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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.

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What a coastline!

Castles

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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! 

Northern Ireland

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

Belfast
Belfast fish
Belfast
Belfast

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.

Londonderry
Londonderry
Londonderry
Londonderry

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!

Northern Ireland
coast of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede
Northern Ireland
coffee at a castle
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