Traveling the Emerald Isle -- Day 15, Friday, September 2, 2022

Northern Ireland – Day 15, Friday, September 2, 2022

We continue our trek through Northern Ireland by driving up to the ruins of the Dunluce Castle perched on the edge of a rocky ledge. During the Middle Ages the castle resisted several sieges, but on a stormy night in 1639 the kitchen portion fell into the sea along with its servants.   The castle has been deteriorating ever since with little to see of it today, but it certainly is a beautiful location.

The ruins of Dunluce Castle

Even though it’s still morning, a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, seems in order! This is the world’s oldest distillery with a license granted to it to distill “Aqua Vitae” in 1608. The almost an hour tour was very interesting as our guide explained the various steps it takes to produce excellent whiskey, after which we had an opportunity to sample their finest at the 1608 bar. While I’m not a big fan of whiskey, Frank thought there were a couple good ones!

Continuing the road along the Atlantic coast, our next stop is at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. For 200 years fishermen hung a narrow, 90-foot-high bridge across a 65-foot-wide chasm between the mainland and a tiny island.  Today the bridge still provides access to the salmon nets set during the summer to catch the fish that turn the corner of the coast.  It was another beautiful mile walk along the cliff’s ridge to get to the bridge. Only Frank actually walked across it because the rest of us were too cheap to pay the Pounds to cross!  But again, we delight in the picturesque mountains and jagged cliffs of the coast.

Heading south, we pass through Belfast on our way to Down Patrick where we met Peter’s mom for dinner (See post on Day 3, Sunday, August 21). After 38 years of exchanging Christmas Cards, it was good to finally meet this delightful lady. It was also awesome to learn more about life in Northern Ireland, of the struggles of Catholics in the north, especially during the “Troubles” and of their family.  It was a most enjoyable evening.  After which we go down to the lovely Burrendale Hotel and Country Club in New Castle, our stay for the night.  It can’t be said enough … how very Blessed we are!

Bob, Frank, Eileen, Marcie in Down Patrick

The typical pub in the Emerald Isle