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Embrace an ultimate trip to Giants Causeway tour from Dublin
Have you also neglected Northern Ireland when you visited Ireland or the UK? Have you also thought it’s the same part of Ireland as others? Well, you made a mistake because you left the chance to witness the gem! Did you know earlier in 2019, more than 998,000 tourists visited Giant’s Causeway? It became one of the most impressive natural wonders of the UK.
Yes, Northern Ireland is the part where you can witness the stunning scenery, Unbelievable history, and stunning locations. The best way to witness the beauty is to plan a Giants Causeway tour from Dublin.
About the Giant’s Causeway & ways to reach there
Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site or the geological wonder you must witness in your life. This is one of the top attraction sites in Northern Ireland, and it consists of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Well, it is the result of ancient volcanoes 50 to 60 million years ago. The best way to get from Dublin to Giant’s Causeway is by bus and car.
If you want to wrap up the trip in your own time, then a car trip is a good way to do it. If you don’t have access to the car, choose the bus option. Well, when you choose a trip package to Giants Causeway tour from Dublin from the trusted site, you don’t need to worry about transportation because they will manage those things.
Stops you will find on the way to Giant’s Causeway
No matter what method of transportation you choose, throughout the journey, you will find some amazing stops to make on the way from Dublin.
Belfast
This is the largest & capital city of Northern Ireland, where you can perform multiple activities and roam around to explore the stunning locations. It is recommended that you take a stroll to sightsee the city centre and try some of the authentic dishes. If you have enough time on your trip, then explore the city hall, Belfast Castle, Lewis Square, and George’s Market. You can book your Giants Causeway tour from Belfast.
Dark Hedges
Do you love Game of Thrones? Well, if you do, don’t miss this place ever that is located in between the Belfast to Giants Causeway! Here, you can witness the tunnel of 350-year-old trees that will make you awestruck. This section is also featured in the show, and you can physically visit this place and click on some pictures.
Dunluce Castle
This is one of the beautiful sights that you will pass through when you are on the way to Giants Causeway from Dublin. This castle is a great place for tourists where they can stop and click some pictures for admiration. If you have time, pay a certain amount to cross the bridge castle and explore the ruins.
Carrick a Rede Bridge
This is a rope bridge which connects the small island to the mainland. The bridge spans 30 & 20 m above the ground. If you want to cross this bridge, then pay for the tickets in advance or on-site.
Apart from all the exotic stops, you will frequently be served by stunning scenery which you can’t find anywhere else. If you want to picture some crazy moments, then you can stop and do it. You will fall in love with the Giants Causeway tour from Belfast routes you use to reach Giants Causeway.
What do you pack when you go to Giants Causeway?
When you are a first-time visitor to this place, you don’t know anything about the weather conditions. Make sure to bring a raincoat with you. Along with that, here we mention some essentials to pack for Belfast to Giants Causeway-
Irish weather is quite unpredictable, so bring a raincoat
You never know when you crave food. So, pick some snacks and water with you.
You should have your card in your wallet; it won’t be wrong if you also go with some coins.
If you are a photogenic person, you should have your camera and phone.
Use non-slippery or waterproof shoes with you. Avoid wearing heels and sandals.
Conclusion
So, by concluding the overall content, a day trip to Giants Causeway from Dublin is a fantastic way. You can witness a lot of things in a short period. Too many tourists visit this place to relax and enjoy their vacation. Want to be the next one? If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of this place, then book a trip package and soak yourself in the scenery.
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Vale Executive Travel
Go no further if you want to experience the best tours of Belfast! We offer a comprehensive array of executive tours in Northern Ireland. All team members have vast experience as executive chauffeurs to bring you the most reliable tour services – only here at Vale Executive Travel!
For any events, our services here in Vale Executive Travel offer the finest luxury vehicles. We offer a variety of Mercedes vehicles, including the 3-passenger Mercedes S-Class and the 7-passenger Mercedes V-Class. We always do our best to meet any special needs. That’s why our vehicles are equipped with the following:
Full-Privacy Glass
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Full-Leather Seats
Bottled Water
Owing to high demand, we are introducing luxurious transportation for golf days, whether you want to play on one of Ireland's many internationally renowned links or parkland courses or want to see some of the finest golfers in the world compete. Our high-quality luxury tour services, including the Giant’s Causeway Tour from Belfast, Belfast Political History Tour, and Game of Thrones Tours in Belfast, offer the best way for customers to enjoy Ireland.
We can also take you and your clubs to and from the course while we wait for you to start playing if you are a player. Following the success of the 2019 competition, Royal Portrush Golf Club will once again host the British Open Championship in 2025.
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#tours of belfast#executive transfers#game of thrones tours belfast#giants causeway tour from belfast#belfast city sightseeing
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I probably would have seen more as well, but I got a cold, which made me feel Not Great For Three Days. What did you see in the North?
I went to Belfast first and we did a taxi tour with locals about the walls and we went to the peace wall at the end to sign it.
Then we went to Dulunce castle. was a bunch of ruins to be honest lol but I enjoyed the view so much. loved the cliffs and the sea.
and finally we went to see the Giant's causeway. also the view was great and i was loving the weather since i was dying from the sun in dublin.
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On our way back from the Giant’s Causeway we had a stop in Belfast.
The Black Taxi tour of Belfast was very interesting to learn a bit about the history and more specifically The Troubles and the Peace Walls.
This is the peace line along Cupar Way, seen from the predominantly Protestant side.
The peace lines or peace walls are a series of separation barriers in Northern Ireland that separate predominantly republican and nationalist Catholic neighbourhoods from predominantly loyalist and unionist Protestant neighbourhoods.
They were initially built as temporary structures, but due to their effective nature they have become wider, longer, more numerous and more permanent. There are around 59 in Belfast and stretch over 34 kilomètres (21 miles). They have been increased in both height and number since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. They are generally in the poorer and more disadvantaged areas of Belfast. The stated purpose of the peace lines is to minimise inter-communal violence between Catholics (most of whom are nationalists who self-identify as Irish) and Protestants (most of whom are unionists who self-identify as British). The peace lines range in length from a few hundred metres (yards) to over 5 kilometres (3 mi). They may be made of iron, brick, steel or a combination of the three and are up to 8 metres (25 feet) high.
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The Northern Country
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are two countries on one very small island in the Atlantic Ocean right off Europe. After visiting the city of Dublin we made our way to the city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Because of the Treaty that spilt the island of Ireland 26 counties went to the Republic and 6 were left to Great Britain. This spilt has led to much discord on the border and many of the cities in Northern Ireland.
We began our adventure in Belfast with a bus tour of the city. Cities like Belfast were under strict supervision from the British Army, including actual structures and walls built between those that sided with the British and those that sided with the Republic of Ireland. The country of Northern Ireland is a very divided country because of their history with Great Britain.
Belfast is a less industrial city due to the conflict and fighting that has occurred within the city walls. The people are divided in their politics because of their anger at the English crown or their loyalty to it. One thing I have noticed is that because there is so much discord, there is so much more blatant "patriotism" of Great Britain.
After a somber visit to the Titanic Museum we made our way out to Derry. The importance of the Titanic District in Belfast is how much the building of the Titanic and the sister ships ment to the community that they still take a somewhat positive look on at least the building and the work that the ship did for the community.
Before we made our way to the next city, we made our way to Giants Causeway. A place right on the ocean and an important rock formation that was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. This includes the Irish legend of giants Finn and Una MaCool and Angus the Scotish giant. This is an important lesson for the Enchanted Women class because Una was the one who out smarts Angus and gets him to leave.
Giants Causeway is a very beautiful place and has been featured in things such as Game of Thrones and Hellboy 2. The ocean and the rocks make a stunning scene for anything that could possibly be imagined. As you feel the wind beat against your jackets and take in the salty sea air, it makes you forget the hike back up hill.
Some of the best parts of our trip are when they place us in nature and say "be back by this time, have fun kids." This is because it takes nature so much time to create the way things are and that just by itself is beautiful and an important life experience.
The city of Derry or Londonderry or the Walled City was the next city we stopped in. This is a border town basically and you can feel the unspoken tension in city. As the town has been separated between Catholics and Protestants for centuries, with Protestants in power and wealth, even short term visitor such as ourselves felt the imbalance and division of the community.
~MM~
1st photo Belfast mural/division wall
Rest Giants Causeway
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Catching up with one of the most beautiful spots on earth . . . outside Colorado . . .
Day 37
Monday, September 4, 2023
Well . . . it’s now 8:46 PM and we’re heading back to Dublin from Belfast . . . on a train!
Normally, I really enjoy traveling by train . . . in the QUIET car!!! Why do we always end up in the car with the LOUDEST crowd. Last night was a bridal crowd that had possibly partied all weekend in Galway! Tonight, its used-car salesman convention that had possibly partied all weekend in Belfast!
Or, maybe I’m just too old . . . too tired . . . too much discomfort with this head cold . . . dear reader, take your pick!!!
Today was our final official day of touring with the Irish Rail Tour. Today started at the butt-crack of dawn in order to get the train to Belfast. Once there, we joined another tour already in session.
One of the BEST parts of the day was revisiting places I’d been on my previous visits—Glenarm, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Cushendall—though I didn’t get to see my friends there because the tour folks weren’t clear in their descriptions of the day and I wasn’t able to prepare adequately to warn them I was coming through.
I spent a month in Waterfoot in early 2019 while writing blood(line). We sailed through the little village too quickly for me to take photos, but Carla was able to snap at a group of houses when I pointed in that general direction . . .
and I think she actually captured the right one!!! But, I was sitting on an “inside” seat beside a tourist who was in no mood to share her window with me. So I didn’t get to take any photos—one of the most uncomfortable bus rides I’ve had in a while.
After several other meaningless stops along the day, we finally got to the Giant’s Causeway . . . the real reason we even did the 1-day Northern Ireland trip . . . for a 2-hour stop!
So, as I pushed Renee and Carla in the direction of the shuttle-bus down to the Causeway, I took the path less traveled—up and along the cliff ridge. And, for the longest time, I was the only person around—so very satisfying. It’s not the easiest stroll, but the views were remarkable!!!
That was definitely the best part of the day!!!
Oh, and BTW, the used-car salesmen got off the train at the last stop! The car is quiet again!!!
Then, there was one last stop, “The Dark Hedges” for all the Game of Thrones fans on the bus—not quite sure it warranted a 30-minute stop.
But, then again, maybe it’s just an “old . . . tired . . . head cold” thing.
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Tips for Touring Ireland in the Summer
Ireland has enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for summer travelers. With its lush green countryside, picturesque castles, and friendly locals, Ireland offers a memorable experience for tourists. To make the most of your summer trip to Ireland, it’s essential to plan ahead and prepare for this captivating country’s unique nuances.
Pack for Variable Weather
Summer in Ireland can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days, rain showers, and cooler temperatures. Pack a mix of clothing, including lightweight layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a small umbrella or a raincoat for occasional showers. A hat and sunglasses will come in handy on sunny days.
Plan Your Itinerary
Ireland offers a plethora of attractions and scenic spots to explore. Plan your itinerary to ensure you cover the country’s highlights without feeling rushed. Consider visiting iconic destinations like the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Giant’s Causeway, and the vibrant cities of Dublin and Belfast. However, leave some room for spontaneity and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Embrace Local Culture
Ireland’s warm and welcoming locals are essential to the country’s charm. Engage with the locals, start conversations in pubs, and immerse yourself in the Irish way of life. Participate in traditional music sessions, sample local cuisine, and learn about the country’s history and folklore from the people who know it best.
Drive Safely
If you plan to explore Ireland’s scenic countryside, consider renting a car to experience the freedom of the open road. However, remember that Irish roads are often narrow and winding, so drive cautiously, especially on unfamiliar routes. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, and be mindful of speed limits and road signs.
Enjoy Festivals and Events
Summer is a season of festivities in Ireland, with numerous events and festivals nationwide. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check local event listings before your trip to see if any festivals or events are happening during your visit.
Be Respectful of Nature
Ireland’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and respecting the environment during your travels is essential. Stick to marked trails while hiking, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Dispose of trash responsibly, and leave no trace of your presence to help preserve Ireland’s stunning landscapes for future generations.
Touring Ireland in the summer is a magical experience filled with breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and rich cultural experiences. By packing appropriately for variable weather, planning your itinerary, embracing local culture, driving safely, enjoying festivals, and respecting nature, you can make the most of your summer trip to the Emerald Isle. Let yourself be captivated by Ireland’s charm, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Sláinte! (Cheers!)
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An Exclusive Guide to Opt for Belfast Tour to Giant's Causeway
Belfast offers a plethora of activities, including top-notch attractions, historical sites, museums, retail stores, and entertainment venues. Belfast's location as the entry point to Northern Ireland makes it ideal for road journeys outside of Belfast and scenic excursions to Belfast Tour to Giant's Causeway is a creative and talented powerhouse.
Belfast is home to 1,100 significant worldwide corporations and has two of the world's top universities along with one of the knowledge economies that is expanding the fastest in the globe. Belfast is one of the most business-friendly cities in Europe for its size and is included in the top 10 "Tech Cities of the Future" rankings.
Walking tours usually provide you the finest overview of 25% of a new city, but keep in mind the impact on the local population. As a result, the themes of community revitalization and appreciation were increasingly prominent. Even though some of the locations on the culinary tour were already familiar to the residents, it gave them a fresh perspective on their city.
Why Choose the Giant's Causeway Belfast Tour?
This is a friendly city
You'll feel at home here whether you're meeting friends at university or just striking up a conversation with the locals because Northern Ireland's population is noted for being amiable. You'll also get to know folks from all over the world—more than 2,900 foreign students from 85 different countries attend Queen's University alone in Belfast Tour to Giant's Causeway.
There's always something to do.
You can always find something to do in Belfast Tour Giants Causeway when you have free time, whether it's visiting St George's Market, one of the oldest attractions in the city, or browsing the antique stores on Botanic Avenue for a great deal. Explore Cave Hill Country Park, which is only a few miles outside of the city, for breathtaking views of Belfast. Whether you want to go exploring on your own or join a society with other students, there are many outdoor activities available in the area.
The city is reasonably priced.
Belfast's reasonably priced living has earned it accolades. Belfast is a simple city to navigate, and renting in the "Queen's Quarter," a popular neighborhood for student housing, is reasonably priced, giving you more money to spend on taking advantage of everything Belfast Tour Giants Causeway has to offer. Belfast has a plethora of free activities, so having fun doesn't have to break the bank.
Its past is intriguing.
There are many venues to learn about Belfast's history, that of Northern Ireland, and the "troubles" while attending university in Belfast, whether you choose a walking tour or a museum. Conveniently located close to Queen's University campus, Ulster Museum offers information on the history of Northern Ireland.
Some Tips to Consider When Go for Giant's Causeway to Belfast Tour
Pay Attention to Your Guide
In order to understand more about the history, geology, and significance of the site, pay attention to your guide's remarks and ask questions if you're on a Giant's Causeway to Belfast tour.
Make a Plan
To ensure a seat, check out the different tour options and make your reservation in advance. Take into account elements like tour duration, available modes of transportation, and included facilities.
Learn About the History
Become familiar with the legends and history surrounding the development of the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway, as well as the stories of giants that have been told in tradition.
Comfortable Footwear
Because Giant's Causeway to Belfast tour requires walking over uneven terrain, including rocky walkways and steps, wear strong, comfortable footwear appropriate for trekking and walking.
Check the Weather
Be ready for a range of situations since Northern Ireland's weather may be unpredictable. If you are going during the cooler months, especially, wear layers of clothing and pack waterproof apparel.
https://belfasttransfersandtours.blogspot.com/2024/04/an-exclusive-guide-to-opt-for-belfast.html
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19 & 22 for the end of year asks?
19. What’re you excited about for next year?
travel plans and friends' weddings! love 2 get sloshed and dance all night ♥
22. Favorite place you visited this year?
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY!!!! it's been on my bucket list since playing the wrath of the druids dlc and it did not disappoint! we went with a tour bus from belfast and the entire drive up was gorgeous. then the hike down from the visitor center to the shore and the rocks.... oof. i love the ocean and i love cool rocks.
here's a couple photos, although it's of course way more stunning irl:
end of year asks
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Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour GetYourGuide
Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour GetYourGuide
Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour USD 83.32. Travel from Dublin on this guided day tour and explore Northern Ireland’s most photogenic locations. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, castle ruins, the Titanic Belfast exhibition, and more..
Review the Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour direct from GetYourGuide.
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Carrickfergus castle.
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE. FULL
Examples of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks can all be examined at the one locality. The site is of significant educational value. The site is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions and is an internationally recognised image of the region. It is now in the care of the Environment and Heritage Service (DOE NI). The Norman castle was built around 1180 by John de Courcy and during the medieval period was the centre of English influence in Ulster. The intrusion upon which the castle is built is known historically as Fergus’s Rock (from the Irish Carraig Fheargeas) after a 6th century warrior who drowned off the coast here on his return from Scotland. It is worth pointing out that although the castle itself is built of basalt, the architraves and corner stones are made of Magnesian Limestone (Permian) the closest outcrop of which occurs on the southern side of Belfast Lough at Cultra. On the foreshore immediately below the castle the contact between the Mercia Mudstone Group and the dolerite intrusion can be examined and the hornfelsed nature of the mudstone is obvious. The massive dolerite intrusion (Fergus’s Rock) on which Carrickfergus Castle is built appears to be a local thickening of a dyke, perhaps associated with a fault. The best-preserved Norman castle in Ireland, built in 1177 when the site was almost surrounded by water. Although the Mercia Mudstone Group consists largely of fine-grained sediments, usually mudstones but with some siltstones and silty-mudstones, sandy bands (or skerries) are known to occur and the sandstone beds seen here represent one of these units. Top ways to experience Carrickfergus Castle See all Recommended Tours & Sightseeing Outdoor Activities Multi-day & Extended Tours Shore Excursions Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast 812 Recommended Bus Tours from £30. 1 Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Hwy BT38 7BG, +44 28 9335 1273. On the foreshore just northeast of Carrickfergus Castle there are exposures of the Mercia Mudstone Group (Triassic). The castle was originally Norman in design but was built over several 100 years starting with John de Courcy who seems to have been originally responsible for. On the foreshore beneath the castle are excellent examples of the local country rock (Mercia Mudstone Group) which has been affected by contact metamorphism. (L-R) Bob Harper pictured with his grandson, Danny, and Ald Billy Ashe MBE. The massive intrusion upon which Carrickfergus Castle was built appears to be a local thickening of a dyke, perhaps associated with a fault.
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE. FULL
Earth Science Conservation Review Summary Full reportĬarrickfergus Castle - site of local interest
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One last night in Mathew Lane home of the Cavern where drinks are always on the agenda rain set in so we elected to get some food and have an early night. Not going to happen with all bars and clubs packed for dining so headed off to the San Carlo an Italian restaurant that is second to none. I have to say the best Italian food and service I have every experienced. Guess it goes you get what you pay for. A great last night.
Hit the road early Monday and headed to Chester which surprise surprise was basically shut down as today the Queen is finally being put to rest. Did get to go inside the Chester Cathedral though which is stunning even with the televisions all around so people can gather to mourn the occasion. We also got to walk the old Roman wall which surrounds the old town. This is still standing in full usage and one can only imagine just how far of their time they were.
Did not go the Llangollen as planned due to the fact that all tourism was shut down driving east to Conwy where we did the worlds smallest house this is where a gent over six foot tall lived, and a fore shore walk. Did the main street and a pub had opened to honour the queen and those so inclined could sit and watch the five hour procession while enjoying a drink and play one of the two poker machines inside. Rhondda, Julie and Lindsay took the opportunity while Allan kept himself amused.
Ceremony completed we drove back and up the coast of Wales to a seaside resort known as Llandudno Bay where the old television show “Faulty Towers” could have been based upon. Serious it was driving into a time warp. The local council had elected to cover the sand beach with stones to stop people walking along it. They then had filled in the top part of beach with a ten metre wide walk way to stop beach visitors walking on the side walk. Could not find a pub but every motel/motel has its own which charged very expensive prices.
It was here that when you watched television instead of watching advertisements the television went blank in memory of the queens final resting day. The shows fully operative for first time in ten days but without advertisements. Do not understand why the shows did just not run without continual blank screens. Only in Britain.
Slow start as headed off to Ireland. Stopped off at Conwy Castle which is well worth the visit. Like Chester the wall was built to last. From here a quick whistle stop at the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Train Station. The gift shop is larger then the station itself. Hahaha
Finally to Holyhead where we took the four hour ferry to Dublin where we quickly moved towards Meath where we stayed for the night at the Daly Inn pub and even better food and service from very friendly staff.
From here Tom Tom again took over and we drove the longest roads through more narrow laneways towards the Giants Causeway. This place requires a long walk but worth the effort to see and walk. Back in the car we drove a few short miles to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. A much longer walk to get to but for those brave enough to use the rope bridge dangling in the air 100 feet above the water. Allan volunteered to be the photographer and stay on the main land side.
Still trying to fill in the drive we drove through to Dark Hedges a former pathway leading to an estate. Was lovely but you are no longer allowed to drive through the walking was taking its toll. The drive into Belfast quicker without Tom Tom in control we us having drinks in our room supported by Subway.
Our only full day here in Belfast we decided to do the “hop on bus hop off” tour and not sorry we did. First stop the Titanic Museum which covers so much with a mechanical experience involved along with some great imaging and stories followed by an actual Titanic support ship. A must must do. Could have spent the day there.
Sadly we joined the bus again and did the tour of the city and visited the famous murals. The tour guide explained so much about the different murals and while one can never understand why the fact that they are at peace now is great.
Tonight we are off to the “Crown” hotel legendary for its architecture and decoy where we will enjoy a drink as the millionaires of the past Belfast lifestyle did. Should be great.
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Belfast and Beyond
August 17 - 18, 2022. Top o' the mornin' to you from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Due to weather at sea, (winds and waves) we ditched going to the Isle of Islay and put in at Belfast a day early. This - of course - meant lots of last minute planning but it was done brilliantly. our extra day in Belfast was wonderful and I don't know what we missed in Islay - but I really don't care.
According to locals - the fact that we had sunshine for the entire time we were in Belfast is close to a miracle. But - we were certainly happy to have it.
We headed out early in the AM on see Giant's Causeway and and the coastline of Northern Ireland. Mark and our friends, Gwynn & Jim visited Ireland 4 years ago and did this same trip - so I knew it would be wonderful and I was anxious to do it again - Mark not so much - so he took the day off.
The weather was PERFECT with warm temps and gorgeous sunshine all the way up the coast UNTIL we reacher the Giant's Causeway - but I'll get to that. Our city guide was delightful and he gave us a lot of Belfast history and also a Game of Thrones filming narrative since much of the series was filmed in the area just outside of Belfast.
The scenery was lush and lovely - making the "Green Isle" a great nickname for this place.
Belfast is MUCH improved - but no way healed - after the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Prior to that there were three cities in the world that no one wanted to visit because they feared for their lives - and they were Belfast, Beirut and Baghdad. Tourism is back in Belfast and the Game of Thrones tours alone have brought in millions of pounds to the Northern Ireland economy.
We had a great trip to the Giant's Causeway in glorious sunshine and as we got off the bus, the rain and wind began. It was intermittent (not the wind!) but THAT is why I was prepared for rain.
According to legend, the balsalt columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. The story goes that the Irish giant Finn MacCool, of Gaelic mythology fame, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Finn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet. There are - of course - different versions of the story - but the one I like best is this one: Finn sneaks across the causeway and actually sees Benedonner sleeping and he realizes that his foe is much bigger than he is - so he runs home in a panic knowing he is about to have his ass kicked. Finn's wife, Sadhbh, intercedes and disguises Finn as a baby and tucks him in a bed. When Benandonner arrives for the fight, Fnn's wife tells him husband will be back very soon - BUT please keep quiet as her newborn baby is sleeping. When Benandonner sees the size of the "newborn baby", he reckons that its father, Finn, must be a giant among giants. He flees back to Scotland in fright, destroying the causeway behind him so that Finn would be unable to chase him down.
This "causeway" of identical basalt columns does indeed go on under the sea and reappears at Fingal's Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa - so I'm quite sure this is accurate story of why this exists.
There is another explanation that is rather silly, dealing with volcanic activity 60 million years ago and the erosion of the limestone that covered the basalt columns - but I won't bother you that! But sadly, the park is getting pushback on the scientific explanation of what happened here - so for some people the giant story actually makes more sense, I guess. sigh.....
After lunch we drove by the ruins of the the old McDonell Castle. We stopped for a picture - but did not go in it. UNFORTUNATE for those in our group who did not have a chance to explore it. We did - so I'm posting those pics of 4 years ago. Not much has changed.
AWESOME!!!
We finished the day with a quick stop at the Bushmill distillery. These people like their whiskey!
Another wonderful day in the British Isles. Tomorrow we will explore Belfast and take a look at its terribly violent past, the present and the further.
I love the opportunities presented by travel. Lucky, lucky us!!!
Stay tuned.
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This past week has really been a blur. Since my last post, I’ve gone on the Coiste/Epic tour through Belfast which highlights historic places and events during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Troubles was essentially a civil war between the Irish Republican Army (IRA), a separatist faction looking to reunite the north with the Republic of Ireland, and the Loyalists who fought to maintain Northern Ireland’s status in the UK. It was very interesting to hear from real people from the two sides, both of which who were involved in the fighting. From Coiste (Republican tour), their framing of it was primarily political, mentioning that there were Catholics who fought on the Loyalist side and Protestants who fought on the Republican side. It was a stark contrast both from how I’ve learned about the Troubles in school and from how the Epic (Loyalist tour) framed their side. I got see sights like the so-called “Peace Wall” that separates West Belfast along these socio-political lines, a graveyard where many Republicans are buried, and the famous Bobby Sands mural. On the Epic tour, we went through the main strip that cuts through the Loyalist section of the Peace Wall and saw tons of plain propaganda that highlights the (mostly) Protestant victims of the Troubles. The Epic tour was also mostly framed around Catholic/Protestant language, which highlights how even though most people today regret the Troubles and resent the lasting divide it’s left, there’s still not much agreement on what it was actually about.
TRIGGER WARNING! - THE NEXT SET OF PHOTOS SHOW GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF HUMAN SUFFERING. IF THIS UNSETTLES YOU, PLEASE CONTINUE TO THE NEXT SECTION.
The most interesting part of this tour was the differences in framing. While the Republican side mostly revers what they see as freedom fighters and oppressed people fighting for freedom, the Loyalist side viewed the Troubles as a long stretch of terrorist violence targeting Protestant communities. While both sides have their merits, I’m unconvinced that either side is just, knowing that many bombings, killings, kidnappings, rapes, and other violence were both unprovoked and unwarned leading to senseless deaths on both sides. I asked our Republican tour guide how he became radicalized, and he said that he doesn’t like that term because of modern connotations with the “senseless” acts of violence from groups like ISIS or Al Qaeda. To me, s the dead don’t care for semantics. After the tours we did a Q&A with two former fighters, one from the IRA and the other from a Loyalist paramilitary group. They told their stories of how they went from kids throwing rocks at police cars to robbing banks and murdering people to further their side’s agenda. It was quite sad to hear that the only political solution for the Sinn Fein party, which is the political branch of the demobilized IRA, is reunification with Ireland. The Unionists actively oppose this position. I worry that if moderate solutions cannot be agreed upon, radical violence will re-emerge in the community and they’ll be back where they started.
The day after, we went to see the North Antrim coast and saw some cultural sites, like the Carrickfurgus castle and the Giant’s Causeway. This is a security studies trip, so the castle was a way of comparing how the idea of security has changed throughout history. It was really cool to see some of the implementations that the castle had to stop invaders and to learn more about the history of Northern Ireland. At the Giant’s Causeway, we got to enjoy some uncharacteristicly good weather for Ireland and hiked up a trail where we could see Ireland for miles and one direction, and the vast ocean we had just crossed in another. I was blown away by the beauty of it all. If you ever get a chance to go to Ireland, I highly recommend you go to the Causeway, regardless of if you’re a hiking fan or not.
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A trip to Northern Ireland
I remember arriving in Belfast and it was so cold and rainy. Well, it was March after all and still is winter. After dropping our bags in our hotel we then went on our way to finding a good café (Harlem Café). There we enjoyed some good brunch and coffee to fuel our start of the day. We then braved the rain again and off we went on a train ride to our first stop -- the Bangor Castle. There is an added charm to a place after the rain has stopped, I think. We ended up going to the town centre of Bangor and we did get a little bit soaked in the end but it turned out to be very memorable and we did enjoy ourselves anyway. Oh, and we had some gelato ‘cos why not?
Second day, a Sunday, we went on a bus tour. They call it the “Game of Thrones locations tour”. It’s quite amazing to know how the effect of social media and pop culture has its own positive impact sometimes. Because most of the outdoor locations they’ve used to film the series were in Northern Ireland so it has also helped the country increase their tourism. Rightly so, because everyone needs to see the stunning places here. The bus tour we went on was really informative and the tour guide was also funny. I wish I could still remember everything but it has already been years.
Our first stop was the town of Carnlough and its pretty, blue houses. The day was looking grim but stepping close to the waters just gives one a calming effect.
Our second stop: Cushend. Went on a walk all the way to a little cave.
Third stop, and my favorite: Carrick-a-rede. Absolutely stunning and no one should miss this place when they visit NI. Our visit here couldn’t have been better because the skies finally cleared up and we finally see some sun which we’re very grateful for. Oh, and if you’re like me who has fear of heights then you must brave yourself because there’s a literal bridge that you need to cross when you get there.
Next, we went to see some more of the towns along the Causeway. This is Ballycastle. Beautiful, blue waters. If only we could take a dip.
Second to the last stop: the Giant’s Causeway. I could give you some interesting facts about this but I’m sure Google could you give you more than from what I can recall. But these rock formations have been here many, many years. Amazing to see and feel them in person. There is a bit of a walk but it’s definitely worth it. (Not pictured: the big number of people who were like us trying to take a decent photo of the causeway.)
Too exhausted and too many people on our last stop so I didn’t really get to have a good picture. Most people will probably remember this as the road to King’s Landing in GoT.
On to our final day, finally got to roam around Belfast. Went to see the Titanic where we spent the good part of our morning. Our last stop was the Botanic Gardens.
You were quite memorable and lovely, Northern Ireland.
All photos were taken using an iPhone. Photos were taken on March 2018.
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