The Emerald Isle

---

We left Jenny in Belfast and headed out of town, only to return an hour later to bring back her passport so she could get on the plane! When we got going we drove along the coastline to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge which was closed due to the cold, blustery weather. Next stop was the Giant’s Causeway where the wind was almost unbelievable! The hexagonal, brick-like rocks rise up and out into the sea like the mythical causeway built by the giant “Finn MacCool”.

My birthday on the 20th started pretty early and we took off to explore Derry, starting in the catholic area of Bog-side, the scene of the infamous “Bloody Sunday” where 14 people in a civil rights march were shot by British paratroopers. The Free Derry museum gave us a real insight into the events in the area, especially the exceptionally helpful volunteer who explained some of the history of Derry. His brother Michael was one of those killed. After the museum we walked the walls and visited the tower museum which had history of the area from early settlement. Once we left Derry we detoured out to the Slieve League cliffs which drop 600m to the water and then continued on to Galway for birthday dinner and wine at an Italian restaurant.

We wandered around Galway the next morning before heading off to see the Cliffs of Mohr where they charge a ridiculous 8 Euro to park (although we didn’t have enough change so Mick gave them a pile of coins equalling 5.97). We headed down to the Dingle Peninsula where we stayed at a bright green backpackers called the “Randy Leprechaun”. The drive around the peninsula was beautiful with rolling hills, stone fences and houses, and rocky coastline. We also toured around the Ring of Kerry on our way back to Cork but I think we all preferred the Dingle scenery.

Back in Cork we caught up on some sleep before heading out to Blarney castle to kiss the famous stone. I didn’t think I needed the legendary gift of the gab but we all had a go and enjoyed the castle grounds. The boys also went exploring into the pitch black dungeon. We tested out the Cork nightlife at a few pubs in the city. Irish pubs are small and packed full most of the time. Saturday night we went to a Gaelic Football match and with the help of a local supporter even figured out some of the rules. We had a relaxing Sunday with a drive up to the seaside village of Cobh which was the last place the Titanic docked before its fateful journey.

---

Photos

Derry/Londonderry
Here you can see the Free Derry sign where locals barricaded the police out.. as well as a mural of Bloody Sunday

Cliffhanger
spectacular views at the top of Slieve Cliffs... this was perfectly safe Lyn!

Dingle peninsula
Patto did this pose under duress.... in the background you can see stone fences and houses.

Giant's Causeway
I'm the king of the world

Blarney Castle
This used to be the banquet hall... we're on our way to the top to kiss the stone.

Comments

[Olivia Jackson]

I love hearing about your adventures! I am obsessed with travelling and hearing about other people's travel!! Where are you guys now? We have decided to stay in London. We are living at Ealing Broadway. It would be nice to go out to dinner or drinks or coffee or something and we could hear about your travels first hand. We have some great resturants near us here but if you know of somewhere better- maybe Brick lane? Anyway, look after eachother and have a great time. Cheers, Olivia