After a brief stopover in London we fly to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Our first excursion is to walk The Gobbins, a cliff walk first opened as a tourist attraction in 1902. It has recently been refurbished. A guide gives an entertaining commentary as we climb.
Next day we take the ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island. As we approach the dock we are greeted by a pod of dolphins. Much to the delight of all the boat circles around as they leap and frolic in the bow waves. It's not often you have the chance to get so close to these beautiful creatures!
We walk 2 hours to the bird sanctuary at the north end of this spectacular island and see nesting puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars and guillemots. A rapid fire, stand up comedian bus driver takes us to visit the resident seal colony. Then we drink Guinness in the bar till it is time to ferry back.
Next day we climb Slemish near Ballymena. A short but steep climb rewarded by extensive views across the Braid Valley.
After a day exploring Whitehead we catch a train to Dublin and stay at the beautifully restored Georgian Ariel House.
We visit the National Gallery, the museum and the Book of Kells. And partake of a couple more Guinness in Temple Bar.
Next day we hire a car and set off on a mini road trip. The first night we get to Glendalough. Almost everywhere you look in Ireland you see a postcard!
In the morning we visit the Handweaving Mill at Avoca and take the car ferry across the River Barrow to Passage East. We then drive on to Waterford and see the remnants of the viking occupation.
Next day we head back up the coast, drop the car off in Dublin and catch the train back to Belfast.
Our last day in Whitehead we visit the fabulous Whitehead Railway Museum. We come full circle as once again we hear about The Gobbins, the brainchild of railway engineer, Berkeley Deane Wise and see the impressive works with an expert guide.
