Today I was lucky enough to get into a Uni sponsored free trip to the North of Ireland. We got onto the Paddy Wagon at 7am, before the sun was up, and headed towards the north. We drove along the Dublin Port and the coast line watching the sunrise over the ocean – reminder to actually go to the shore and watch the sun rise in the near future – it was spectacular.

The first stop was Giant’s Causeway where we spent the morning walking along the extraordinary coast line. There is a grand Irish legend as to how the causeway was created that the museum features. It’s a perfect children’s story making the idea of the place that much more fun.  http://giantscausewaytickets.com/finn-mccool

The geology of the basalt columns is as fascinating as much as it is beautiful. The views take your breath away and make you forget everything except for what is right before your eyes.

The next stop was the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The queue quickly added up as they only let a certain number walk across the bridge at a time. It’s a rickety rope bridge stretching across the mainland to a teeny-tiny island.

I can honestly say, not many things make me happier than the breathtaking views nature provides.

We stopped for Guinness pie at a little restaurant called the Fullerton Arms. It was a Game of Thrones refuge during filming and was gifted a hand-carved wood door from the production. We also visited the Dark Hedges, a long lane marked on either side with giant beechwood trees.

Our last stop was in the city Belfast. We only had an hour in the city which was not enough time to really see or appreciate the history there. We saw the gorgeous city hall building and then quickly jaunted over to see the Europa Hotel, the most bombed hotel in Europe – 36 bomb attacks. Across the street is The Crown Liquor Saloon. There is a mosaic tiled crown at the entrance and the whole interior included carved wood and tile.

We missed the Peace Walls and the history of the troubles. Maybe that’s a good enough reason to go back…