Coastal Causeway of Northern Ireland

We decided to drive the beautiful coastal causeway that hugs the shores of the coast of Northern Ireland. Both Wednesday and Thursday were devoted to this part of Ireland known also as Ulster.

On Wednesday we drove North and East until we hit the town of Bushmill. This is the home of the Old Bushmills Distillery. As an old friend from the MCA, (Probation Officer's Association), had recommended this as a not miss we took the tour. We learned a lot about distilling alcohol and probably could now make our own moonshine. Old Bushmills is 400 years old and still going strong. We heard about the whiskey being distilled three times until it is 85% alcohol. It is then aged from 5 to 21 years in different types of casks (formally been wine barrels) depending on the flavor desired. At the end of the tour we got to taste one of the flavors. I tried the Old Bushmills Private Reserve as my friend had recommended it. Janice had a hot toddie out of their 10 year old blend only because she does not favor the taste of whiskey. We bought a fifth of the Private Reserve to bring back to our friend as she had requested it and was willing to pay the price, which was just short of liquid gold. She said her last bottle she nursed two years and this one will get the same treatment. After the distillery we stopped at Dulcemore Castle which overlooks the sea. It is in ruins, but is still impressive. We then drove through Portrush and drove by their country club. There was heavy traffic and crowds as it was the same time, hometown boy Darren Clarke was returning to a hero's welcome. He had just won the British Open PGA Golf Tournament. We enjoyed a good meal in Portrush and returned to Derry.

Dulcemore Castle

Darren Clarke is in there somewhere. His "homecoming".

On Thursday we again drove the Coastal Causeway but went further to The Giant's Causeway. This was an awesome walk besides the ocean. The rock formations were awesome. After we regain computer strength to post the pictures all can see what I am talking about. We also stopped on several long, white sandy beaches where families were swimming, picnicking, and having a good time. The water was so cold most were swimming in wet suits.



Miles and miles of beach that you can actually drive on.

There were also awesome rock formations on these beaches. Janice was disappointed as there was no beach glass to be found, but we were grateful as the weather was the best it had been all week in Northern Ireland. We were gone for nine hours and were ready to crash when we returned.

These 6-sided rocks all jett out of the ground.

We were walking on these 6-sided mounds of rock formations.

And one last picture for this post.  For those of you that know of Janice's dad, in his younger work years in Redlands and San Diego, both in California; he was known as Big John. He was 6'4" and a very strong man and his name was John. Thus, Big John.  Of course we had to take this picture in front of the pub we drove by.

One full day left in Northern Ireland (Ulster) and we return to Dublin for a couple nights before we set out with Shamrocker Tours for the following 5 days. This is with a group of about 15 from all over the world and we believe we will be the grandpa and grandma of this group. This should be lots of fun. Next report will be about that tour. Stay tune!  9 days and we’ll be back in the U.S.