CatMoore
Registered User
Posts: 10
(6/12/03 1:42 pm)

Part 1 - N. Ireland May 22-25, '03

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I keep trying to figure out a way to keep this somewhat condensed, so, here goes!

My hubby and I finally get to Dublin after 14+ hours of layovers and flying. We are also one piece of luggage short, which seemed to have lost it's way to Dublin from Amsterdam. Aer Lingus was very kind, and offered us both over-night bags to make up for the luggage, and said that they will send it up to our B&B in Northern Ireland once it gets in. Well, on the positive side, it's one less piece of luggage to worry about on the bus ride and train to Portballintrae.

We finally get on the bus that will take us to Belfast, so we can catch the train to Coleraine. Well, let's just say this bus has seen better days. It wasn't THAT horrible, if you were sitting closer to the front. Unfortunately, we were in the back, and the further back you go in the bus, the more graffiti you see, and the smell, well, let's just say it wasn't pleasant. I was WAY to tired to worry about anything now, so we proceed to take our seats and wait out the trip.

We hit some traffic near Drogheda, and ended up 30 minutes late to Belfast, which I guess isn't too shabby. The rail station is right by the bus station, so we lugged our bags to the gate and waited for them to call our train. We make our way to the final long leg of the journey - only 1 hour and 50 minutes. The is uneventful, and we make it to Coleraine on time. We hailed a taxi outside the station to take us to Portballintrae. Danny, our cabbie, was wonderful. He gave us a quick tour of Bushmills before dropping us off at our B&B (Manor House in Portballintrae). He showed us Runkerry House in Portballintrae where Liam Neeson has a place. VERY nice!!!

The Manor House was a wonderful place, Janette met us and showed us up to our room. It was MAGNIFICENT! We had a wonderful view of the sea, and the room was HUGE! Great bathroom, too. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone visiting this area.

We relaxed a bit, but by this time it was around 6:30pm and we needed dinner. We ate at the Port Hole - which is in the only hotel in Portballintrae. It was very good food, but I think we were wanting sleep more than anything at that time.

The next day we decided to make the hike to the Giant's Causeway. WOW! This was probably one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. We took the long route along the coast. It was just incredible! The hike is about 5-6 miles, but didn't seem that long at all. The trail leads you right by Liam's place... SO I kept my eyes open just in case he happened to be there. No luck, though. OH well...

The Giant's Causeway is pretty impressive. The columns were just so neat - it's hard to put into words what my impression was. All I remember saying is that it is such a wonder what our Earth can do.

We are getting pretty beat by this time, but we find out they have a steam train that will take you from the causeway to Bushmills. So, we thought, what the heck!

We make our way via steam train to Bushmills. I loved this little town! We ate some lunch, walked around, and made our way to the distillery. Unfortunately, neither my husband or I drink whiskey, so we just walked around and shopped at the gift store. I just wanted to say I'd been there.

We make the hike back to Portballintrae (about 1 1/2 miles), and prepare for the hike to Dunluce Castle the next day. We ate dinner at Sweeney's, and met a lovely couple from England, who use to live in the area. We chatted for a while, and they gave us their address just in case we ever happened to make it to England!

Dunluce was unbelievable. It was even better than we had hoped. We got there a bit before it opened, but you can hike the steps down to the cave underneath the castle (its A LOT of steps - I had to remember this going down, as I knew coming back up would be harder!). The area below the castle was almost more impressive than the castle itself! I just keep remembering how GREEN the grass was. My hubby trecked underneath the castle to the cave. It's neat to think back how they would bring their supplies to the castle via this cave. How neat! We made our way through the castle - some of it was under construction, which was a bit depressing when you are trying to take pictures of it. All in all, it was definitely worth while, and we weren't disappointed at all.

The next day is our trip via rail to Dublin. To be continued.....

Anita
Unregistered User
(6/12/03 1:13 pm)

Cool

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Giant's Causeway is pretty cool. I must have used up a whole roll of film there (36 pictures). I wish I had been able to wander around Dunluce Castle, but the day trips only stop across the road for a photo. I did do the tour of Bushmills even though I don't drink whiskey, I should have gone shopping.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1561
(6/14/03 11:31 pm)

Very Enjoyable Report

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Hi Cat,

I am enjoying your trip report. Did your lost luggage ever catch up with you? Do you remember the rates at the Manor House?

Michele

CatMoore
Registered User
Posts: 11
(6/15/03 7:57 pm)

Luggage/Rates

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Yep! We got our luggage the next day like they promised. Aer Lingus was really great about that.

The rate at the Manor House was 25GBP per person, per night. It was a great deal! Also, we had the "Skerries" room, which had a king size bed, plus bunk beds. It was a very nice sized room, with a view of the sea.


Cat

CatMoore
Registered User
Posts: 14
(6/17/03 7:19 am)

Manor House Website

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Here is the website for the Manor House B&B in case anyone is interested:

www.geocities.com/martinm...house.html

Cat