Close

Another Brilliantly Sunny Warm day in Ireland

Monday March 7 we took off up the coast of Ireland exploring on our own. Alas I lost my semi Irish Navigator Branden, but nevertheless  we managed to have a full day of driving up and down the coast and appear to have survived rather unscathed.

First stop was Carrikfergus. When I was in Ireland four years ago this castle did not open until 10:00 am and we needed to be in Londonderry and so weren’t able to get in. But I did this time and it is nicely preserved. And the gentleman at the front desk was quite friendly and helpful.

Carrikfergus Village Square in the bright sunshine
Carrikfergus Village Square in the bright sunshine
The Great Hall
The Great Hall
Carrikfergus From the Castle
Carrikfergus From the Castle

The picture above was taken at the town square and as you can see and might be somewhat flabbergasted, into the direct sunshine.

It was nothing short of an amazing morning with this brilliant bright and warm sunshine. After a nice cup of coffee, served by the nice young man with the funky orange hat at Sainbury’s cafe, we had a most pleasant exploiation of this well preserved/restored castle.

 

 

 

 

Cannon's view-Carrikfergus
Cannon's view-Carrikfergus

These canons are well preserved but somewhat scary in their size and presence. Just imagine these things going off with ear shattering cacophonous resounding, And that was well before the invention of earplugs and/or earphones.

I dare you to hit me with your arrow.....ouch!
I dare you to hit me with your arrow.....ouch!

 

 

 

The Giant's Causeway from a Giant's Viewpoint
The Giant's Causeway from a Giant's Viewpoint

 

 

 

 

The Giant’s Causeway was our next stop. It took us at least an hour, maybe a bit more to get there from Carrikfergus. But just imagine driving up the coastal route in Ireland traversing countrysides that resemble patchwork quilts of the deepest greens speckled with white and black dots that turn out to be sheep and perhaps a wee cow.

The Path to the Giants Causeway
The Path to the Giants Causeway

This is my second journey to the Giant’s Causeway. The first was with a group of friends in November of 2007 when we came over from the Colony’s to visit out friend Branden and help him celebrate thanksgiving in Ireland. It was one of the best parties I had ever been to. Thanksgiving in Ireland is a blast!!

Jim at the Giant's Causeway
Jim at the Giant's Causeway

 

Since I have been here in Ireland i have been layering with a shirt, a sweater and then a coat. Some days are better than others and some days I have been freezing to death. Of course after having lost over 100+ pounds I appear to have lost all my insulating body fat.

Lots of Rocks
Lots of Rocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclining Rock
Reclining Rock

 

 

 

 

 

Vertical Rock Formations
Vertical Rock Formations
A Carpet of Giant's Rocks
A Carpet of Giant's Rocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Giant’s Causeway, Dun Luce Castle, and the Rope Bridge. Stay tuned. 🙂

Related Posts

One thought on “Another Brilliantly Sunny Warm day in Ireland

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *