The Emerald Isle

Posted September 1, 2018 by Willa Blair in Uncategorized / 0 Comments

On my recent visit to the east coast of Ireland and north coast of Northern Ireland, I made stops at Cork (actually its port, Cobh, pronounced “Cove”) and Dublin in Ireland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland. None of my stops lasted long enough–there was so much more to see and do, and more lovely people to meet! I will return to this magical isle — someday!

 

First stop: Cobh and the area around it were lovely, if not as green as advertised — it’s been a hot, dry summer everywhere!
Waterford, and a craftsman carving crystal at Waterford Crystal—watching them work gave me a new appreciation for the crystal I have.
A profoundly sad memorial in Dublin to the famine and Irish diaspora. Note the wee starving dog following the people, hoping for a handout.
The Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland was fascinating, and I was pleased to learn it actually stretches under the sea to Scotland! For more, here’s a link to the video of the Legend of Finn McCool shown at the visitor’s center.

Nearby, a view worth the trip – and a hint of what a gorgeous day we had.

This is also very near the Bushmills distillery…just saying!

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (one of many Antrim coast locations used in Game of Thrones). I did not cross it. No, no, not me!

Of course I found a dramatic view of a ruined castle — Dunluce, once the home of the MacDonnell Clan.