Lough Derg
The Route
A The Cottage
B Portumna
C Bellview
D Nenagh
E O’Briensbridge
F Doolin
Distance 159 miles (256 km)
Lough Derg narrows at the southern point and forms the beginning of the River Shannon which flows south west through the city of Limerick and onward to the open sea of the Atlantic. We arrived at the little village of O’Briensbridge via the stone bridge with its twelve arches of various sizes that crosses the river. It was mid afternoon and time to find somewhere for a bite to eat. The pretty village had a selection of pubs and bistros to choose from. We walked up the main street and came to a small bistro. It looked closed as I tried the door handle. The door was locked and we thought about somewhere else when the door suddenly opened and the owner beckoned us inside. The eager owner showed us some menus and waited for us to order.
Mike and I ordered the Irish stew whilst Lindsay and Mo asked for toasted sandwiches and soup. The owner had obviously stayed open just for us as it was past the 3o’clock closing time shown on the door. The stew arrived in a large bowl placed in front of us. There were chunks of lamb cooked in a thick stock with carrots and celery poured over a mound of mash potatoes. It was very nice and filling, just what I needed to fill my empty stomach. Mike had polished is stew off as well enjoying every spoon full. Mo had asked for a cheese and onion toastie but was given one with cheese and ham by mistake. With not eating meat it gave her an opportunity to have a dessert instead. Lindsay also decided to have a dessert and both of them chose to have a piece of apple pie.
From where I was sitting I could see in to the kitchen and the owner was taking lots of items out of the fridge to prepare the two desserts. The desserts arrived and Lindsay had a large smirk on her face. The pieces of apple pie had all the trimmings, cream, ice cream, toffee sauce and a triangular wafer placed in the pie itself. We had never seen an apple pie presented in this way and it made us laugh. We finished our meals and thanked the owner for her hospitality in staying open for us. The sun was now shining and down by the river was very pleasant indeed.
Extract from the book 'The Land of Diddeley Dee'
Next: Day 8 - Westport