Splendid photos Sean. Glad you made it out that way, such a great shame you didn't get to play it though. I'm sure another opportunity will arise. Fabulous looking day too, terrific light, so clean and pure.
A couple of general observations -
a) Cruit, we were advised to say "Critch" Tom, but what the hell, isn't just quirk, it's a much better test of golf than it appears.
b) The spectacular holes get all the photo time,and nice they are too, but I thought the 1st, 2nd and 8th were rather nice, the 2nd greensite especially so. The 1st with it's tee higher than the clubhouse roof - just how much blindness do you attempt to bite off with your first shot of the day? The long par-3 8th looks bland, but it's a curvy green for chips and putts.
c) The 6th hole, the bunkers on the severe slope left of the green are there I believe to force players to go direct for the green from the tee rather than aiming way left and bouncing and trickling the ball down the slope onto the green.
d) The course is much more spectacular without the green mesh fences around the rear or sides some of the greens (eg 6th, 7th, 9th). Spray defence for the winter storms I imagine they are.
e) Cruit is not a course that needs 14 clubs IMO (do any really?). There's a great deal of improvisation required so instead play it with only 7 or 8 clubs. More interesting and rewarding that way, at least I reckon so.
Cruit is an unforgettable course and location, and as others say in their comments, there are scenic drives galore in Donegal. Great part of the world. I agree with Jeff about Dunfanaghy making a fine base during a trip, the course there is worth playing too.
atb