After three years of blog silence (oops!), we’re back—and this time, with muddy paws and sandy toes in tow.Welcome back to susanastravels, the place where we share little moments from our adventures. And what better way to restart this blog than with a trip to our favourite place in Ireland: Donegal.
🐾 Donegal: Oscar’s Happy Place
Back in February, we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary (how is that even possible?) and decided to return to one of our favourite spots—Donegal, at a cozy Airbnb in Doochary, nestled between mountains, rivers, and windswept beauty. We’ve stayed there before and keep going back for a simple reason: Oscar loves it.
The house is spacious, peaceful, and best of all—fully fenced. That means we can open the door and watch Oscar sprint into his personal kingdom without a worry. He doesn’t love long car journeys (dramatic sighs included), but the second we arrive, it’s as if the memory of the trip vanishes. The beach is calling, and he must go!
🌊 The Joy of the Simple Things
Oscar’s beach ritual is pure joy. The moment his paws hit the sand, he speeds toward the water. Waves? Cold sea? Not a problem. He charges straight in for a quick dip, tail wagging like a propeller, completely fearless and totally in his element. Once he’s satisfied with his swim, it’s game time—his favourite game: chasing the pebbles we throw, and taking every opportunity to feel the cold water against his strong body.
We had amazing weather this time—sunny, crisp days that made every walk feel like a gift. There’s something deeply relaxing about hearing the waves, breathing in salty air, and seeing your dog with a grin that says, “This is the best day of my life” (again and again).
⛰️ A Walk Through Time: The Abandoned Famine Village
One day, we took a scenic drive to Mount Errigal, and nearby, we visited an abandoned village, Glentornan Village—quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Just the stone remains of a few homes are left, but standing there, you can almost feel the past pressing through the earth.
It’s the kind of place that invites silence. You find yourself thinking about those who once lived there, their stories now echoed only in the wind. With Mount Errigal rising in the background, it’s a place where history and nature speak at once.
🌲 Peace, Deer, and Slow Days
Most of our days were spent slowly: cooking together, reading, walking, and just being. There were even wild deer near the house one morning—like something out of a dream. No alarms, no emails, just the kind of peace you don’t realize you’ve missed until you find it again.
We didn’t go out to eat, just made simple meals at home, and honestly, it was perfect. That slow pace, combined with fresh air and beautiful views, was exactly what we needed.
🐶 Oscar’s Verdict: Five Pebbles Out of Five
So here we are, back home and back to work—but with hearts full and batteries recharged. And a dog who, if he could write, would probably title his own blog Oscar’s Travels: Beaches, Balls & Biscuits.
This trip reminded us why we keep coming back to Donegal. For the quiet. For the space. For the joy on our dog’s face. And for the magic of the mountains and sea.
💬 Let’s Chat
Have you been to Donegal? Do you travel with your pets? I’d love to hear about your favorite quiet escapes (and so would Oscar). Drop a comment below—we’re back, and we missed you! 💛