One of the best things about being home from Uni for the summer is getting to meet up with friends. Hannah has been a wonderful friend to me, especially over the past year. Like me, she is always excitable and good fun to be around. 

I had not been able to see her as much as I wanted to this summer, so I jumped at the chance to see her again for a girly catch up with tea and cheesecake.

'Have tea and let it be'

I once heard the phrase 'In life, you don't need a million friends, just a few good ones' and I definitely believe that, Hannah is one of the gems. She is my sister in Christ. 

'Surround yourself with those who make you happy'

I smiled the whole way home after my day with Hannah...

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After a day of adventure, we decided a spa day was needed! Therefore, the next morning I headed down for a 'Luxury Facial' and a manicure. Divine! 

I have never had a facial, and my my, I also never knew I could enjoy someone working on my face for 60 minutes! The lavender smells and the nourishing oils left me in another world...a world that didn't have a care!

But let me just first of all talk about breakfast at Castle Eske. WOW!

Starting off with the Continental...

 Then moving on to the traditional Irish Fry...

We then chilled in the luxurious living area before our spa...ahhhh...

Just to relax a little bit more, we then headed for Afternoon Tea. Now, getting a farmer to afternoon tea was an act of great persuasion but per usual, I won!

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Andy?

Small cups for big men.

Afterwards, to burn off some of the delicious food, we headed for a walk around Lough Eske. It was cloudy, but hey, what's different about that in Ireland?

The gorgeous Castle.

They all swam away on me...

The day ended with dinner by the beach.

I didn't take pictures of the meal, but it was fishcakes and a traditional Irish Lamb extravaganza! 

We went back to the hotel for dessert and to chill in the lounge with our full bellies!

Vanilla Cream Puffs (Andrew said he wasn't hungry so these we're for me, yet once he tasted one of them, I think he ate most of it!)

Oh yes, and a luxury hot chocolate to finish the indulgence.

And that was the end of our short spa break, we loved every minute! Its so much fun to discover places in Ireland which aren't too far away. There is nothing like discovering adventures in your home. We will be doing that again some time, hopefully sooner rather than later...

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We woke up to start our adventure to Glenveagh National Park. To be honest, I had never heard of it before! However, a friend told us it was worth a visit so off we went!

Glenveagh National Park is a beautiful landscape. It lies in among the Derryveagh mountains in the northwest of Co. Donegal. The park was established in 1986, and includes bogs, mountains, lakes and woods. It also includes two of the highest mountain peaks in Donegal - Errigal and Slieve Snacht.

There is such beauty within this landscape. Around the castle were exquisite walled gardens (apparently built by Belgiums as a thank you for letting them stay years ago).

One of my favourite things to do is photography. I don't have an amazing camera or all the special equipment but I have a real excitement for beauty and patience for the right moment.

The gardens had many hidden features to contrast the plants.

We decided to have a tour of the castle since I have a real fascination with them...as I feel I belong in one! Sadly they did not allow photography within the tour though.

The castle was built between 1867 and 1873. It reflects an Irish Medieval theme.

Ahhh, just look at that view (even with the cloudy day)...

Yes, that is what you think, the castle's outdoor pool. It was the first one in Ireland, but not in use any more, obviously. There is a small door at the side of the pool which the staff used to have to heat the pool with turf from underneath. Wow!

 The day came to an end with tired feet, so off to the tea rooms we went for some treats.

Then one last look out to the garden and a few more snaps, and we were off to the hotel again.

Hopefully we will see this breath taking view again.

For dinner, an Indian was the only thing that would do! We had seen great reviews about this little place, Chandpur Indian Restaurant, so we tried it out.

Meat Samosa for starter.

For main course, Khusbu Delight. Nothing like a good Indian to warm us up after an active day.

Dessert was easy, we skipped to the shop for some chocolate, made a cup of tea in our room and snuggled down for a movie. Perfection!

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