Blogs from Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe

Ireland the North. Day12 Ballintoy What a wonderful spell of weather we are having. Blue skies and little wind. The coastline north from Portstewart is a Mecca for holiday makers with many attractions for children and golf courses for others. This Antrim coast around Coleraine and Bushmills is also home to the North West 200 motorcycle race held each May on public roads. It is a really amazing place with rocky outcrops, rolling waves crashing onto the headland and a mixture of basalt and white limestone rocks. The waves have eroded some outcrops and formed some tunnels through which the sea is dashing through. Dunluce Castle, whilst in ruins,is quite large and quite photogenic, whilst some others further north like Dunseverick, are in a more dilapidated state. Giants Causeway is quite spectacular, consisting of mostly hexagonal ... read more

Yesterday morning, we said goodbye to Dublin and journeyed to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Quick history fact: Ireland is its own republic, but 6 counties are still under United Kingdom's rule. They are called Northern Ireland. The UK is still quite persistent in making sure everyone knows that they have left the Republic of Ireland (UK flags everywhere, street curbs painted red, blue, and white). Just like England and Scotland, Northern Ireland uses Pounds for currency. The exchange rate between U.S. Dollars and Pounds is almost double...meaning when I spend 1 pound, I'm spending $1.77. This difference has been adding up quite a bit and makes me want to cry (sorry, mom, it's not my fault) :( Anyway, buyer's remorse aside, it's been a great time. First, we went to the Titanic museum, which was probably one ... read more