Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Bahamas of West Virginia
Summersville Lake: The little Bahamas of the east
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17342-Charleston-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d25-Summersville-Lake--The-little-Bahamas-of-the-East
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17342-Charleston-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d25-Summersville-Lake--The-little-Bahamas-of-the-East
Friday, July 24, 2009
Vegas in West Virginia
Viva Las...Cross Lanes?
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17342-Charleston-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d24-Viva-LasCross-Lanes
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17342-Charleston-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d24-Viva-LasCross-Lanes
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Charleston, West Virginia: Weekend staycation location or weekend destination vacation
How to enjoy a mini-vacation right here in Charleston, WV
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17342-Charleston-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d21-Charleston-West-Virginia-weekend-staycation-location-or-weekend-destination-vacation
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pictured above: Evil Sheep, Seal Pup, Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal, Ned's Point in Buncrana, Grianan in Burt, Glencolmcille, Crana River in Buncrana
I recently returned from my 3rd trip to Ireland, specifically, Derry, Ireland.
Homebase: Derry
As mentioned in my previous post, Derry (Doire, in Irish) is the 4th largest city in Ireland and is known as the Walled City. This is a good place to make your homebase while in Ireland. You can plan many day trips outside of Derry.
A brief recap of my previous post-- Derry isn't just a great homebase,there are great things to do there as well. Walk on the walls around the town center, take a stroll "out the line", visit the cemetery (nice views of the city from here as well), check out the Bogside murals depicting the troubles in the North, the Free Derry corner monument, the Irish craft village, 2 beautiful cathedrals, Foyleside and Richmond shopping centres just to name a few. Great places for dinner are Timber Quay on the River Foyle (although since they took away their Mexican Chicken, maybe its not the greatest) but...the Banofee pie for dessert...OMG...so good,or dinner at the Exchange.
Nightlife is fun too. Start with drinks at the River Inn, the oldest bar in Derry, although their modern decor wouldn't suggest it's age. Finish with some dancing at the Metro (this bar gets very crowded). Other great places would be Peader's or the Dungloe bar (you may get the chance to listen to some Irish music here). Or the Argyle Bar for a nice quiet drink. Don't be surprised when you hear "Country Roads" start playing at any given bar...they love that song there...I think I heard it more there than I have here. In fact, let one of the locals know where you are from and you're sure to be serenaded with their version of Country Roads (this only works if you are from West Virginia, like me).
Quick Tip:
A few quick pointers about Derry. Derry is close to the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is technically considered part of the U.K. So, to travel around Derry and Northern Ireland you will need to use the British pound for currency. Travel through the Republic of Ireland, which includes County Donegal and Buncrana, will require the Euro. This can be confusing especially since there really are no marked borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Also, if you travel to Ireland in the summer, you'll find yourself with more daylight hours to explore...the sun comes up around 5 am and it doesn't get dark til about 10:30pm. Winter time is a little different however with the sun not rising until about 9 am and setting about 4:30pm.
ISLAND LIFE-IRELAND STYLE: NOW THAT’S MORE LIKE IT—SUMMERTIME IN IRELAND!
I recently returned from my 3rd trip to Ireland, specifically, Derry, Ireland.
Homebase: Derry
As mentioned in my previous post, Derry (Doire, in Irish) is the 4th largest city in Ireland and is known as the Walled City. This is a good place to make your homebase while in Ireland. You can plan many day trips outside of Derry.
A brief recap of my previous post-- Derry isn't just a great homebase,there are great things to do there as well. Walk on the walls around the town center, take a stroll "out the line", visit the cemetery (nice views of the city from here as well), check out the Bogside murals depicting the troubles in the North, the Free Derry corner monument, the Irish craft village, 2 beautiful cathedrals, Foyleside and Richmond shopping centres just to name a few. Great places for dinner are Timber Quay on the River Foyle (although since they took away their Mexican Chicken, maybe its not the greatest) but...the Banofee pie for dessert...OMG...so good,or dinner at the Exchange.
Nightlife is fun too. Start with drinks at the River Inn, the oldest bar in Derry, although their modern decor wouldn't suggest it's age. Finish with some dancing at the Metro (this bar gets very crowded). Other great places would be Peader's or the Dungloe bar (you may get the chance to listen to some Irish music here). Or the Argyle Bar for a nice quiet drink. Don't be surprised when you hear "Country Roads" start playing at any given bar...they love that song there...I think I heard it more there than I have here. In fact, let one of the locals know where you are from and you're sure to be serenaded with their version of Country Roads (this only works if you are from West Virginia, like me).
While you're out walking around Derry, don't forget to stop in at the BEST little corner shop in Europe...Elmwood Stores on Elmwood Terrace on the Bogside...and pick up a galaxy bar, a bag of potato crisps (and by crisps, I mean chips) and a bottle of coke...tell the owner hello! And when he says "Alright, what's the craic there mucker?", he means "hello, what's going on friend?"
Another road trip? OK!!
One in particular is to take a day or two and travel to County Donegal. Think of all the movies you see showing scenery of Ireland...County Donegal is where you will see the scenery you expect of Ireland. Think green rolling hills, huge sea cliffs, country roads...and of course sheep...TONS and tons of sheep (unfortunately the leprechauns never did make an appearance). A little warning however about the sheep (pictured above)...do not try to pet them...they do not like this...and they will try to attack you...take it from me...I have first hand knowledge of this :) I could almost see the headlines "American girl killed in cliffside sheep attack."
A few recommendations on places to visit in Donegal. Glencolmcille (pictured above)...a small coastal town on the Slieve League Peninsula. Its a curvy drive getting there, but the scenery is worth it. On your drive, be sure to pull over, get out of the car and just listen. You will hear...ABSOLUTELY nothing. Its so quiet on this road that you could almost be convinced you'd gone deaf. Here you'll find cliffs, mountains, beaches and a friendly small village. If you're hungry, I recommend stopping in at the Village Cafe for some chicken curry and chips...although the fish and chips (and of course by chips I mean fries) looked really good too. Eh, just order one of everything...you're on vacation (holidays) after all. If you go in the Summer, walk down to the beach...but, fair warning...you are in the North Atlantic Ocean and the water is FRIGID even in the summer. We actually got to see a seal pup (pictured above) down here...but, unfortunately he didn't look like he was in good health. But, a stroll on the beach is still relaxing nevertheless. This is an Irish speaking community, although, you won't have trouble finding folks who speak English. But, just in case you're feeling brave. Here are a few Irish words you could test out on the locals (but, they may laugh at the "know-it-all" American...and who could blame them:).
Another road trip? OK!!
One in particular is to take a day or two and travel to County Donegal. Think of all the movies you see showing scenery of Ireland...County Donegal is where you will see the scenery you expect of Ireland. Think green rolling hills, huge sea cliffs, country roads...and of course sheep...TONS and tons of sheep (unfortunately the leprechauns never did make an appearance). A little warning however about the sheep (pictured above)...do not try to pet them...they do not like this...and they will try to attack you...take it from me...I have first hand knowledge of this :) I could almost see the headlines "American girl killed in cliffside sheep attack."
A few recommendations on places to visit in Donegal. Glencolmcille (pictured above)...a small coastal town on the Slieve League Peninsula. Its a curvy drive getting there, but the scenery is worth it. On your drive, be sure to pull over, get out of the car and just listen. You will hear...ABSOLUTELY nothing. Its so quiet on this road that you could almost be convinced you'd gone deaf. Here you'll find cliffs, mountains, beaches and a friendly small village. If you're hungry, I recommend stopping in at the Village Cafe for some chicken curry and chips...although the fish and chips (and of course by chips I mean fries) looked really good too. Eh, just order one of everything...you're on vacation (holidays) after all. If you go in the Summer, walk down to the beach...but, fair warning...you are in the North Atlantic Ocean and the water is FRIGID even in the summer. We actually got to see a seal pup (pictured above) down here...but, unfortunately he didn't look like he was in good health. But, a stroll on the beach is still relaxing nevertheless. This is an Irish speaking community, although, you won't have trouble finding folks who speak English. But, just in case you're feeling brave. Here are a few Irish words you could test out on the locals (but, they may laugh at the "know-it-all" American...and who could blame them:).
Slainte (pronounced--Slaunt cha): Cheers
Failte (prounounced--Fall cha): Welcome
Cad á mar tá tú?" (prounounced--Caa jay mar a tat too): How are you?
Go Maith (pronounced--go my): Doing well
Do a simple Google search for more Irish words.
While your in the Glencolmcille area (pictured above), check out the Slieve League cliffs. These are the 2nd largest sea cliffs in Europe and it really is an awesome view, especially at sunset. You can actually drive all the way up the cliffs to the top for the scenic views...even though there is a fence blocking the road, you can easily open it up and drive. If not, you're looking at a 3 mile hike to the top...and who wants to do that...ALTHOUGH...we almost did, not realizing you were able to remove the fence and drive on up...that is until cars started passing us on our walk, or HIKE, to the top looking at us like we were idiots...and of course, at that moment, we were. This is also where I encountered the evil sheep mentioned above.
In all honesty, it doesn't matter where you go in Donegal...any where you drive, your bound to be viewing some beautiful scenery and quaint small villages around every corner..just keep your camera handy.
While Donegal will require a day or two of your time, you won’t need that time to visit one of the coolest places in Ireland. Take a half day and venture out to Burt. Just a few minutes drive from Derry, in the town of Burt, you'll find Grianan of Aileach (pictured above). A ring fort built around the same time as the birth of Christ. It's free to go to and you'll get some really awesome views from the top. It gets rather windy up here, so if you're thinking of taking a picnic I wouldn't recommend it unless you like eating large portions of your wind blown hair along with your sandwich (of course I'm mostly directing that to the ladies). Grianan is probably my favorite place to visit. I go every time I'm in Ireland.
Once you leave Grianan, head down to Buncrana. Buncrana is THE place to vacation in the summer if you're from Derry (sort of how Myrtle Beach is THE place to visit if you're from West Virginia :). Don't forget to stop in at Doherty's Cafe for some fish and chips (fries again) for your tea (dinner) on your way to Buncrana. Once you get to Buncrana, walk through the town centre and then head down to the Buncrana Shore Path. It's a nice walk out across the Crana River to Ned's Point (pictured above) on Lough Swilly (which sort of reminds me of a mini Giant's Causeway) and to Father Hegarty's Rock, the sight where Father Hegarty was decapitated by the British for holding church services. Swing by the Drift Inn for a pint after you're done with the walk.
Quick Tip:
A few quick pointers about Derry. Derry is close to the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is technically considered part of the U.K. So, to travel around Derry and Northern Ireland you will need to use the British pound for currency. Travel through the Republic of Ireland, which includes County Donegal and Buncrana, will require the Euro. This can be confusing especially since there really are no marked borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Also, if you travel to Ireland in the summer, you'll find yourself with more daylight hours to explore...the sun comes up around 5 am and it doesn't get dark til about 10:30pm. Winter time is a little different however with the sun not rising until about 9 am and setting about 4:30pm.
Pictured above: Victoria's Square in Belfast, Elmwood Stores in Derry,Benone Beach, Basalt Columns at Giant's Causeway, Derry Walls, Derry Cathedral, Mussenden Temple and Mussenden Castle(from top to bottom).
ISLAND LIFE-IRELAND STYLE: NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, BIG PROBLEM
Why is it a big problem? Well, because you’ll freeze of course! Wiling to test your tolerance for cold? Then do what I did! Go to the island of Ireland, in the freezing North Atlantic Ocean, in the dead of winter. Hmm... the words “island” and “freezing” really don't belong in the same sentence together. When you hear the word “island” you think of mai tais and sunblock, not heavy winter coats and hot tea. But, this island gives all those tropical ones a run for their money anyway, even in the wintertime. Bonus: air fares are cheaper in the winter!
Homebase: Derry
With Derry, in the north, as my homebase, I can plan trips to just about anywhere in Ireland…and so can you.
Getting to Derry is no trouble. I recommend flying in to Dublin even though the Derry airport and Belfast airport are much closer. Flying in to Dublin will give you cheaper airfares and shorter travel times. There is still about a 2 and a half hour drive to Derry once you make it to Dublin, but its a pretty drive...of course it helps to have your own personal chaffeur and tour guide like I do. OK, OK, not everyone is lucky enough to have one of these and frankly neither am I. My personal tour guide and chauffeur is actually my boyfriend who lives in Ireland. BUT, even without a personal tour guide, getting around is not problem. Just remember, they drive on the opposite side of the road there.
Derry (Doire, in Irish) is the 4th largest city in Ireland and is known as the Walled City. Derry isn't just a great homebase, there are great things to do there as well. Walk on the walls (portion of walls pictured above) around the town center, take a stroll "out the line" as the locals say, visit the cemetery (nice views of the city from here as well), check out the Bogside murals depicting the troubles in the North, the Free Derry corner monument, and 2 beautiful cathedrals (pictured above),just to name a few.
Got your souvenirs?..or new shoes?...or new purse?…or new clothes?…
Come on, who doesn’t like to shop?! Don’t forget to take advantage of the shopping the area has to offer. In Derry, you’ll find the Foyleside Shopping Cente with shops like the Dunnes Store and Debenham’s, the Richmond Centre, shopping on the Waterside (where you'll find more American-type strip malls and of course Starbucks) and the Irish Craft Village, where you’ll find your more tourist-y items.
Also, the Victoria’s Square shopping center in Belfast is not to be missed. Belfast is only about an hour drive from Derry. This is really one of the coolest "malls" I've seen. It's outdoors, but it doesn't feel outdoors. Here, you can climb all the way to the top of the center on a spiral staircase surrounded by a glass dome to take in the views of Belfast. If you're afraid of heights and DO mind a little swaying while you're standing on the pedestal at the top...then do NOT do this. From the top, you can see almost all of Belfast, notably the location of where the doomed Titanic was built. And of course, don’t forget to eat!
The best dinner I had while I was there was in Derry at the Mandarin Palace. This is one of the best chinese restaurants around. And if you like a little Elvis with your Chinese (and who doesn't?), you're in luck. The owner is a huge Elvis fan, and sporadically dresses as “The King” and performs in all his Elvis glory for all the patrons.
Timber Quay on the River Foyle is a great modern restaurant with a good selection (its still great even though they took away their best menu item--the mexican chicken). For dessert, you absolutely MUST have the Banoffee Pie…so good!
Another great spot is the Exchange on the River Foyle which offers a nice intimate atmosphere with tasty menu items. The tables here are very close together, so your conversation may be overheard by fellow patrons. Keep the conversation light just in case.
In the mood for a more authentic meal? Just a quick drive from Derry, you’ll find Doherty’s Café, which offers classic fish and chips. Paired with some warm scone and hot tea and you’ll have a meal that can’t be beat.
Maybe you just need a quick snack or drink while you’re strolling through Derry? If so, stop in to Elmwood Stores on the Bogside,a quaint little corner shop. Grap a galaxy bar and a bottle of coke for a quick pick me up. Make sure to tell the owner hello, he can give you some good tips on where to go and what to see.
So, where’s the Guiness?
Nightlife in Derry is very much alive. Start with drinks at the River Inn, the oldest bar in Derry, although their modern decor wouldn't suggest it's age. Finish with some dancing at the Metro. The Metro gets very crowded, but it’s the place to see and be seen. Other great places would be Peader's or the Dungloe bar where you’ll likely get to hear some Irish music. Or, if you prefer a more quiet drink, head to the Argyle Bar where you’ll find an intimate, cozy setting. If it had a fire place, it would be absolutely perfect.
Time for a road trip!
With this trip, given the time of year (December/January) it was a little more difficult to plan many sightseeing adventures given that the hours of daylight are limited there this time of year. The sun doesn't come up until about 9am, which is FANTASTIC for sleeping in, and sets pretty early about 4:30pm. But, even with some time wasted sleeping in, there is still plenty of time for sightseeing.
One day trip from Derry that is a must do is to travel the Causeway Coastal Route to Giant’s Causeway. After sleeping in (give me a break, I was on vacation), my personal tour guide/chauffeur and I ventured on a nice drive on the Causeway Coastal route. When taking this route, I wouldn't expect to get anywhere in record time since it is a small, sometimes windy road. BUT, what you should expect is some really nice scenic views, including an unexpected waterfall around the Benone Beach area. And, of course, sheep (do not try to pet them, they do not like this, TRUST ME). Expect to see lots and lots of sheep while in Ireland.
The first stop along the coastal route is Benone Beach (pictured above). We were expecting to find an empty long stretch of beach, but were surprised to see several people out walking their dogs. We weren't so brave however, it was a quick "run out for photos and run back to the car" trip out on the beach. Did I mention, it was cold? I’m sure its really a nice sight in the summertime.
The ultimate destination was to make it to Giant's Causeway before it got dark and given my love for sleeping in, we had a challenge before us. On the way to Giant's Causeway, along the Causeway Coastal Route, you come to the Mussenden Temple (pictured above) and gardens. This is definitely a must see. Mussenden Temple sits on THE EDGE of a very high sea cliff. While inside, you can actually peer out the window and see the only thing keeping you from plummeting over the edge is this thin pane of glass. It literally is on the edge of this cliff, I can't describe it any better. But, the views are stunning from here. Walking to the temple does require some time, although, its not a hilly walk, just a long one ( I recommend a coat this time of year). But, you're walking across some of the greenest grass in all of Ireland. It definitely is a nice scene. To get out to the temple, you have to pass through the gardens, which, even in the dead of winter were beautiful. I'm sure in the summer they're even better. After visiting the temple, make the long walk back to the old castle (pictured above). Don't forget your camera, it really is a great photo. Quintessential Ireland really. Looking across to the hill from here, you'll see a ton of evergreen trees which will remind you of Middle Earth from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Finally, Giant's Causeway, we made it...but, it was almost dark then. We're here, so we have to see it! Walking down to Giant's Causeway shouldn't take long right? Uh, WRONG? Just when you think you're there, you turn the corner and you have about another 20 minute walk to go. All together it takes about 45 minutes to walk down the hill to Giant's Causeway (we won't talk about the walk back UP that hill) . But, once we were there, it was worth it. Again, I recommend a coat. Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and also described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns (pictured above) resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption. However, is that really how it was formed? Or was it formed as the legend states? That the Irish warrior Fionn McCool built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner's great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby. In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn. I don't know, you decide, Volcanoes or Giants...who built the causeway?
Helpful Hint:
A few quick pointers about Derry. Derry is close to the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is technically considered part of the U.K. So, to travel around Derry and Northern Ireland you will need to use the British pound for currency. Travel through the Republic of Ireland, which includes Dublin, will require the Euro. This can be confusing especially since there really are no marked borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Homebase: Derry
With Derry, in the north, as my homebase, I can plan trips to just about anywhere in Ireland…and so can you.
Getting to Derry is no trouble. I recommend flying in to Dublin even though the Derry airport and Belfast airport are much closer. Flying in to Dublin will give you cheaper airfares and shorter travel times. There is still about a 2 and a half hour drive to Derry once you make it to Dublin, but its a pretty drive...of course it helps to have your own personal chaffeur and tour guide like I do. OK, OK, not everyone is lucky enough to have one of these and frankly neither am I. My personal tour guide and chauffeur is actually my boyfriend who lives in Ireland. BUT, even without a personal tour guide, getting around is not problem. Just remember, they drive on the opposite side of the road there.
Derry (Doire, in Irish) is the 4th largest city in Ireland and is known as the Walled City. Derry isn't just a great homebase, there are great things to do there as well. Walk on the walls (portion of walls pictured above) around the town center, take a stroll "out the line" as the locals say, visit the cemetery (nice views of the city from here as well), check out the Bogside murals depicting the troubles in the North, the Free Derry corner monument, and 2 beautiful cathedrals (pictured above),just to name a few.
Got your souvenirs?..or new shoes?...or new purse?…or new clothes?…
Come on, who doesn’t like to shop?! Don’t forget to take advantage of the shopping the area has to offer. In Derry, you’ll find the Foyleside Shopping Cente with shops like the Dunnes Store and Debenham’s, the Richmond Centre, shopping on the Waterside (where you'll find more American-type strip malls and of course Starbucks) and the Irish Craft Village, where you’ll find your more tourist-y items.
Also, the Victoria’s Square shopping center in Belfast is not to be missed. Belfast is only about an hour drive from Derry. This is really one of the coolest "malls" I've seen. It's outdoors, but it doesn't feel outdoors. Here, you can climb all the way to the top of the center on a spiral staircase surrounded by a glass dome to take in the views of Belfast. If you're afraid of heights and DO mind a little swaying while you're standing on the pedestal at the top...then do NOT do this. From the top, you can see almost all of Belfast, notably the location of where the doomed Titanic was built. And of course, don’t forget to eat!
The best dinner I had while I was there was in Derry at the Mandarin Palace. This is one of the best chinese restaurants around. And if you like a little Elvis with your Chinese (and who doesn't?), you're in luck. The owner is a huge Elvis fan, and sporadically dresses as “The King” and performs in all his Elvis glory for all the patrons.
Timber Quay on the River Foyle is a great modern restaurant with a good selection (its still great even though they took away their best menu item--the mexican chicken). For dessert, you absolutely MUST have the Banoffee Pie…so good!
Another great spot is the Exchange on the River Foyle which offers a nice intimate atmosphere with tasty menu items. The tables here are very close together, so your conversation may be overheard by fellow patrons. Keep the conversation light just in case.
In the mood for a more authentic meal? Just a quick drive from Derry, you’ll find Doherty’s Café, which offers classic fish and chips. Paired with some warm scone and hot tea and you’ll have a meal that can’t be beat.
Maybe you just need a quick snack or drink while you’re strolling through Derry? If so, stop in to Elmwood Stores on the Bogside,a quaint little corner shop. Grap a galaxy bar and a bottle of coke for a quick pick me up. Make sure to tell the owner hello, he can give you some good tips on where to go and what to see.
So, where’s the Guiness?
Nightlife in Derry is very much alive. Start with drinks at the River Inn, the oldest bar in Derry, although their modern decor wouldn't suggest it's age. Finish with some dancing at the Metro. The Metro gets very crowded, but it’s the place to see and be seen. Other great places would be Peader's or the Dungloe bar where you’ll likely get to hear some Irish music. Or, if you prefer a more quiet drink, head to the Argyle Bar where you’ll find an intimate, cozy setting. If it had a fire place, it would be absolutely perfect.
Time for a road trip!
With this trip, given the time of year (December/January) it was a little more difficult to plan many sightseeing adventures given that the hours of daylight are limited there this time of year. The sun doesn't come up until about 9am, which is FANTASTIC for sleeping in, and sets pretty early about 4:30pm. But, even with some time wasted sleeping in, there is still plenty of time for sightseeing.
One day trip from Derry that is a must do is to travel the Causeway Coastal Route to Giant’s Causeway. After sleeping in (give me a break, I was on vacation), my personal tour guide/chauffeur and I ventured on a nice drive on the Causeway Coastal route. When taking this route, I wouldn't expect to get anywhere in record time since it is a small, sometimes windy road. BUT, what you should expect is some really nice scenic views, including an unexpected waterfall around the Benone Beach area. And, of course, sheep (do not try to pet them, they do not like this, TRUST ME). Expect to see lots and lots of sheep while in Ireland.
The first stop along the coastal route is Benone Beach (pictured above). We were expecting to find an empty long stretch of beach, but were surprised to see several people out walking their dogs. We weren't so brave however, it was a quick "run out for photos and run back to the car" trip out on the beach. Did I mention, it was cold? I’m sure its really a nice sight in the summertime.
The ultimate destination was to make it to Giant's Causeway before it got dark and given my love for sleeping in, we had a challenge before us. On the way to Giant's Causeway, along the Causeway Coastal Route, you come to the Mussenden Temple (pictured above) and gardens. This is definitely a must see. Mussenden Temple sits on THE EDGE of a very high sea cliff. While inside, you can actually peer out the window and see the only thing keeping you from plummeting over the edge is this thin pane of glass. It literally is on the edge of this cliff, I can't describe it any better. But, the views are stunning from here. Walking to the temple does require some time, although, its not a hilly walk, just a long one ( I recommend a coat this time of year). But, you're walking across some of the greenest grass in all of Ireland. It definitely is a nice scene. To get out to the temple, you have to pass through the gardens, which, even in the dead of winter were beautiful. I'm sure in the summer they're even better. After visiting the temple, make the long walk back to the old castle (pictured above). Don't forget your camera, it really is a great photo. Quintessential Ireland really. Looking across to the hill from here, you'll see a ton of evergreen trees which will remind you of Middle Earth from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Finally, Giant's Causeway, we made it...but, it was almost dark then. We're here, so we have to see it! Walking down to Giant's Causeway shouldn't take long right? Uh, WRONG? Just when you think you're there, you turn the corner and you have about another 20 minute walk to go. All together it takes about 45 minutes to walk down the hill to Giant's Causeway (we won't talk about the walk back UP that hill) . But, once we were there, it was worth it. Again, I recommend a coat. Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and also described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns (pictured above) resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption. However, is that really how it was formed? Or was it formed as the legend states? That the Irish warrior Fionn McCool built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner's great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby. In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn. I don't know, you decide, Volcanoes or Giants...who built the causeway?
Helpful Hint:
A few quick pointers about Derry. Derry is close to the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is technically considered part of the U.K. So, to travel around Derry and Northern Ireland you will need to use the British pound for currency. Travel through the Republic of Ireland, which includes Dublin, will require the Euro. This can be confusing especially since there really are no marked borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)