Wanderlust

Gawking at Sites along Northern Ireland's Coast

Cliffs along the coast of Northern Ireland

Driving along the northern coast of Northern Ireland, Sean and I experienced the famous ever-changing weather of this country. Sun-warmth-clouds-rain-sun-wind-driving rain-sun-cold-wind, all within a half hour. While the weather may be unpredictable, the lush landscape and breathtaking sites are not. Rather than blather on about each and every site, I will mostly allow pictures, rather than words, to capture the beauty of the land.

Imagine that - sheep.

Sheep – They’re everywhere!

The Giant's Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway — The 37,000 polygonal, balsatic rock columns of the Giant’s Causeway are reputedly Ireland’s top tourist destination as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 16th Century Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle – On a dark and stormy night part of the cliff fell into the sea, taking the 16th century kitchen and startled cooks with it.

Celtic cross at Bonamargy

Bonamargy Friary – The ruins of this 16th century friary are now tucked into a corner of a golf course along the Coastal Causeway.

Memorial to Johann the goat, the last animal killed during the foot-and-mouth epidemic

The town of Cushendun – Once a popular resort area, this little charming village still offers visitors ruins of Carra Castle, the National Trust house Rockport, a small beach, scenic walks and a touching memorial to the last animal lost in the 2001 foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Cushendun and its beach as seen from the Villa Farmhouse

Quaint villages – Like the sheep, they are everywhere.

The Irish coast

Rocky coastlines – At best a low stone wall separates you from the cliff’s edge.  Safe driving and sure-footed walking are essential.

Ready to take on the rope bridge 

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – Walk 62 feet across a wobbly rope bridge spanning the North Channel. Your destination? A commercial salmon fishery on Carrick-a-rede Island. I like fish. I hate heights. ‘Nuff said.

Filed under: Wanderlust

by

Based on the U.S. East Coast, I am a trained journalist, writer and photographer specializing in food, travel, STEM and education. My articles appear in such publications as the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Standardization News, VegNews and See All This. I have written two nonfiction books, contributed to two other books and provided the photography for one. A world traveler, I have journeyed through 51 countries and six continents, collecting story ideas as I've roamed.