Ireland……………My Second Home
I have visited Ireland countless times and I’ve also had the opportunity to work and live there for a period of time. I don’t think I will ever be able to narrow down my ‘favourite’ attractions as this country offers so much in terms of scenery, world class golf courses, stunning castles and never ending rolling green hills. It’s a place I will always to refer to as ‘home’. The people here are amongst the friendliest in the world which is why I will continue to visit here.
My last trip to Ireland was in 2007 and I’m certainly due for another trip. My journey began in the County of Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Giants Causeway/Old Bushmills Distillery/Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge/Belfast City
Located in the County of Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, lies the mythical ‘Giants Causeway’. This rock formation was formed over 60 million years ago. It’s a must stop for those who want to visit Northern Ireland as it is their most famous attraction. The views are spectacular as you stand in one direction on the 38, 000 hexagonal shaped columns to view the sea and then turn to view over 6 km of cliffs that rise over 90m.
Just a couple of miles away from Giants Causeway is the infamous Old Bushmills Distillery. Known for its smooth, distinct taste, you can take a guided tour of the distillery to see how the whiskey making process works and then sample a complimentary glass of Bushmill’s finest before leaving the distillery If whiskey isn’t your thing, you can take in some shops and go for a bite in one of their many great pubs.
Just south of theDistillery is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This bridge offers stunning
views of Rathin & Scottish Islands. Before you make your way to the bridge, you take a short journey down a coastal footpath which allows you to stop to view the natural beauty of this area. Even if you are a little scared of heights, the walk across the bridge is well worth it to take in the breathtaking views from Carrick Island.
Many changes have taken place in Belfast over the last decade and certainly for the better. There are so many attractions and places to see in Belfast that I don’t even know where to begin. If you get a chance, take a walking tour of the Titantic quarter (the Titanic was designed and built in Belfast) as this is an on-going project with many bars, restaurants, and shopping to be added in the near future. If you are a shopping enthusiast, visit the City Centre to take in the many shops or take the famous ‘Pub Crawl’ around Belfast City to explore some of Belfast’s historical pubs.
As we head south, we enter the town of Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Bangor
Just south of Belfast is Bangor which is a popular coastal town stop in Northern Ireland.
This place holds a soft spot in my heart as some of my family roots are here. This is a great sea side town which is beautiful to visit during the spring, summer, and early autumn. It’s quaint little shops, restaurants and wide sandy beaches are a must to see!
My last stop before visiting family is in Dublin, Leinster province, Republic of Ireland
St. James Gate Brewery/Dublin Attractions
The infamous Guinness, my favourite beer is Ireland’s #1 international tourist attraction. This massive building (7 floors) allows you to take a self-guided tours which offers lots of exhibits from the complete brewing process to the tasting laboratory. After visiting the exhibits, you can head up to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor where you can drink your complimentary pint of Guinness and enjoy the city views of Dublin.
The best way to see Dublin, the city itself, is to buy a Dublin Tour Hop On/Off ticket. This ticket is good for 24 hours and offers many attractions on the route. Just to name a few of my favourites, there is the Dublin Zoo, Trinity College, St. James Gate Brewery, Dublin Castle and the list goes on.
Travel Tip: If you are looking to travel between Belfast and Dublin, it is less expensive if you travel by bus than train. Buses depart the airport every hour and are quite resonable in price.
Ireland is a great country to visit even if you are travelling on your own, as a couple, or as a family. If you require additional information on other areas or need some ideas of what to do or want to plan a golf getaway, please contact me to discuss anytime.
