We started early this morning knowing we had a lot to do today. Our first stop was the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy. We had timed ticket so we needed to be there between 9:30 and 10:30. The drive there was spectacular filled with small towns, fields of green farms, hedge fences, with just a photo stop. We made it with plenty of time.

The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 meters and is 30 meters above the rocks above the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago.

To get to the bridge you have to walk about 1 mile up and down a bunch of steps. Mom decided that she’s walk the path most of the way with us, but not the bridge. To get down to the bridge, you had to walk down a steep metal set of stairs, they scared me. It was rainy and windy. Carol went first, then George, and I was last. I took some photos, so I was far behind them. When I stepped on the bridge, at first it didn’t seem too bad, but the wind picked up. The bridge was swaying and I was sure I was going to die. It was not fun. Did I mention I am afraid of heights? But more afraid of dying. I was so excited to be alive when I stepped off, that I had no desire to go any further. I was so proud of myself, but knew the only way home was to go back the way I came. The walk up the steps was brutal, my thighs were screaming. The sun resurfaced on the walk back to the visitors center. The high cliffs and rugged coast are a sight to behold. The entire area of coastline was stunning.

Our next stop was the Giants Causeway but we took the scenic route, with more stops because it was just pretty. So I drove. We visited the Church of Ireland – Our first stop was a beautiful white church with a cemetery that looked like the graves stones had blown over. Next was the Ballintoy Harbor at the bottom of a steep hill. It was a picturesque fishing village. The village was used for the fictional town of Lordsport in the Isle of Pyke second season of GOT.

We arrived at the Giants Causeway sooner than expected. We took a shuttle down the causeway, and it started to rain again. It was absolutely amazing and truly looks like man or giants must have made this. It was formed during the opening up of the North Atlantic Ocean. There are over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns as a result of intense volcanic and geological activity. Carol and George climbed the big columns, but after the bridge my legs were shot. Mom and I walked around and enjoyed the beauty of it all in amazement.

On our way to Derry, we stopped for lunch at the Copper Kettle in Bushmills, and no we didn’t go to the distillery. I had fish and chips, everyone else had Irish stew. Then we drove to Dunluce Castle. The iconic castle ruins bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513.

We drove through Portrush, which will host the 148th Open. We saw the golf course along the water and were shocked at how close it was to the ocean. It was clearly a summer beach town. Next we drove through Portstewart, then Limavady and ultimately Derry, where our hotel is. It was a good, but long day. Mom, Carol and George went to dinner and I stayed in.

Tomorrow we head to Donegal, back to the Republic of Ireland.

Just for fun if you were interested: Irish folklore named the giant Finn McCool who created the Gains Causeway.He lived with his wife and child. To ward off his Scottish neighbor giant he built the causeway so they could meet and battle. But Finn realized his opponent was much bigger then he, so he ran home, hid and dressed up as a baby. So when the other giant saw the size of the baby, he was shocked, scared and fled. On his way, he tore down the path, which is why only some still exist.