Northern Ireland – UK & Eire

Antrim Coast

October 11, 2017September 27, 2014 by Smith & Smith

We covered a lot of ground today.

We started by heading north from Belfast towards the Antrim Coast. It took some work to locate the ‘Dark Hedges’, made famous by the Game of Thrones series. Very remote (and super cool). The northern coastline is striking. We stopped at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge (Dick walked it, I did not) and then on to the Giant’s Causeway. Incredible. Lots and lots of tourists at the Causeway – most with Chinese accents. We have a long drive along the coast to Portrush (looks nice), then (London) Derry. We had hoped to take a tour of the Belleek Pottery factory but arrived late. Mary picked up a nice, very well-packaged pottery basket.

Finally, we crossed the border into the Republic of Ireland and Donegal Town. While dining at the nearby Castle Bar, we met a Canadian gentleman from Toronto doing a cycle tour of both Ireland & Northern Ireland. Interesting discussion! At his suggestion we topped off the night with a walk to the Reel Inn where a trad band was playing.

Black Taxi

October 10, 2017September 26, 2014 by Smith & Smith

We took a Black Taxi Tour of the areas known for the ‘Troubles’ which focused on the murals each side of the conflict painted on houses.

Fascinating, disturbing, sad. Mary said it well – there’s remains a 4-mile fence and only a few gates between the zones and they still close every night. There’s a long way to go before healing is done.

Our driver, Gerry, clearly sympathizes with the Republican side. And, he’s about the right age. Hmm…

Belfast

October 10, 2017September 26, 2014 by Smith & Smith

The walk from our B&B into town is long, but pleasant through a series of well-tended neighborhoods and shops along the street. There’s a quilt shop along the route & Mary locates some material for her ‘travel’ quilt.

St George’s Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast. It is located on May Street, close to the River Lagan and the Waterfront Hall. It’s huge, is open daily, and has everything from food stalls, to artwork & antiques.

While in town, we also visited the striking City Chambers and stopped for a pint at the Crown Pub. Magnificent interior.

Ferry to Belfast

October 10, 2017September 25, 2014 by Smith & Smith

Off to Northern Ireland!

The drive from Glasgow to the ferry terminal in Troon is a short one and our crossing of the Irish Sea to Larne (just north of Belfast) is pleasant. Our B&B in Belfast is the ‘Ravenstall Guest House’. It is quite nice and Olive, our hostess, is helpful with suggestions for dining and sightseeing. We headed into the city and visited the ‘Titanic Belfast’ museum and memorial. The ship was built in the Belfast shipyards. We walked from our B&B to dinner at the Errigle Inn.