Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is gorgeous! It is so green here...I see why this is the Emerald Isle. I found a little guest house on a farm just south of Greysteel, NI; and have been using this as a base to explore around the area, the guest house has a view of Louch Foyle. I have explored The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Green Castle ruins, Belfast, Derry. The area has a great history going back thousands of years. It always takes me a few days to get used to driving on the left, especially on the narrow country roads, but I am getting to be a pro after the last few days. :-) I am also staying close enough to the border that I am glad it is still open. You cannot tell where the border between Ireland and Northern Island gets crossed as you drive along, except the roads signs change from miles to kilometers, and the currency changes from Euros to Pounds.
What a coastline!
Castles
Giant's Causeway
As everyone knows, this was built by the Irish giant, Finn McCool to create a path to Scotland. Then, the Scottish giant, and enemy of McCool, Benandonner tore up the path leaving what we see today.
Of course, geologists will tell you that an ancient volcano created these basalt formations.
I like the giant idea better!
Belfast
I have always been fascinated by the conflicted history of Belfast, and the tensions that still simmer under the surface.
SS Nomadic
as a ship building city, there are places to experience that history like this ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic. Next door, you can visit the Titanic Belfast
St Anne’s Cathedral
consecrated in 1904, this beautiful church is right between Cathedral gardens park, and the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
The Big Fish
walk around the docks areas to see the fish, "The Speaker", along with Calder Fountain and Albert Memorial Clock
Londonderry
Otherwise, just known as Derry.
If you want to better understand the civil rights movement known as "The Troubles", this is the place to visit. From the Museum of Free Derry to Pace Flame and the many murals memorializing the people involved, it is a sobering reminder.
There is also a wonderful preservation of the history of the city with the the 17th century walls and The Siege Museum.
The Coast, countryside and old castles
Don't limit any trip to Northern Island to just the main sites and cities. Get out an explore the country...it is downrght beautiful!
