Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Along the Causeway Coast

On Tuesday, Jarlath and I took a mini road trip around the coast of Northern Ireland--starting in Strabane and ending in Belfast.

First Stop: Benone Beach


Mussenden Temple

We took a stroll along the beach and got back in the car the moment it started raining!

Second Stop: Dunluce Castle

"Wee Cottage" :)

A wee picnic by the castle ruins

Looking out to the sea

Third Stop: The Giant's Causeway--Ireland's top tourist attraction

According to legend, a giant named Finn McCool created this unusual rock formation as a path to cross the Irish Sea to Scotland.

Ta da! Here is is. Hooray for bright blue skies!

The basalt colums were actually created by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago.

Fourth Stop: Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Crossing over to a small island where local fishermen catch migrating salmon & visitors admire the view...

Final stop: Belfast

World-renowned Queen's University

Famous mural in the Nationalist area of a Republican prisoner named Bobby Sands who died in the hunger strikes in the early 1980s during "the troubles."

The international wall of murals dedicated to nationalist struggles around the world.

The famous Harland & Wolff cranes called Samson and Goliath--a symbol of Belfast and its ship-building industry--where The Titanic was built.

I enjoyed seeing so much of Northern Ireland in such a short time, and I'm looking forward to another roadtrip around the south, starting with Dublin tomorrow!

5 comments:

Dawn said...

Beautiful photos like usual - you and Jarlath look cute together.

Japan-a-lana said...

What a beautiful country! I wanna go now!

Lauren said...

Daaayna,

I am so glad that you are having a great time!!! I love your outfits in these pictures! Have fun and stay safe!!! Love you!!!

Amanda said...

So neat to see these pictures, Dana! Ireland looks like a beautiful place, and I'm glad you're enjoying your experiences to the fullest! Love you!

Ashley said...

Those are wonderful pictures. It looks like your having a wonderful time. Someday I will make it to Ireland.