Up at a reasonable time and decided nothing could ever compete with the breakfast from Carnately Lodge so we wouldnt even try at the premier Inn anyway.
Set off driving about 0930 via Strablane and Omagh. I drove all day. Took the long way out of Derry as we had no idea how to get out but just knew to head southish and so we did. Also took the long way through Strablane - the narrow main street and may have been market day as very busy or the first day after bank holiday.
Kept on driving not really seeing to stop for and eventually about 1100 stopped in a small place for bathrooms and hopefully coffee and breakfast. Ended up having the 'Ulster Fry' - very very good for £4.90 each including tea and coffee. I do love soda bread and will have to teach myself how to make it. Then drove to M.... on the shores of Lough Neagh. Found a spot by the water and went for a walk. not the most satisfactory walk of the trip - knee high grass and midges galore. only walked for 45 mins in all before giving up. Took B roads around the bottom of the lake, got a bit lost again and then more B roads before ending at Crumlin. Short break here and by this time we were a bit bored and just kept on driving. M found a place to go for a walk but when we got there a huge fence all the way around so gave up on that. headed to Templepatrick for petrol (£75 for entire 4 days) and M surprised with a stop at a hotel/restaurant he had seen near the airport which advertised scones. Very disappointed to discover there was no cream tea but scones and jam only. Coffee was also disappointing for such an upmarket place and they were disappointed in us for not ordering more than tea and scones (it was 1530).
Onto the airport and delivered the car back safely. Straight through security with the usual search of the bag for me as I have more liquids than can fit in the plastic bag. Actually it was the 3 miniatures of Bushmills whiskey that didnt fit. I had to take them out of the little box and place in the plastic bag which then couldnt do up. he then told me that was fine but not to remove the whiskey back into the box until he could no longer see me. A bit of a long wait til our flight but then it was smooth from there. arrived at Gatwick 10 mins early and home by 2000.
Wonderful trip - in hindsight would stay longer in Ballycastle area and just do a day trip to Derry. Would also had an extra day to go to Rathlin Island.