipping up the foam along Bundoran Beach 
Photos by Matt Britton©2007

 
Santa comes to Town...


                            

         
                                                         
When   you see   a Teachta Dála (Minister) , a Mayor, a radio presenter, a football celebrity a multitude of young & old   under the one roof, you know someone important is in town... Yip! Santa & his little Helpers. The Festive has truly started in Donegal...

See Donegal Friends or link here for more on Donegal



















The Diamond.. Lights




Greetings For the "Bearded One"...


















So !..Where is the bar ??



















Minster Mary Coughlan, snowed under....




















"All Star" Carl Lacey, Ernan Mc Gettigan, (ex Mayor) & Santa...needs no introduction..















The multitude awaits the arrival...of HO! HO! HO!

 



 

                                                                                                                                                             
Mayor Ciarin tries out some influence with the top man.. to ensure a speedy delivery on Christmas Eve.



So its Rudolf who takes grip on the situation.. "pleased to meet you" How about givin' me five high instead ?





                        


Mary & son Cathal... with Yogi Bear.. I Think !
                                  
                                              


                                                                        

                                                   
                                                  
                                                                                                              

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Crisp & fresh... "Cool  Blues"  recent  winters  morning  on  the Donegal coast.

The Silver Surfari- see full article  on menu listings..

A 52' documentary on the Patrons Pilgrimage Surfing Surfari

In October of this year a group of ageing surfers will reunite for the first time
in 40 years and embark on an epic journey along Irelands West Coast, a journey of rediscovery, both of old friends and simpler times.

L/R: Gabe Davis, Briohny Radda, Richie Fitzgerald, Kelly Slater & Andy Keegan..

Photo©surf world-ireland

All time greatest world champion

visits Donegal Bay! 
 

 Kelly Slater, recently crowned world champion surfer for the 8th time and regarded as the greatest ever surfer, took some time out from the glitz and glamour to chill out in the Donegal Bay region last weekend. After winning the world championship last week in Spain, Slater chose the quieter regions of Donegal and the North West to catch some of our world renowned waves with some friends.

Apart from his undisputed surfing ability, Slater is also well known as an actor , having made regular appearances on the world's most watched television show," Baywatch" and is also an accomplished musician. His band "The Surfers" have recently signed for a major music label and he has appeared live on stage with "Pearl Jam" Of course, he is also well known for his past relationship with Pamela Anderson who, unfortunately , did not grace the shores of Donegal.

Kelly was accompanied by his long time friend, Andy Keegan, a surfer in his own right but more known for his movies and television shows-; "Seventh Heaven" Thunder Road, Ten Things I hate most about you, etc. Andy is currently working on a new movie in Ireland- "Waiting for Dublin" Once engaged to singer, Lee Ann Rimes, Andy really enjoyed his time in Donegal and intends to spend some more time up here whilst filming in Ireland.

Along with Quicksilver's Gabe Davies and Bundoran's Richie Fitzgerald, Slater displayed his skills for the Innis Films production 'Waveriders' currently being shot in the Bundoran region. 'The waves weren't great this weekend but this guy made the slightest ripple look world class' said Joel Conroy. "This is, without doubt, the biggest endorsement Donegal Bay will ever get for its surf quality. To put it in perspective, one could liken it to Tiger Woods spending the weekend on Bundoran Golf Club he added."  His presence in the movie will greatly enhance not only the film, but also the reputation of Donegal as a top fun, quality surf destination worldwide he concluded.

Slater blended well into the local surfing community-caught some waves with Easkey and Becky Britton from Rossnowlagh, and Aaron Murphy and Eoin Shanley from Bundoran-all future Irish prospects.  On Friday evening he enjoyed some traditional Irish hospitality, taking in a few drops of the black stuff to the sounds of a great Irish trad session in a local pub. The trip was a great break from the flashing lights of the paparazzi and Slater really enjoyed "just being one of the lads in search of a good break"
Matt Britton    

_^The evenings grow shorter, winter sets in, but to catch   a wave before dusk is   the object of desire... The warmest October on record, & beautiful weather condictions gives the enthusiastic border the avantage of extra time in the water...

Appreciation...©mattbritton

It's all gone..Animal Crackers..!!!

"Gotcha" The playful antics of brother & sister...©mattbritton

"Ninja Cat"..©mattbritton

"Colanic Irrigation"...anything is possible these days..©mattbritton

If you have any photo's of you pets you would like share & depending on the response, we would love to dedicate a pet gallery to them.. so send them   in   with some details, a title & they will be posted.. anything goes..send to: brittraz@gmail.com

And the Irish Independent thinks the North-West is a good place for a holiday & golf:

http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/golf/stories.php3?ca=16&si=1703497


"Pay a visit to the very best of the North West

THE North West of Ireland has a little secret - an abundance of traditional 'must-play' links territory that has been in existence for over a century. They don't have K Club-style luxury layouts, nor do they need them.

The Sligo-Donegal area is a treasure trove of links golf in particular, as I discovered on a recent visit. The story of the game in the North West features a cast of heroes from Old Tom Morris and Harry Colt to Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Darren Clarke.

Donegal men such as Frank Casey, owner of the Rosapenna Golf Hotel, and Cecil Doherty, managing director of the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel and Spa, have helped polish the jewel that is the links experience in this area.

Co Sligo, designed by Colt and the home of the West of Ireland championship, is always a pleasure.

Strandhill is a pleasant links, and Castle Dargan, designed by Darren Clarke and Patrick Merrigan, will open for full play in 2007. The venue for GUI and ILGU championships, Enniscrone has now climbed into the premier division thanks to course architect Donald Steel.

In Donegal, Rosapenna's Sandy Hills - designed by Pat Ruddy - and the Old Course, created by Old Tom Morris, is a traditional links.

Rosapenna has 45 holes, while next door is the St Patrick's links where Nicklaus is upgrading the 36 holes. He hopes to open on St Patrick's Day 2008.

Ballyliffin's Old Course and the Glashedy Links - the latter another Ruddy construction - offer a breathtaking expanse of rolling duneland and quality golf holes.

Nick Faldo recently upgraded the Old Course and his work, allied to Ruddy's labours on the Glashedy, makes Ballyliffin a golfing Mecca. But there is more to Donegal. The established venues such as Portsalon, Dunfanaghy and North West are well worth a visit, as is Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh, Letterkenny and Nairn and Portnoo, a delightful links.

Time was the enemy but that visit whetted the appetite to go back and bask in the golf on offer in the 'Teddy Bear's Head' of the country."

--
Posted by Anonymous to Donegal Friends ... "A Window To Home" .... at 10/12/2006 05:51:24 AM ",0] ); D(["ce"]);

When the surf   is down... their is always   horse power!!   Here   on the beautiful coastline of   Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Whatever your intrests are, be it surfing, horse riding or just watching the world pass by experience the different life & relaxation...
Photo;©Matt Britton

There was a time that you would have needed a pension book just to get inside the door of this wee pub & past Eileen. It is now under new ownership of Caroline & Joe Sweeney, what a beautiful job they have done, This is the friendliest most comfortable most relaxed pub in Donegal with a great charachter... So if your wise & you want an enjoyable pint, It's "The Forge", Killybegs Road, Donegal Town...Formley "Eileens". Before you ask I don't have shares!   Joe & Caroline .. Still waiting for Photos!..

I believe the two in the photo are Eileen M^c Brearty & Patsy Duncan...

Brad Gerlach is the man - a Multiple world champion surfer, he enjoys a pint with his girlfriend Katie Earle   who is a singer songwriter from LA-was invited over to 'Electric Picnic' to guest with Damian Rice in his Eco tent, she has just finished her gig & enjoys a few beverages &   the local social   life with her hubby and Niamh Hamill.

Also playing   were   the "Screaming Orphans" the Bundoran band   who   commute   between Ireland & the United States & have gained   massive popularity in both domains....

 

What happened when Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Police, Blondie, Horslips, Mammas Boys to name but a few, rattled the ears drums  of this lot.. "the monty crew"  spread  the rythms of Heavy metal to all in  their wake... & set the trend for others to follow. From Paul Sullivans Sunday disco to Astoria... Slane & beyond...

Denis Gorman

L/R Denis Gorman, Pat Gallagher, Micheal Gallagher

It's not the young Phli Lynott neither is this Mammas Boys, but they are mad on music, with a passion, some of the "monty crew"..(Montcharles) above more pics on Donegal Friends link:  www.donegalfriends.blogspot.com

The winning teams congratulated by Martin & Margret Quinn "The salmon Inn" Mullinasole..please note I have not been forwarded names so if anyone can help & drop a mail I'd appreciate it..

  The winning Ladies..........& last but not least the winning Gents team

Waiting for the presentations at the Salmon Inn, Mullinasole & enjoying good food & the craic...


James, Jenny & Edward Britton taking the cruise..

.








All Photos©mattbritton
Martin Quinn trying to control Local Rowdy's, baying for drink! drink! drink...
I think I know the ring leader...


 












Self Explanatory..A picture speaks a thousands words.. & see the two that are involved...









 








It's the bold Rickardos better half, Nickoleen havin' a good laugh along with sister n' law Caroline Timoney... probably about the hangover that himself will have next day..."Self inflicted, No sympthy"..

 

The Proud uncle Richard with his beautiful niece Jenny Timoney..

All Photos©mattbritton

The crowd gathers to support the local teams, there is  family enjoyment for all..

Brian Cannon & Eddie Marshall don't seem to be taking this task seriously..

 unsure of who the two are that actually are working their ass off..

Its this way to the pub, " no it's this way!

S.O.S. Don' panic it's only a foot of water...

No! says Rickardo the pub is that way... anyone got the number for the coastguard..

I need a drink>>HELP!!

Ther is a lot to be said for Girl Power, They all have kept dry are still smiling & beautiful & they have finished.
So Neptune.. what have you to say on that!!

Water, Water, Everywhere....
Donegal has loads to offer but for enjoyment

James, Jenny & Edward Britton taking the cruise..
When it comes to enjoying the   envoirment, these   water babies know   how   to do it in style.. With the new water bus sailing the   Donegal coastline   & thoes taking   the   craic out of   a   few make shift rafts it makes a good day out. when the   day comes   to a close the   fun   has only just begun...   Good food &   pleanty to wash it down, all enjoy each others company and exchange   the happenings of the day.















Patsy kelly the skipper watched by former mayor Paddy Meehan...but there is no need, as Patsy has years of navagation skills behind him, as he spent years doing so. He has been to all major ports throughout world, sailed the seas guiding super tankers through the waters.

                 

  


_^Another maratime great, & navigator, of our local waters is

Francie Kennedy,

 prepared for whatever the elements throw at him..

"The Memory Of Water"

By Shelagh Stephenson

The plot of this hilarious yet tragic play by Sheelagh Stephenson is constructed around the death of Vi. At the height of a snowstorm her three daughters have gathered at the family home to arrange the funeral.

Theresa, the eldest and a health food fanatic, lives close to the family home and had cared for and supported her mother who had Alzheimer's disease. She and her husband Frank run a health supplement business but Frank is disheartened and would rather run a pub.

Mary, second daughter and a successful neurologist currently researching the complexities of memory, has for five years been having an affair with Mike, a married TV celebrity doctor.

Catherine is the youngest daughter. Once described by her mother as the menopause, Catherine has always felt unwanted and is constantly seeking love and acceptance. A shopaholic, she relies on drugs and therapy to make sense of her life.

The set depicts Vi's chaotic bedroom and is dominated by the double bed, scene of much of the action. While mirrors signify the personal reflections taking place, surrounding furniture and fittings resemble the aftermath of an avalanche and strewn around the perimeter are sand, pebbles and memory invoking seaside toys. The sound of waves breaking on the shore underscores the suggestion that soon the sea will engulf the house and its memories will be lost.

Bolstered by drugs and alcohol the sisters begin to sort through Vi's wardrobe. As they discover and don long forgotten clothes and accessories they recall individual childhood memories of their mother and the appearance of Vi onstage contributes to the ensuing laughter and sorrow. Gradually the sisters come to realise that despite disparate lives each of them retains elements of Vi, just as in homeothapy water is said to retain some biochemical memory of whatever has been dissolved in it.

As emotions on stage fluctuated from laughter to tears, so too did reactions in the audience and at times the proverbial pin could have been heard to drop.

A must for all daughters.

"If You Go Down To The Woods Today"

Has tree hugging & being intimate with nature taken these Ladies just over the edge ...
Alas,  no! it is the cast of : "The memory of water" showing in the Hawkswell Theatre Sligo out on a photo shoot for promotional pics, in the beautiful surrounding countryside of Co. Sligo.




    

                   





Photos by Matt Britton©

 

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