Carrick-a-Rede, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle

Today was a packed day. We began with heading to the Carrick-a-Rede, which is a swinging rope bridge one hundred feet above the sea. Fishermen erected the bridge so that they could check on their salmon nets. When we crossed the bridge, we were walking across the mountain of an ancient volcano that formed 60 million years ago. The views from the Carrick-de-Rede were stunning; the cliffs fell into the aqua blue sea with ease.

Next, we headed to the Giant’s Causeway, which is one of the natural wonders of the world. I’m not exactly sure how the rocks formed as perfect cylinders shooting up from the ground at various angles, but Dr. H explained to us the “real” story behind the Giant’s Causeway, which involved Giants who came to the island and stomped on the rocks.

Next, we headed to the Dunluce Castle. Dunluce Castle is dramatically positioned on a headland between the Giant’s Causeway and Portrush. It was built between the 15^th and 17^th centuries and, at this time, was one of the finest castles in the region and served to control the land and sea routes of North Ulster. We learned about the turbulent history and legends of the MacQuillans, the MacDonnells, and the Scottish settlers.

Lastly, we had a farewell dinner as an entire group of 25 and Kelly, Leslie, Kelly, and Dr. H. We went to a nice Italian place for a three-course meal, then headed to Whetherspoons with the group afterwards.