Today was one of those days where you just don’t feel like you can take enough pictures. Yet, you know pictures won’t quite do the spectacular scenery justice. After grabbing a coffee at the shop in Portstewart that won “best window decorations” at Christmas, we made our way to the Giant’s Causeway. This is simply a beautiful place where myth says the unusual stone growths that look like steps are what giants used to walk between Ireland and Scotland across the sea. It looks a bit unreal – you have to see it with your own eyes! Stacey even made friends with a border collie name Bromley while we took in this amazing walk.
From there we made our way to kind of an amazing find. Stacey pointed out last night that Dunseverick Falls might make a good stop. Boy was she right! We walked through a bit of a farmers field and found this absolutely gorgeous waterfall flowing into the ocean. There was nobody else there! It was so very peaceful to sit on the rocks and listen to that water run down into the ocean below our feet. Truly good for the soul.
A great lunch spot was soon found down a very narrow winding road that ended at Ballintoy Harbor. There was a lovely little beach with families paddle-boarding and dogs chasing balls into the water. We had possibly the best foot-long hot dogs we’ve ever had. They were more of a sausage, served on a baguette and smothered with onions and cheddar cheese. We split an orange soda and a bag of crisps – delightful!
Next, we tested Stacey’s nerves a bit by crossing Carrick-a-Rede bridge over to the same named island. The bridge is made of rope and planks of wood, and crosses high above the ocean. Fishermen built the original over 200 years ago so that they could trap salmon that naturally swim between the two pieces of land. It was a bit wobbly, but well worth it to reach the island and the views on the other side. We gazed out at Rathlin Island, and the coast of Scotland beyond.
Our trip into Cushendun took us through some gorgeous rolling farmlands and the Ballypatrick Forest. Our lodging for the night is a bit remote, so the GPS got confused, as did I. We found ourselves on a narrow dirt road that didn’t feel right. As we rounded a tight corner, we surprised a bunch of sheep in the road that clearly weren’t used to cars! They high tailed it in the opposite direction, and Stacey snapped a great pic! I was busy stressing the drive. I’m 100% sure that driving Ireland is the right call, but it does take a level of concentration. The roads are super narrow, and you have to keep reminding yourself which side of the road to stay on! Anyway, we figured it out and arrived at a magnificent Air BnB in a farmhouse overlooking the sea. Our hostess Bridget had a Happy Anniversary card and wine and chocolates on the table for us! She came over to say hello and was incredibly sweet. Bridget pointed us towards town along the gorgeous beach. Stacey said it reminded her of Seaglass Beach at home in Scituate (her name for that special beach) and, sure enough, we found seaglass! Our featured picture today is the harbor here in Cushendun right beside Mary McBride’s where we are settled in for dinner. Off to Belfast tomorrow!
Just when I think it can’t get any better…!!!!