The One to the North

My weekend in Northern Ireland was well spent. My friends and I left Dublin Friday afternoon for Belfast for an easy weekend trip just two hours north. We had supper at India Gates for some authentic (Indian) food. It was good! Although my taste buds (and sweet tooth) enjoyed the extra candies the server gave us at the end of the meal a bit more.

Saturday we booked a day trip with a Paddywagon Tour to go to Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and Giant's Causeway. Then on Sunday we walked around Belfast, went on a Black Taxi tour and checked out the Ulster Museum.

Left to Right: Kenzie, Kayla, Jacob, Jill, Jim and Katie

Photo credits to Katie's IPhone 8 camera!

Carrick-a-rede

This is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The 20 meter long bridge connects the mainland to the little island of Carrickarede 30 meters above the water and rocks.

Giant's Causeway

From the bridge we went to Giant's Causeway. We learned of the legend of the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill as well as the scientific theory as to how these stones formed. The visitor center provided a guided tour on a head phone set that provided more tales and information about the area. It was a nice addition!

Unfortunately, I could not load the videos to the blog. The waves were sizable that day and it was relaxing to hear them crash along the rocks.

Black Taxi Tour

The tour was guided by our driver who was born and raised in Belfast. He informed us of the on going division between nationalist catholic community and loyalist protestant community.

We drove around the city to see the murals that are throughout the city and the safety division wall that still stands.

Ulster Museum

Before having to head back to Dublin, we wondered around the Ulster Museum and Belfast. I was able to see photos from violent disputes that occurred in Belfast due to the division. It clarified the images the Black Taxi driver described.

The photo is of a building located across from the city hall in the city center.

The Belfast City Hall.

My brother was convinced that I needed to bring the hiking bag with me while I study abroad. I'm convinced it was too heavy!