Weds 28th July : Tandragee - Monaghan

Today's was a pleasant cycle, although it really took its toll on me. I think because sleeping in my tent isnt very comfortable and I dont get much of it.

The flora by the side of the road was really beautiful. I wish I had stopped more often, throughout Ireland, to take more pics of it, but that wasnt always very practical.

I crossed the border without announcement - the only indication being that everywhere suddenly got further away, as the signage switched from miles to kilometres.

I had booked into a smart hotel in Monaghan but on arriving in the town, which is in a hollow, I discovered that it was several miles up the other side (not what the receptionist had said at all). I couldnt be bothered, so drifted into town. I had only just started when I came across the guesthouse I had been trying to contact. So I stayed there - and very nice it was too, despite the grotty exterior. This became quite the thing in Ireland - grotty on the outside/great inside, great on the outside/fawlty towers on the inside.

After having a bath (luxury!) and a wander round town I went for a Chinese buffet. It was a bit weird cos you had to order your dishes blind, as it were, from a menu, and there was no knowing how big each dish would be. They also came out in no particular order. I never got to my favourite dish, the curry, cos I was stuffed and had to beg 'No more, please, dont bring me any more food!' - which isnt something I often find myself asking.

In the evening the bar opposite was doing a drinks deal - all drinks 3euro. Oh dear!

Decided to stay an extra night in Monaghan and see the fiddly diddly music due the next day.

Distance = 28.6 miles
Time = 3hrs 39mins
Av. speed = 9.2mph
Other mileage = 6.8
Total to date = 351 miles