Ireland and Northern Ireland

Despite being such a small country in comparison to Australia it still takes a surprising amount of time to get anywhere. I had intended to catch a leisurely train from Edinburgh to Holyhead via Lyme Park in Manchester but it became rapidly apparent that doing so would take nearly 11 hours so we gave up and took the mere 7 hour journey direct. Despite some bright summer days on our trip apparenlty Ireland wasn't interested and conjured up a rough sea voyage for us with no sea sickness cures on board. I spent the entire journey using Tom as a pillow trying to outsleep any nausea.

Dublin is a big city and as big cities go it's a bit much of a muchness. We did enjoy the live music in most of the pubs we went to, and some even had some irish dancing. Irish dancing is loud which automatically makes it fun to watch. We went to see Riverdance, as you do and both the informal and formal dance settings were greatly enjoyable. Unfortunately during our stay in Dublin i became sick again, so we tended to head out for short bursts and then return to our accommodation to rest. This also meant that alcoholic tours of any kind were out of the question (criminal, I know), but we did get to see a herd of wild deer in Phoenix park.

Summer poked it's head out as we traveled north to Belfast, a city you probably could not have visited 15 years ago. Today it's a pretty spot with different quarters of the city spread out a bit. We stayed in Queens quarter which is near the university and has most of the cafes. Then there is the titanic qurteer which has an enormous exhibiton about the building and subsequent sinking of the titanic. The last quarter (only three, but there you go) is near Shankill and Falls Roads. These are the two most significant districts in Belfast and the centre of The Troubles, as the 30 year Catholic/Protestant conflict is known. The old courthouse remains a bombed wreck and there are plenty of carnparks that used to be buildings. Murals are a massive part of the culture too, with the peace walls covered in tributes for both sides of the conflict. Loyalists are super patriotic about being British and Union Jack flags and bunting cover Shankill road. They have a wall dedicated to the Queen.

Belfast is pretty relaxed though and certainly feels safer than Dublin. Because we missed seeing the countryside in Ireland we made a concerted effort in Northern Ireland. We went north to the Giant's causeway following the beautiful coast road and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge which is 90 metres high and was used one handed by salmon fisherman in the 19th century. We also visited the Mourne Mountains to the south, a ring of 12 mountains by the sea.

The ferries are much easier to catch from Dublin so we had to rearrange our schedule to arrive in time for our return ferry. On the way Summer launched from her hiding place, blasting locals and tourists with 22C, which here is hot enough for the locals to strip to a bikini and bake on the lawn (the humidity is pretty high so it does feel pretty hot).

The ferry was as easy ride this time and currently we're on the train back to London.