Gawking at Sites along Northern Ireland's Coast
Driving along the northern coast of Northern Ireland, Sean and I experienced the famous ever-changing weather of this country. Sun-warmth-clouds-rain-sun-wind-driving rain-sun-cold-wind, all within a half hour. While the weather may be unpredictable, the lush landscape and breathtaking sites are not. Rather than blather on about each and every site, I will mostly allow pictures, rather than words, to capture the beauty of the land.
Sheep – They’re everywhere!
The Giant’s Causeway — The 37,000 polygonal, balsatic rock columns of the Giant’s Causeway are reputedly Ireland’s top tourist destination as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dunluce Castle – On a dark and stormy night part of the cliff fell into the sea, taking the 16th century kitchen and startled cooks with it.
Bonamargy Friary – The ruins of this 16th century friary are now tucked into a corner of a golf course along the Coastal Causeway.
The town of Cushendun – Once a popular resort area, this little charming village still offers visitors ruins of Carra Castle, the National Trust house Rockport, a small beach, scenic walks and a touching memorial to the last animal lost in the 2001 foot-and-mouth epidemic.
Quaint villages – Like the sheep, they are everywhere.
Rocky coastlines – At best a low stone wall separates you from the cliff’s edge. Safe driving and sure-footed walking are essential.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – Walk 62 feet across a wobbly rope bridge spanning the North Channel. Your destination? A commercial salmon fishery on Carrick-a-rede Island. I like fish. I hate heights. ‘Nuff said.
