| Antrim Coast |
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| The untamed beauty of the Antrim Coast provided magnificent views. The unusual basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway were as fasinating to us as the Victorians who once flocked to this unique geological wonder. Legend has it that the causeway was built by the Ulster giant Finn MacCool. Those with no imagination say a volcanic eruption caused it. |
| The terraced houses behind the promenade that runs around the harbor in Portrush caught the late afternoon sun. Our hotel was in Portrush and we had some time to walk around the harbor after dinner. Portrush is a beach side resort with a definite British feel. The restaurants serve huge portions of very good food. We had a group dinner at the Harbor Bistro of salmon, lobster spring rolls, champ, and huge, beautiful desserts. Forget the diet here. |
| Our day on the Antrim coast was action packed. First we went to the Giant' s Causeway and then for a tour of the Bushmills Distillery in the village of Bushmills. |
| The "soft Irish climate" ( that means rain to us) is good for whiskey production. Irish whiskey from Bushmills is unique because it is triple distilled which gives it a very smooth taste. The whiskey is aged in oak casks and some of the whiskey evaporates. The distillers say this is the "angels share." After a tour we had hot toddies and tastes of the whiskey. Drinking Bushmills is said to "warm the cockles of your heart." |
| We traveled to Ballintoy for lunch at the Fullerton Arms. We had vegetable soup, egg salad sandwiches, and tea. The friendly and patient owner let us take photo ops behind the bar. Almost everyone got in on the act. After lunch we drove over to the amazing Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. |
| For over 350 years fisherman have strung a rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them access to the best places to catch migrating salmon. The scenery is astounding on Carrick Island. We walked about a mile from the car park to the bridge. All along the way we enjoyed striking views of the beautiful Antrim Coast. |
| Crossing the bridge was thrilling and a little scary. |
| Our last stop for the day was Dunluce Castle. All that remains of this once majestic castle are the walls. In 1639 the kitchen fell into the sea taking some of the servants with it. The lady of the castle had enough and the castle was abandoned. We were ready to get back to Portrush for a big meal and some rest after a very busy and fun-filled day. |