Derry and then to Portballintrae

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Sat 26 April 2014,

Derry, Northern Ireland to Portballintrae, Northern Ireland.



As we spent the night in Derry we decided to do a little sightseeing. After breakfast we took the ‘Red Bus’ tour around Derry. Derry is a border town between Northern Ireland and Ireland, thus a hot spot for trouble during the height of conflict between the Catholic’s and protestant's. There are still plenty of reminders of the conflict, however according to the locals, it has all been put behind them, only time will tell. Derry is a beautiful town, surrounded by a castle wall, which is still intact, but all the history appears to focus on the recent conflict and not the real history of the town. After a short walk through ‘Free Derry’ we got back into the car and headed for Portballintrea to meet up with Mike. Mike worked with Cath as a fill ‘in dentist while Tony was away. He works out of Belfast, however has a holiday house in Portballintrea, which he kindly offered to us. Portballintrea is about an hour’s drive from Derry and is part of the ‘Giants Causeway’. A stunning part of the country, as you will see from the photos. We met up with Mike and his mum in the local pub, in fact the only pub in town and had a few pints. They then took us to the holiday house, again only the photos can do justice. A beautiful apartment on the water, with specular views to Scotland. After a short turn-a-round we headed back to the pub for the rugby match and a few more pints. We had dinner with Mike and his parents, who also own a holiday caravan in the local park, where they were all staying. We felt a bit guilty staying in they apartment, but they insisted and told us they had more friends in the park to talk too. After dinner we came out of the pub to a perfectly still twilight and a sunset to die for. A perfect way to cap off the day.

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Photos

The City Hotel Derry
Our accommodation for the evening

Annette McGavigan
Annette McGavigan who was shot dead in a crossfire between the British army and the IRA during the Troubles in 1971. She was the 100th victim of the Troubles.

Old City walls of Derry
These walls were never breached by enemy forces

Free Derry
Originally part of a permanent building until torn down by the British. Later restored by the people of Derry

A memorial to the many who died in the conflict
You may be able to see Bobby Sands name in the top left list.

Another mural depicting the conflict
The mural that you can see on this photo is in Derry, in Bogside catholic neighborhood, also known as Free Derry. It is part of 12 murals painted from 1993 to 2008 by three local artists that called themselves Bogside Artists. This one is named i>Civil Rights Mural. It commemorates the campaign for civil rights organized by Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association from 1967. This campaign borrowed the language and symbolism of the Civil Rights Movement of Dr Martin Luther King in United States. These peaceful marches were met with a violent backlash by police and civil authorities in 1968. This is often considered as the beginning of Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Dunluce Castle
Just outside Portballintrae

Our Digs in Portballintrae
Thanks to Mike and his family. It was very much appreciated.

Mike and his parents
Mike, Barbara & Trevor and us two of course

That's Scotland in the distance
The view from outside the bayview hotel, Portballintrae.

The perfect sunset
Thanks to Portballintrae

Comments

[Mum & Dad]

Who's a clever blogger then
Just enjoyed reading your latest blog. Everything sounds interesting and no wonder you are having a ball. Pinched a few of Cath's photos on FB - thanks Cath. Love to you both XXXXX

[Debbie]

So far your photos and trip looks fantastic. Keep enjoying xx