Bangor, Groomsport and Donaghadee

Gwen and James’ daughter, Karen took us shopping/sightseeing around the northern part of the Strangford Lough.  We started out in Newtownards where we went to a fabric shop called the Skip.  They had the most laminated fabrics I’ve ever seen in store. We also went down to a knit shop that they would call a wool shop.  The warn was reasonably priced, so I think I’ll have to go back and get some!  From there we went to eat at the Clandeboye Lodge where Hannah (Karen’s daughter) was married.  We had afternoon tea that consisted of smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches as well as gammon and cheese sandwiches.  They also served us scones and danishes that you were supposed to top with butter, clotted cream and strawberry conserve.  They. were. delicious.  A pot of tea was also brought to the table.

After our meal, we drove up to Bangor where we walked around some shops.  They have a TJMaxx here, but it’s called TKMaxx.  They had pretty much the same stuff as we do, but it’s a lot more expensive.  A lot of the purses that had were at least 40 to 50 pounds.  Whereas, in TJMaxx you can usually find them quite a bit cheaper.  I ended up buying a pair of cheap boots to wear because the weather is supposed to turn quite a bit cooler this week and like a dummy, I didn’t bring any of mine!

After we shopped a bit, we went down to the harbor where we walked around for a bit.  Then we drove past Groomsport and on around to Donaghadee where we stopped for ice cream and sat by the sea.  Yes, we ate ice cream in coat and scarf wearing weather.  Karen said that if they didn’t eat ice cream when it was cold, they’d never eat it!