Tuesday, July 15 (Northern Ireland) – The northernmost tip of Northern Ireland offers an entire day's worth of activities. I was all set to go to Giant's Causeway - the area filled with hexagonal basalt columns and formations, caused by a volcanic eruption - when my friend Helen suggested we tack on a trip across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and sip some whiskey at the Bushmills distillery, all within a few minutes drive from each other. So we did, and this ended up being one of the best days and a great way to come to the end of my trip!
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The current carrick-a-rede bridge is a lot more secure than the rickety rope bridge that once stood in its place. Originally built by salmon fisherman who wanted to catch salmon on their migration from the rocky island, the bridge allowed for a safe crossing from the mainland. But after becoming more of a tourist attraction, the bridge has been renovated for safety and isn't much of a fete to cross.
For me, the best part was the scenery. Views along the hike to the bridge as well as from the island itself are incredible. Most people don't just cross the bridge and go back, they spend time exploring the island and taking photos of the natural beauty around them.
For me, the best part was the scenery. Views along the hike to the bridge as well as from the island itself are incredible. Most people don't just cross the bridge and go back, they spend time exploring the island and taking photos of the natural beauty around them.
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Giant's Causeway
Ireland is filled with beautiful natural wonders, but I highly recommend a trip to Northern Ireland to see something very special: Giant's Causeway. The shape of the rocks in this area is so unique and it's amazing to think these rocks are the result of an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago. If you listen to the audio guide that is included with the price of admission, you will learn about the legend of the area which makes it fun for kids as well as adults. But to be honest, I was too excited to see these stones and pillars to listen to the full audio guide!
TIP: Bring your good camera, good walking / climbing shoes and art supplies if you are a creative type - the imagery is so inspiring!
TIP: Bring your good camera, good walking / climbing shoes and art supplies if you are a creative type - the imagery is so inspiring!
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Bushmills Distillery
I love whiskey, but I've never really had Bushmills before, so I was excited to get a taste. We signed up for a tour of the distillery even though it happened to be their 'silent season' where the factory workers are on holiday and there is no actual whiskey being produced. I didn't mind because I could still see where the whiskey is made and learn about the process, but as an added bonus, the distillery offered an apology in the form of an airport-sized bottle of their newest honey whiskey!
I've been on a distillery tour before, but it was a couple of years back so I was happy to go through the tour to be re-educated. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made the 40-minute tour fly by. I wasn't allowed to take photos, but we saw the rooms where the different stages of creating the whiskey take place from mashing to bottling. Then, we were led into the tasting room (aka the best part). I tried the 10-year single malt which I really liked and the distillery reserve which I didn't like - it wasn't smooth enough for me.
I've been on a distillery tour before, but it was a couple of years back so I was happy to go through the tour to be re-educated. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made the 40-minute tour fly by. I wasn't allowed to take photos, but we saw the rooms where the different stages of creating the whiskey take place from mashing to bottling. Then, we were led into the tasting room (aka the best part). I tried the 10-year single malt which I really liked and the distillery reserve which I didn't like - it wasn't smooth enough for me.
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