Tags
ABBA, B&B, Carrick-a-Rede, Carrickfergus, Cushendall, Giant's Causeway, Ireland, karaoke sessions, nature, northern ireland, outdoors, photography, photos, road trip, rope bridge, salty sea air, travel, vacation
It’s the middle of the week and I feel like Monday. The reason for this mild confusion and complete disorientation is the fact that I went road tripping on Monday and only came back late last night from a spontaneous trip up North with my lovely friend and her new car Baby.
We decided to ignore the weather and took the coast road from Belfast over Carrickfergus and Cushendall, past Carrick-a-Rede and its famous Rope Bridge to The Giant’s Causeway. It was beautiful drive and we had our fair share of sun but with drops of rain here and there. ABBA was our constant companion and in-between our private (in my case off-key) karaoke sessions we stopped to see the sights, smell the salty sea air and enjoy the stunning views.
Our first stop, after a pee and coffee break at an outlet store just behind the border (and yes we couldn’t help but browse) was Carrickfergus (Rock of Fergus). This little coastal town is built around an old castle by the same name and this old Norman fortress is one of the best preserved on the island. As we wandered around entering times long past and exploring what history has left behind we soaked up the sun and sights.
On our way back to the car we passed a tiny little marina, fishing boats merrily boobing in the water, a crumbling tower sparkling in the sun light and a big seagull waved us goodbye.
From Carrickfergus the scenic coastal road took us around many bends, up and down hills and had stunning views around every corner. Because we didn’t want the bossy sat-nav woman to give out to us all the time we went “vintage” and I read the map, while trying to find the hidden signs and decipher them. We passed by idyllic villages and remote houses set back into the hills, stunning view from their panorama windows enticing the thought to maybe quite the city life after all. And a particular little town called Ballygalley made me smile and come up with all sorts of rhymes making my friend laugh so hard we nearly ended up flying off the cliff.
But after a long and beautiful drive we arrived at Cushendall where our B&B was hidden away. Our map withheld the information so our trusty female companion was released out of the glove compartment and in commandeering tones instructed us where to go. The lovely landlady greeted us with a smile that was only trumped by the spectacular view and offered us tea and home made cake before we went out again to look for a few waterfalls.
With our walking shoes on we entered Glenariff Forest and decided on the shorter and more scenic route, after all dusk was approaching fast. The greens of the forest were damp from the fresh rain, a wet, woody scent was in the air and we could hear the rushing water in the distance. We walked down man-made wooden steps and suddenly it was there, the cold water glistening in the last rays of sun light, inviting us to jump in. Although tempted we declined the invitation, skinny dipping in the shade is not so much fun after all and the water was a funny shade of brown. After enjoying the waterfalls and our downwards walk we made our way back to the car, puffing and panting up hill. With a final look over the valley down towards the sea we drank huge gulps of water and set back to Cushendall our tummies growling for food.
After a button-popping amount of food and a good nights sleep the sun woke us to the smell of a lovely full Irish breakfast. Not able to resist the alluring scent of sizzling bacon, eggs, tomatoes and sausages we savored every bite hoping that our clean plates would mean sunny skies. As we put our bags in the trunk and said goodbye, the wonderful landlady gave me a freshly baked loaf of boiled fruit bread complimenting me on my sunny nature and sense of humour. If the view hadn’t made me happy that morning her lovely words would have.
With map in hand we wound our way around the coastal bends towards Carrick-a-Rede, chasing the sun as the rain let the windscreen wipers work overtime. But as we parked the car and made our way toward the famous rope bridge the clouds moved on and made way for warm rays and sunny light. The short stroll to the rope bridge was as active as an anthill with visitors from west and east taking photos, viewing and chatting. Most braved the winds and dared to cross the 60metes drop into the crashing waves below on the short rope bridge, only few declined and decided to go for a wander on the marginally safer cliffs edge. The dare devils that we are, we happily skipped and bounced our way over to the little island that use to be a fisherman’s paradise and is now a bird sanctuary.
Back safe and sound on the mainland my friend and I took a little walk back to the car admiring the views, enjoying the sun and taking our time. The wind played with our hair and carried the squawking, squeaking and shouting of the birds over the cliffs edge making the air alive with noise and smells too.
But the hedges along the side of the cliff were just as alive, with bees buzzing, flies summing and insects crawling around on a variety of leaves and flowers. And just as we turned the last bend we had a stunning view on Sheep Island. Sadly as soon as were back in the car the Irish weather had caught up with us again and a downpour of water accompanied us all the way up to Giant’s Causeway.
Water was running down the roads when we pulled into the car park at Giant’s Causeway so we decided to flee the rain and take some refreshments in the tea-rooms. Again the variety of visitors was interesting to watch and after a short wait we were ushered in to the warm but mainly dry dining hall. A wide selection of Irish goodies was laid out, ready and waiting to be picked but my friend and I settled on some scones with butter, jam and cream and some hot tea. As we waited for the rain to subside we munched happily on our treats and watched the waiters hurry around serving soup, sandwiches and cakes, always in a flurry ,always with a searching look and a the question “is this for you” in their eyes.
Although there was still a bit of a drizzle and the skies were still gray we wandered down to the magnification causeway. These 60 million year old volcanic formations are really a wondrous sight. It is hard to believe that these hexagonal basalt columns are completely natural, it is however not surprising that this unique work of nature is such a visitors attraction and has inspired the locals to tell the story of the Giant Finn McCool and how he made the causeway to cross over to Scotland.
Slowly, wet and happy we made our way back to the car and as we turned away from the coast and headed back towards Dublin ABBA sang “The Winner takes it all” . We wholeheartedly agreed, feeling like winners as we took two wonderful days filled with memories back home with us and in my case even some delicious homemade cake.
How on earth have you managed to get such lovely pictures and no rain?
don’t know I took loads so only selected a few and yes I think it is a lot of luck and a good lense
Wow wow wow! What beauty! I love the castle and the waterfalls, esp. But even the clover was just… wow! Sometimes I wish I lived where you do… 😀
well I am sure where you live is beautiful too … but thanks so much and glad you like my amateur pics
Gorgeous pics. I was feeling very over-whelmed and out of sorts and these pics really had a lovely and calming influence. Thank you. :).
you are so welcome am glad you enjoyed my photos and words 🙂
So happy you got away from the grind, J…and had an especially grand time!!
Travel….food for the soul.
I know and you always come back inspired to be a better you 🙂
I soooo agree.
🙂
Beautiful writing and photos!
thanks so much am glad you enjoyed
Darn Jensine!!You just did it!! Such a remarkable post!! Double Thumbs Up!!
I am loving every shot you took with professionalism. I am re-reading it just to see the pictures again and again. Lol.
Love,
-Naima.
ah thanks so much … it was a great little trip, the perfect miny break
Now I envy you – I want a MINI BREAK. Lol
I know don’t we all and we do it way to seldom
Fantastic photos!
Makes me want to get back to rainy old Ireland sooner.
Sounds like you had a lovely trip.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Laura
glad you enjoyed taking the trip with me … and yes Ireland is pretty beautiful even in the rain
It sounds amazing! You’ve taken some beautiful photos.
thanks so much and yes it was beautiful
Nice post with great photos and words to really get the feel of the area!
thanks so much … love your dog too but keep the ladybugs, they are kind of cheecky
thanks so much … love your dog too but keep the ladybugs, they are kind of cheeky
Lovely and well written. Thanks for taking me along!
you are so welcome glad you could make it
I love this post. I have wanted to visit Ireland, but haven’t made it there yet. So much beauty and awesome photos. Thank you for taking us along. 🙂
you are so welcome and this is only a small corner there is so much more to see
What a wonderful trip and journal of it. I almost felt as though I was with you. What wonderful scenery in your beautiful country…Diane
I know Ireland is so gorgeous even in bad weather but I do prefer the sun
Lovely.
glad you enjoyed 🙂
Love the volcanic stones!
they are so cool in real life, well worth a visit, even if like me you have been a few times
Nature is such an amazing source of energy and inspiration! Although I love technological too. I’m part alien, part human and part terminator, so I appreciate nature and technology!
oh part terminator how cool is that … I am more the type that tries to figure out the remote control
You’re like my mom. She’s part alien and part human. Horrible with technology!
hopefully only younger
Yes definitely! And I’m assuming you’re not part alien, just full human.
😉
Can’t go wrong with ABBA as your constant companion!
no never ABBA is a great tag a long friend always and a constant happy heart maker
Sounds like a great trip and I love your pictures!!
thanks yes some turned out really well
Was debating hitting the like button as I agree with all the comments above, but I absolutely love getting comments. ABBA is an everlasting band and your photos are great! Your blog is doing amazing in such a short time. You are brilliant at what you do. Look forward to reading more.
ah thanks so much and yes comments make any bloggers heart sing
Reblogged this on Serendipity and commented:
We honeymooned in Ireland 22 years ago … and it is still as lovely as it was. A really lovely blog!
beautiful! would love to visit one day! thanks for stopping by my photoblog! i’ll keep my eyes on yours!+
ah thanks will do to 🙂