Rope Bridge and Giant's Causeway

Rope Bridge and Giant's Causeway

Today was a magical day weather-wise. Ireland really turned on the charm and the style.It reminded me of a poster I used to have on my wall at home from Peanuts, where Lucy was saying

"What a perfectly splendid day to be alive!"

The sun was shining all day and the coastal drive was just fantastic.

I have to say though, that I had to have  words with Gaby Garmin this morning. I had googled my route which followed the coast North and I put all the relevant places into Gaby and she started to take me out of town towards the way I had come in. I think she was going to take me across country.

So I did a U turn and went back towards the beach, because I had seen the sign for the coastal route. She didn't like it at  all!

In the end I turned her off, then pulled in and just set her for the first town on the list, and then she was happy. I then just followed the signposts, which worked perfectly well.

The scenery was spectacular all day, but especially this early morning drive that just hugged the coast. Once again I could've stopped every few minutes for photos, but I am learning to be more disciplined!

Here's a few photos that once again don't do justice to the breadth of the views...

Coastal  route from Larne to Ballycastle

Coastal  route from Larne to Ballycastle

Coastal  route from Larne to Ballycastle

Coastal  route from Larne to Ballycastle

 BTW - this is my car..

Suzuki Swift - my hire car

The drive was just beautiful, but if Europe doesn't do Mondays, Ireland doesn't do Sunday mornings. I was hanging out for my coffee, but nothing was moving anywhere. I  think after they've all been to Mass, they relocate to the pub, but it was obviously a bit early for everyone.

Speaking of Mass, I did have good intentions today, but it's definitely in the too hard basket to find Mass in Northern Ireland. Even Google couldn't help me!

After a while the road left the coast and climbed up through the mountains. Once again it was just beautiful. The scenery was so different from Scotland. Scotland's mountains had a rawness to them, whereas there was more order in the Irish hills. And they were so green... until you hit the tops of the mountains, then they changed to that rustic brown colour.

Eventually after I came down from the mountains I reached a lovely seaside town called Ballycastle, and here I found plenty of coffee shops

Looked out over the marina and the sea and the mountains.

The road then continued along the coast and my next stop was the Rope Bridge which connects a little island to the mainland. Last time I came on a bus tour we looked at it from up on the cliff but didn't stop, so this time I really wanted to go and have a look.

The sign was deceptive...

They don't tell you about all the bloody steps and hills...

But nevertheless, I was up to the challenge..

With the sun shining so beautifully the scenery was spectacular.... I have so many pics but will try and pick out the best ones...

This only shows part of the path - there was much more!

Scenery

The Rope Bridge

Me on the Rope Bridge

Scenery

If you look very hard there's a vague mountain in the background- it's the Mull of Kintyre

The Mull of Kintyre is only 22 miles across the sea, and as the day was so clear you could actually see it quite easily. Pity my camera didn't pick it up too well.

Once again it was one those moments where it's good to look back on say I've done it, but it was VERY hard at the time... I was very lucky it wasn't lashing down rain and wind because they often close it due to the inclement weather!

It  was nearly 1.30 by this time and I really wanted to go to the Giant's Causeway. I had been there on my last trip and loved it, so I paid my 8 pounds 50 and went down the track to the beach. It really is a unique landscape but I was conscious of the time once again as I didn't have any accommodation booked and I always worry just a little until I'm actually booked in for the night.

So, here's a few pics of the  Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Me at Giant's Causeway

I was really conscious that the rocks were a bit slippery and I didn't want to fall - obviously! So I was extra careful and didn't venture too far out. But it is an amazing natural feature and really worth seeing. The car park is quite a way from the actual Causeway, but they have a little bus that goes up and down and it costs a pound each way. If I had more time I would've walked down, but was very glad to get the bus both ways, after my big walk at the Rope Bridge.

So, by this time it was about 3.45 and I try to be off the road by  about 4pm as the night draws in early over here. So I kept on the coast road and went through Bushmills ( Hi Kim Reid!) and headed for Portrush. Once again I have been surprised by the size of the town. I had a vague general thought about a hotel that might be good  but I couldn't find it. So, I turned to my faithful friend, Gaby Garmin, and told her she was forgiven for this morning, and she came up with about 4 options for accommodation, 3 of which were in the town centre and had no parking options, but then she showed me this one which is about 3 kms out of town and is perfect  for what I need - apart from a dodgy internet connection. (I'm typing this in the bar - good excuse for a couple of Smithwicks!)

So here's my hotel..

The rooms are lovely and big and the staff are very friendly - I have found the people in Northern Ireland to be extraordinarily friendly - and I have a roof over my head, an option for dinner and a lovely bedroom with a shower and toilet ... What more could I want after such a lovely day!