Portrush, Northern Ireland

Yesterday we traveled about 300 miles from Westport in the Republic of Ireland to Portrush in Northern Ireland--stopping in Donegal for lunch. The only way we even knew that we had crossed the border was that there was a sign saying that speeds were shown in mph. So, now country lanes are posted at 60mph and the walls have been replaced by hedgerows. Today we discovered why the hedgerows have such a unique shape!

It is caused by the side mirrors scraping the foliage when forced into the bushes--as we were when a large car carrier came flying down the road at least two-feet on our side of the road. 

Portrush is on the Antrim Coast on the Northern coast of Ireland. It reminds me of Blackpool/Seaside, Oregon. Perhaps because it was raining and gloomy when we arrived, and we have experienced the same weather in both of the other seaside communities. They even have both pink and rainbow Rock on sale, so you know it's a seaside town.

The scenery in this part of the country is breathtaking. We had a full day today starting off with a trip to Carrick-A-Rede where Tom & Francie decided to walk the rope bridge.

Fritz and I, having used up our 2013 dare-devil quota rappelling down waterfalls in Hawaii, decided to be the photographers. 

Our next stop wins the "Most Scenic Spot" (so far) on our trip. After winding down a Lombard-type Street to the Ballintoy Harbour we were treated to the most picture-perfect little unspoiled spot!

As it started to rain we had to duck into o'Rourkes for a pot of tea and a home made scone/lemon cake/lemon meringue pie--yum! The selection of goodies was extensive so it's a good thing we don't live nearby.

From there we traveled inland to the "Dark Hedges" which are actually 300 year-old beech trees. As we have found previously when trying to locate places in Ireland there is no address available for the GPS for this attraction, so we had some vague directions for a near-by golf course. The GPS gave commands like, "turn left at the road"--very helpful because we were thinking we might go via the farmer's field (again)!

Onward to The Giants Causeway! Rain again, so we got outfitted with some very stylish National Trust red ponchos that felt a little like wrapping yourself in Cling Wrap!  Frostad children, fear not, we are bringing you each one!

This natural geologic formation was formed over 60 million years ago and is the result of plate tectonic action and ice age recession--in other words, cool octagonal vertical rocks. Plus, there's a great local story about a Giant and fighting with Scottish giants and camels and other things that you don't dare question.

The giant's camel!

As you can well imagine we were quite tired after all of this trekking around, so we were glad that our last stop for the day was--oh wait, more trekking around! We went to visit the oldest, continuously operating, distillery in the world. Bushmills received its license to distill in 1608 and has been at the same site ever since. 

We learned all about mash and spirits and casks and triple distilling, but our favorite part was watching the bottling! And, of course, the tasting! Francie and I tasted the Bushmills Black, Fritz the 10-year single malt, and Tom the 12-year special reserve only available for sale at the distillery. Of course, as any whiskey drinker knows (and we learned) you have to add 10% water to your whiskey to release the oils!

Here are some photos of the area:

This is Dunluce Castle which has a fun story! In 1639 they were having a dinner party for 30 invited guests when there was a loud crash and the kitchen quarters, the cook and 8 servants dropped a 100-feet into the sea. Lady Antrim decided that it was time to move and the place hasn't been occupied since!