They just aren't friendly happy people here - let's get out of here ! ! ! Really quite amazing the difference - very British. We were both up before our 7am alarm, pack and in the kitchen for 8am (that's when it opened) Had our breakfast there (fruit, museli, pancakes with Nutella and jam - btw - I don't like marmalade - it's everywhere here, you'd be happy Dad)
Beautiful beaches in this area so of course we had to but our feet in the North Channel ! After being a bit directionally challenged, I managed to get us to the beach that we could see but just couldn't figure out how to get to. Shoes off, pants rolled up, off we go ! What fun ! Even if we did get a soaker. We changed in the car and cranked the heat and off we when along the Causeway Coastal Route.
A few beautiful stops and then arrive at the "entrance" to the Giants Causeway - £9. Nothing is cheap here. We did get an audio gadget that gave us a bunch of insight into what we were seeing - the geology and the folklore are really quite amazing ! It was quite the walk to do the whole "Giants Causeway" but the weather cooperated and the sun even showed itself, briefly, and, yes, it was windy !
Next stop was the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge . . . low and behold, they charge for if too. No thanks, we saw it off in the distance, we didn't need to pay to cross it.
Next stop, Belfast. Managed to get to the Titanic museum (by accident) This was something Tracy wanted - I had no desire to go, none the less pay the £17 admission. She didn't either.
We both wanted to do the Black Cab tour but it was done for the day so we got on the "hop on hop off" tour bus (double decker) with a guide. It was pretty good. Got a bit more of the history of Belfast and the unrest it went through (pretty crazy!)
Meanwhile, I had found a "castle" in Ardee (back in the Republic!) on AirBnB and I had sent an email to hopefully confirm it for tonight. Luckily, the host was around and we were good to go - it was a good drive still but back in the Republic (YaY) Lucky me got to drive at night in the rain but it was mostly Motorway driving - whew!
This place is AWESOME ! ! ! YaY me :-) Good find. It is a genuine castle ! Old arched dining area, crazy small spiral staircase, rooms jutting off here and there. Can't wait to explore and get some pics in the morning. It is even in town so we were able to walk to dinner and have a Guinness in a cute pubby restaurant.
Long day, with lots of driving but I'm actually not that tired - odd.
Nighty night xox
We are still amazed at how fantastic this is........We have been with you all the way, just so exciting. You don't know just how happy I am that you found a castle. I am so thrilled for you. Enjoy it and what a way to sort of end your trip, awesome !!!
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