Tuam to Derry

Still smiling from the antics of the previous night out in Tuam, we checked out after a substantial breakfast spread.  Carrying on north we went in search of Parkes Castle on the Lough Gill, just out of Sligo....It was like the Great Race, signage was appalling and map wasn't very informative and with Ross driving and Robyne nagivating we definately wouldn't have won any prizes!  After circumnavigating the lake we eventually found the Castle and were impressed by the information given, with a short movie in the chapel and choice of laminated info sheets or guided tour of the castle outlining the amazing history which dates back the Spanish Armada we decided it was certainly worth the effort.  The massive stone burial grounds were something else!  Later we stopped in Bandoran for lunch, warming to the hot vege soup while it teamed down outside.  Alot of the shops were closed with big roller doors, but to be opened in a couple of weeks for summer we were told and run by students.  Also stopped in Dongeal for a look around and fortunately the sun came out for that hour, lovely bank walk and old building in the town.  Arrived in Derry and checked into our B&B for two nights which took abit of finding, but worth it once we arrived.  Very friendly hosts, lovely Victorian home and beautiful gardens.  Ornate furnishings, frames and ornaments everywhere.  Made our way to Fitzroy Hotel for dinner, another mission to find it hidden away in the city centre in a one way street, 30% off meal and drinks so the flyer said and - wow it was packed and food was great, so pleased we found it.