Portrush!
After Westport, we headed to Portrush in Northern Ireland for two nights. We had a local guide in Derry that had us exploring both on the bus and walking through the city. Our guide had deep roots. Her father had started the company back during the "Troubles" and was thought to be a little off as tourism wasn't common back then. She has taken over the family business and it is clear she loves her job and her city. She recommended the series on Netflix called "The Derry Girls", so we binged watched it once we were home. Several other members in our group also watched it and we all loved it (yup - we have a group email going to stay in touch post-trip). Can't wait for the next season of this show! If you haven't see it yet ~ watch it.
We arrived in Portrush late afternoon and had a group dinner at 55 North. The restaurant served incredible food and had several walls of windows looking out on the ocean. Everyone had a seat had a view! The location was ideal for an after-dinner walk along the boardwalk as the sun began to set. What a lovely way to end the day, relaxing just strolling hand-in-hand with my hubby.
The following day was filled with various adventuress. We headed to the Old Bushmills Distillery, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the ruins of Dunluce Castle. (Glad I had a little liquid courage to get across the rope bridge!)
The Distillery was very cool. Of course, I enjoyed learning about the process for making whiskey but the best part was the end of the tour where we each were able to get a taste. I opted for the 12-year whiskey and dang that was smooth!
The Giant's Causeway is an amazingly unique site. The formations on the coast are beautiful and really sets it apart from the rest of the coastline. I picked up a pair of earrings and two necklaces sporting the rocky design. I just love them!
The rope bridge...I wasn't going to cross it. I'm afraid of heights and wasn't sure that I could do it. But I thought about how disappointed I would be if I didn't do it since this is, possibly, a once in a lifetime chance. So, I took a deep breath and held on tightly to the rope as I crossed the bridge. I paused along the way to take in the view (I wasn't going to try walking without looking down at the path!) and was so glad I decided to make the journey. I was so excited to learn my travel buddy was on the other side and got photos of me making the trek! Thanks, Kathi!
"Wow" Moment: This coastal town was lovely. My wow moment was one of the day trips we took going out to the rope bridge. I was nervous but the view from the middle of the bridge was…priceless!
After Westport, we headed to Portrush in Northern Ireland for two nights. We had a local guide in Derry that had us exploring both on the bus and walking through the city. Our guide had deep roots. Her father had started the company back during the "Troubles" and was thought to be a little off as tourism wasn't common back then. She has taken over the family business and it is clear she loves her job and her city. She recommended the series on Netflix called "The Derry Girls", so we binged watched it once we were home. Several other members in our group also watched it and we all loved it (yup - we have a group email going to stay in touch post-trip). Can't wait for the next season of this show! If you haven't see it yet ~ watch it.
We arrived in Portrush late afternoon and had a group dinner at 55 North. The restaurant served incredible food and had several walls of windows looking out on the ocean. Everyone had a seat had a view! The location was ideal for an after-dinner walk along the boardwalk as the sun began to set. What a lovely way to end the day, relaxing just strolling hand-in-hand with my hubby.
The following day was filled with various adventuress. We headed to the Old Bushmills Distillery, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the ruins of Dunluce Castle. (Glad I had a little liquid courage to get across the rope bridge!)
The Distillery was very cool. Of course, I enjoyed learning about the process for making whiskey but the best part was the end of the tour where we each were able to get a taste. I opted for the 12-year whiskey and dang that was smooth!
The Giant's Causeway is an amazingly unique site. The formations on the coast are beautiful and really sets it apart from the rest of the coastline. I picked up a pair of earrings and two necklaces sporting the rocky design. I just love them!
The rope bridge...I wasn't going to cross it. I'm afraid of heights and wasn't sure that I could do it. But I thought about how disappointed I would be if I didn't do it since this is, possibly, a once in a lifetime chance. So, I took a deep breath and held on tightly to the rope as I crossed the bridge. I paused along the way to take in the view (I wasn't going to try walking without looking down at the path!) and was so glad I decided to make the journey. I was so excited to learn my travel buddy was on the other side and got photos of me making the trek! Thanks, Kathi!
"Wow" Moment: This coastal town was lovely. My wow moment was one of the day trips we took going out to the rope bridge. I was nervous but the view from the middle of the bridge was…priceless!