Northern Ireland, Pollnagollum Cave – Day 9 Travel Notes.
Hurricane force(?) winds and rain shook the van all night, but we woke up in one piece, unlike unfortunate campground tents, blown flat and soaked in the storm.. Grateful for warm, dry and sturdy Wicked Camper, we took stock of belongings and called brother Jon to wish him Happy 35th, before hitting the showers..
Waking in strange campgrounds each morning can keep one guessing, and today I was rewarded with a with low pressure, chest-high shower head.. At least the day’s shower was included gratis, so I happily pumped the hot water button every sixty seconds until sufficiently cleaned.. Too windy and cold to chance hot breakfast, we hopped in the Wicked Camper, sights set on Northern Ireland.
Early pitstop in order: Petrol, cold egg sandwich, and overpriced gas station Pringles, then to Curry’s electronic store for more Wicked Road Trip video stroage. Next stop: the first of several Game of Thrones filming locations we would visit in Northern Ireland. Beric Dondarrion’s Hideout from Season 3 was shot at Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest, and just over the border from Ireland, would be the perfect halfway point for the day’s drive..
Four and half hours of less than striking Irish inland backroads, a stop at Ireland’s last gift shop for sister Jennifer’s magnet collection, we finally crossed over into Northern Inland. Twenty more minutes of hunting and driving without a signal, and we finally located the “As Seen on TV” Pollnagollum Cave, not far from the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, in Belmore Forest.
Anxious to stretch our legs and all jacked up on caffeine, we nearly ran the short trail to cave and waterfall.. A steady, coffee colored stream rushed over the cliff’s edge, partially hiding the cave behind, splashing into a fern-lined, rocky pool below.. No doubt a pretty sight, but seeminged anticlimactic after such a long drive.. A longer hike was needed, so we ignored signs restricting entry to old quarry grounds, more exploration before heading back to the Wicked Camper..
On the road, and our prayers for more excitement were answered. An old Prelude, tearing around country roads, nearly plowed into us.. Hard brakes, expert maneuvering (if I do say so myself), and a slam of the horn, narrowly missing collision with the flash of rubber and steel.
Hearts racing, ready to end the day’s roadtrip, we located a suitable campground, calling ahead. “Oh yes, we’ll look after you!” We headed on through the city of Omagh, with a stop at the ASDA (our new favorite store) stocking up on wine, beer, scotch and pre-made meals, before venturing back into the middle of nowhere (AKA the Sperrin Mountains), and finally arriving at the suitably named Shepard’s Rest Campground.
Private dinner for two in the “Wee Little House” in front of a cozy fire, and a cuddle in the Wicked Camper as rains returned.. Warm bones, full bellies, and we drifted off to sleep..