Overcast skies greeted us as we berthed in Belfast early this morning which didn’t bode well for our trip today to the Giant’s Causeway. We boarded our coach to be greeted by our guide, Malachi, who could have been related to comedian Frank Carson. At least most of his jokes were.
As we drove on the motorway from the city the sun slowly showed itself and by the time we passed the Royal Portrush Golf Club it was beginning to look quite good.
As we drove on the motorway from the city the sun slowly showed itself and by the time we passed the Royal Portrush Golf Club it was beginning to look quite good.
This course will host The Open Championship next year, only the second time it has been held in Ireland, and it is already sold out.
The next photo opportunity was the ruined castle of Dunluce standing alone on the headway.
The next photo opportunity was the ruined castle of Dunluce standing alone on the headway.
Driving through the town of Bushmills, home of the oldest licensed distillery in the British Isles (unfortunately no stop here today) we soon reached the major destination for today, The Giant’s Causeway.
Scientists insist that these hexagonal basalt columns are the result of volcanic lava cooling but locals would say that they are all that are left from the giant Finn McCool’s bridge to Scotland. I always believe the locals.
Whatever it’s origin this UNESCO World Heritage site is absolutely stunning and as you might expect very photogenic as both Sylvia and I discovered.
Whatever it’s origin this UNESCO World Heritage site is absolutely stunning and as you might expect very photogenic as both Sylvia and I discovered.
The sun had by now come out……….
……but it was extremely windy…...
…so we took shelter at the base of the columns.
The only criticism of the place is that it was full of tourists and you couldn’t get a clear shot….
…we , of course, did manage the obligatory selfie.
A great place to visit and one that is worthy to have the title of “The Eighth Wonder of the World”.
The journey back to he ship took us along the Antrim coast through some very pretty towns to the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. We didn’t have a chance to cross this small swinging bridge but were able to get a picture.
The journey back to he ship took us along the Antrim coast through some very pretty towns to the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. We didn’t have a chance to cross this small swinging bridge but were able to get a picture.
The next viewing point was across to Rathlin Island where Robert the Bruce spent a number of years in exile and since he is the recently discovered 21st Grandfather of Sylvia, this was a poignant moment.
The hills in the background of the photo are on the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland where we will be sailing close to tomorrow.
Prior to returning to the ship we had a brief tour of Belfast city taking in the sights of the City Hall, The Market Place, Queen’s University and the Harland and Wolff shipyards amongst others. Altogether a very enjoyable and educational day made even better by the sunshine.
Prior to returning to the ship we had a brief tour of Belfast city taking in the sights of the City Hall, The Market Place, Queen’s University and the Harland and Wolff shipyards amongst others. Altogether a very enjoyable and educational day made even better by the sunshine.
