Motorcycle Explorer June 2015 Issue 6 | Page 72

yet to book anywhere for accommodation that evening – a valuable lesson learned here; always bring a tent if possible, it affords more freedom and flexibility! On a rest stop by the side of the road we managed to book a hostel room in Strandhill. Strandhill has an interesting vibe, almost hippy-ish; the next morning we meandered along the shore front observing small market stalls being set up, in the background the mountain of Knocknarea (Cnoc na Riabh / Ri, meaning ‘Hill of Kings’) looms over the village, it looked dark and imposing. On top of this mountain is Meascán Méabha (Queen Medb’s Grave), but this is just one, albeit the largest, of a series of sites on the mountain. The ride home on Sunday took in the baron but picturesque Bluestack Mountains in Donegal, but all too quickly I was on the motorway to Belfast, the return leg almost depressing after the ecstasy of the previous days. The weekend had passed in an enjoyable flash, but this just gave me the opportunity to plan the next trip. It’s not the length of time away that matters, but what you do with it that counts! Strandhill beach (Author)