Northern Delights - Touring the North of Ireland
Northern Delights
Long gone thankfully are the watchtowers, soldiers and tense atmosphere of before.
The City of Belfast is pretty, friendly and full of life. Formerley it was Irelands industrial quarter, ship building, linen weaving, rope making among some of the mainstay industries of its day. The Harlaand and Wolfe ship yard employed thousands of mostly protestant workers. Visit the Titanic Quarter and see the impressive array of interactive exhibits detailing the history and grandeur of the Titanic and other liners. Step back in time to marvel at the construction of these giant palaces of the sea with a journey deep into the shipyard as it was.
The black cab tour is mandatory and is a great way to hear about Belfasts darker days of the troubles. History is brought to life by local guides on these entertaining and engaging jaunts around the Falls Road, Shankill, 'peace wall' and mural locations.
Leaving Belfast we journey north via the Dark Hedges where beech trees form a cave like feature. Keep an eye out for the ‘Grey lady’ who reputedly haunts this eerie spot. On from here we soon reach the coast, visit Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which crosses a chasm of a former volcano! The bridge was previously used by salmon fishermen and at that time had only one hand rope to cross its perilous drop....
The coastal scenery here is spectacular and there is plenty of bird and sea life to view, travelling west along the coast we pass scenic Ballintoy harbour. Keep a look out for White park bay with its wild and expansive beach below. On we go to the legendary Giants causeway where a mere 60 milion years ago volcanic eruptions created fantastic stone columns. On days of a big Atlantic swell see the waves build and crash upon the hexagonal basalt stones.There are other strange volcanic formations all along here and marked walking trails, so do explore!
On from here we enter Bushmills village home of the worlds oldest whiskey distillery. Maybe drop in for a wee drop or dram as they say!
Dunluce castle‘s amazing cliff top location is well worth a visit . This haunting 13th century fortification was home to the MacDonnells, chiefs of Antrim. It has had a tumultuous past apart from stories of banshee’s and the kitchen falling into the sea one stormy night in 1639. It is rumoured the screams of those who perished can still be heard on certain nights. Heading along we pass the renowned Royal Portrush golf club. Fancy a round?
Before we head to Derry one passes Downhill house and Mussenden temple where a former Bishop of Derry entertained his mistress.
Next its Derry town founded by St Columba in the 6th century, later it was planted with settlers by London based livery companies where it was ‘renamed’ Londonderry. Its huge city walls are the only intact city walls in Ireland and the local walking tours here are very informative. The walls were built to defend the settlers against the local Irish chieftains. Learn of its dramatic history and gaze over the ‘bogside’ area and its dramatic murals. Also recommended is the Tower museum, well worth a visit with multimedia diplays and Spanish Armada artifacts.
Just outside Derry in Donegal is the ancient fort of 'Grainan Aileach' with superb views of Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and Derry. There are lots of other great touring routes and attractions in the North such as the Mourne mountains, Glens of Antrim, Fermanagh Lakelands and the Ards penisula to name but a few.
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