Our first excursion out of Dublin was to Northern Ireland. Although we were hesitant to rent a car for this trip, we were adamant on seeing some of the natural sights Ireland and Northern Ireland had to offer. Instead, we took a bus tour from Dublin to Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, and Belfast.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century on the site of a former viking fort. It was later inhabited by the MacDonell family, and eventually vacated due to poverty.
Giant’s Causeway
Possibly my favorite part of the whole trip- Giant’s Causeway. This is located on one of the northernmost points of Northern Ireland. From its shores, you can even see Scotland on a clear day. Local legend has it that a giant named Finn McCool once lived in Northern Ireland. When threatened by a Scottish giant named Benandonner, Finn tore up parts of Northern Ireland’s coast to create a path to Scotland to battle Benandonner. When he gets there, he notices that Benandonner was much larger than he, and he escapes disguised as a baby. Benandonner then arrives in Northern Ireland and notices this baby, thinking that if Finn’s baby is that large, Finn himself much be much larger. Benandonner then retreats back to Scotland, destroying the path on his way back, thus forming Giant’s Causeway. Scientists, on the other hand, say that the hexagonal stones were formed following the rapid cooling of lava by the sea.
Belfast
The tour concluded with a very quick trip to Belfast. We only had about an hour to explore, so we spent our time quickly walking around city center, and finding the nearest pub.
About Abroad 