tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59788210022800876912024-03-18T03:20:10.822-07:00Postcards From The EdgeCelebrating the Great British CoastlinePostcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.comBlogger831125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-56001319400761814872018-06-24T04:50:00.000-07:002018-06-24T04:50:39.877-07:00JOURNEY'S END
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In January 2011 I set off on a virtual blogging journey
around the British coast, and this month I finally ran out of coast to blog
about.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Why?” I hear you cry.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Well, I have always had a fascination for the
idea of travelling around the entire coast of Britain, preferably on foot, but
for various reasons I have never had the time, money or energy to do it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I also enjoy writing, however, and one dark
winter’s morning as I was lying in bed I suddenly had an idea: “I know, I’ll
blog my way around the coast”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Added to
which, the British coast has given me a huge amount of pleasure over the years,
and I just wanted to give something back.</div>
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So what have I discovered about the British coast?</div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>There’s always something going on!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Music festivals, food and drink festivals,
sea shanty festivals, literary festivals, sailing events, surfing events,
marathons and half marathons – the list is endless.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Although I have stopped blogging, I will
continue to list selected events for each week, so if you want to find out
what’s going on, check in from time to time.</div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>Every single place, no matter how small, has a story to
tell, and there is so much history everywhere.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When I came to Charmouth on the Dorset coast, I wondered how much I
would find to say about such a small place, and then I discovered that it was
the scene of a succession of bloody battles against the Danes in the 9<sup>th</sup>
century.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Moreover, that Catherine of
Aragon had once stayed there in a building later to become a pub, after which
Charles II turned up in disguise after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in
1651. </div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>Our coastline is one of the most varied of any country
in the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>From the towering cliffs
and pounding seas of Cornwall or Pembrokeshire, the islands of the Hebrides,
some doing an imitation of the Caribbean with their pristine white sand
beaches, interesting rock formations and sea stacks, dunes such as those at
Camber, the marshes of North Norfolk, the rias of the South Cornwall and South
Devon coasts, the risky mudflats of Morecambe Bay.</div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>There is one recurring theme which strikes me as
particularly sad, and that is the amount of industry that has disappeared from
our coasts.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The most visible example of
this is in Poldark country, my home county of Cornwall, where everywhere you go
there are reminders of a long-lost tin and copper mining industry.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In Combe Martin, Devon, it is lead and silver
mining which have bitten the dust.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Other
places have lost their coal mines, and in North Yorkshire it was ironstone
which ceased to be mined.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Strontian in
West Scotland lost its lead, zinc, tin and silver mines.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Another disappearing industry in many places
is shipbuilding, and numerous ports have become shadows of their former selves
due to the decline in export activity.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>As for fishing, although it continues in many places, there are
countless places where the fishing has given way to more leisurely pursuits.</div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>The amazing people who selflessly give of their time
for the benefit of the coast and the people who enjoy it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>First and foremost, the brave people of the
RNLI who risk their lives to save others, and the folk who work for the
Coastguard, doing their best in the face of brutal cuts.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The people who give up their weekends for
beach cleans, wildlife surveys and other activities.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The people who organise the aforementioned
events and festivals and who raise money for charity.</div>
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And finally, I would like to dedicate my blog to its biggest
fan, my lovely mother Barbara, who will be 90 in a few weeks’ time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can see some of her paintings in the
Cornwall section of my blog.</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-72420626047406398712018-06-15T03:33:00.002-07:002023-11-09T06:31:24.387-08:00RATHLIN ISLAND<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
And so to the last island on my coastal blogging
journey.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>With its distinctive boomerang
shape, Rathlin Island has the distinction of being the only inhabited island
within the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The island is easily accessible from the mainland, being linked to
Ballycastle by means of a <a href="https://rathlin-ferry.com/" target="_blank">ferry service</a> for passengers and vehicles, the
maximum crossing time being 40 minutes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Most
of the signs of civilisation, including a bar, accommodation and shops, are to
be found next to a small west-facing harbour, the departure point for the
ferries.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Among the historic sites on the
island are a Kelp House, where kelp used to be stored prior to being sent to
Scotland, a standing stone and the site of a Neolithic settlement, a reminder
of the earliest human presence on the island between 4000 and 2500 BC.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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There is a well-known story about the Scottish king Robert
the Bruce, in which he is taking refuge in a cave after being driven from
Scotland by Edward I of England.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He
observes a spider persevering in repeated attempts to bridge a gap with its
web, and the spider’s efforts inspire him to return to Scotland to regain his
crown.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As is often the case with such
stories, there are a number of places where this event is claimed to have taken
place, but a few years ago one of Robert’s descendents claimed that it happened
on Rathlin Island.</div>
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Another notable event from history was the Rathlin Island
Massacre in 1575.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At that time there was
a castle on the island, and the MacDonnells of Antrim took refuge there and
used it as a base for their resistance to the Enterprise of Ulster.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Their leader, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, also
decided to send a host of women, children, elderly and sick to the island for
safety.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, this proved to be a bad
move when Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norreys, acting for the 1<sup>st</sup>
Earl of Essex in his campaign to subdue Ulster, attacked the castle, and even
went as far as seeking out the more vulnerable folk who were hiding in
caves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The result was 600 dead,
including over 400 civilians.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The dead
included the entire family of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, who was forced to watch
helplessly from the mainland.</div>
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Rathlin Island had a mention on the last episode of this
year’s Springwatch, when it was announced that the corncrake has returned to
the island, making it the only place in Northern Ireland where the bird has
been heard in recent years.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>According to
the island’s <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/rathlin-island/" target="_blank">RSPB<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>page</a>, as well as the
corncrake, the island is home to Northern Ireland’s only breeding pair of
chough, while other birds to be found there include puffin, guillemot,
kittiwake, razorbill and fulmar.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For a list of events on the island follow
<a href="http://rathlincommunity.org/events" target="_blank">this link.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Rathlin+Island,+Ballycastle/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4861d68baafdc7b9:0xa82f531252c68be4?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjE6fyiu9XbAhUDDcAKHfJBDsUQ8gEI-AEwDA" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Church_Bay_-_geograph.org.uk_-_469318.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.93px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="File:Church Bay - geograph.org.uk - 469318.jpg" data-file-height="411" data-file-width="640" height="411" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Church_Bay_-_geograph.org.uk_-_469318.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: url("data:image/png; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(6, 69, 173); vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Church Bay - geograph.org.uk - 469318. Photo by Anne Burgess, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Church_Bay_-_geograph.org.uk_-_469318.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-85909246821862773922018-06-04T08:40:00.002-07:002023-11-10T02:59:40.854-08:00CULMORE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Culmore is at the mouth of the River Foyle, a short distance
downstream from the city of Londonderry, or Derry, slightly further
inland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This geographical location
proved to be of strategic importance in May 1600 when Sir Henry Docwra, 1<sup>st</sup>
Baron Docwra of Culmore, landed here with his army prior to taking Derry in an
attempt to quash a war against the crown in Ulster. <span style="margin: 0px;"> The 17th century <a href="https://www.odohertyheritage.org/fort-culmore" target="_blank">Fort </a></span><a href="https://www.odohertyheritage.org/fort-culmore" target="_blank">Culmore</a> on Culmore Point played a part in another event a
few years later when Sir Cahir O’Doherty captured a supply of arms from there
before launching what came to be known as O’Doherty’s Rebellion.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A more recent claim to fame for the village
is that Amelia Earhart completed her solo translatlantic flight in 1932 by coming down
on Culmore.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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Just beyond Culmore is the border with the Republic of
Ireland, making it the last mainland coastal settlement on my blogging odyssey
around the British coast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, there
is one last place to blog about: Rathlin Island.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Watch this space.</div>
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Culmore,+Londonderry+BT48+8PQ/@55.0494182,-7.2913996,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x486009d1213cc779:0xa0f3fb539ae16e0!8m2!3d55.04942!4d-7.27389" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Culmore_point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_953319.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.93px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="File:Culmore point - geograph.org.uk - 953319.jpg" data-file-height="479" data-file-width="640" height="479" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Culmore_point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_953319.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: url("data:image/png; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(6, 69, 173); vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Culmore Point - geograph.org.uk - 953319. Photo by Kenneth Allen, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Culmore_point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_953319.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-52040248633067445332018-05-24T04:30:00.001-07:002023-11-10T03:48:48.804-08:00MAGILLIGAN POINT<br />
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Well, I am nearing the end of my blogging journey around the
British coast, and this is the last headland before the border with the
Republic of Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Poking out into the
mouth of Lough Foyle, Magilligan Point is a short distance from the Republic
and there is a year-round <a href="http://loughfoyleferry.com/" target="_blank">ferry</a> to Greencastle on the other side.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A short distance from the ferry crossing
point is a <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Magilligan-Martello-Tower-Limavady-P2926/" target="_blank">Martello tower</a> built during the Napoleonic Wars to protect the lough
from those pesky French, but also as a defence against American privateers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Group tours of
the tower can be undertaken by arrangement.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The tower stands within the <a href="https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/magilligan-point-nature-reserve" target="_blank">Magilligan Point Nature Reserve</a>,
distinguished by its extensive system of sand dunes, the largest in Northern
Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The flora growing among the
dunes attract a variety of insects such as bees and moths, including the rare
Scarce Crimson and Gold Moth, a variety of moth only found along this coast.</div>
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Magilligan+Point,+Limavady+BT49+0LP/@55.1871322,-6.9751856,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48601be143840b0d:0xba6b6395bdfd4edb!8m2!3d55.187134!4d-6.957676" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Martello_Tower%2C_Magilligan_Point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_583940.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.93px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="File:Martello Tower, Magilligan Point - geograph.org.uk - 583940.jpg" data-file-height="474" data-file-width="640" height="474" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Martello_Tower%2C_Magilligan_Point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_583940.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: url("data:image/png; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(6, 69, 173); vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Martello Tower, Magilligan Point - geograph.org.uk - 583940. Photo by Ross, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Martello_Tower,_Magilligan_Point_-_geograph.org.uk_-_583940.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-63080865883855110592018-05-18T03:42:00.002-07:002023-11-10T06:05:12.528-08:00CASTLEROCK<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
The kilometre-long stretch of sandy beach stretching to the
west of the mouth of the River Bann belongs to the small resort of
Castlerock.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The beach is adjacent to the
<a href="http://www.castlerockgc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Castlerock Golf Club</a> and its dunes continue upstream to a National Trust bird
sanctuary.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Wildlife enthusiasts should
keep their eyes peeled when eyeing the estuary as harbour porpoises and seals
can sometimes be seen feeding there.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Castlerock’s celebrity claim to fame is that the actor James Nesbitt
called the resort home when a teenager.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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Another famous name associated with Castlerock is the author
C. S. Lewis, who used to holiday there when growing up in Belfast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Lewis used to visit the nearby <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/downhill-demesne-and-hezlett-house" target="_blank">Downhill Demesne</a>, and was so captivated by the site that it provided inspiration for
some of his work, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Demesne is run by the National Trust and
includes the ruined 18<sup>th</sup> century mansion Downhill House, a Mausoleum,
a Dovecote and an Icehouse among its points of interest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For nature lovers there are The Bog Garden, The
Black Glen, and there is a Walled Garden which nowadays is home to sheep and
apple trees.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Another attraction within
the Demesne is the clifftop Mussenden Temple, which is based on the Temple of
Vesta in Italy, and which, along with the beautiful beach it overlooks, featured
in Game of Thrones as Dragonstone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>By
the way, the word 'demesne' is used in Ireland to mean a piece of land attached
to a manor.</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Castlerock,+Coleraine/@55.1633465,-6.8074059,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4860229535b19279:0x4770857924353f10!8m2!3d55.164987!4d-6.7904168" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Mussenden_Temple_overlooking_Downhill_beach._Northern_Ireland.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.93px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="File:Mussenden Temple overlooking Downhill beach. Northern Ireland.jpg" data-file-height="4000" data-file-width="6000" height="426" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Mussenden_Temple_overlooking_Downhill_beach._Northern_Ireland.jpg/800px-Mussenden_Temple_overlooking_Downhill_beach._Northern_Ireland.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: url("data:image/png; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(6, 69, 173); vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Mussenden Temple overlooking Downhill beach. Northern Ireland. Photo by D LN, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mussenden_Temple_overlooking_Downhill_beach._Northern_Ireland.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-16412499498969785942018-05-10T03:56:00.001-07:002023-06-28T01:54:59.094-07:00PORTSTEWART<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
In a dramatic scene from series 5 of Game of Thrones, Jaime
Lannister and Bronn are seen duelling with the Dornish guards on a stunning
beach.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The beach in question was the Strand
of Portstewart, just across the county border from Portrush, in County
Londonderry.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The timing of the filming,
which took place in 2014, was unfortunate, being in August, the busiest time of
the year, as the beach had to be completely closed for it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, there was significant payback for
the resort, which gained valuable exposure as a result of its starring role in
the series.</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
The Portstewart Strand, which holds Blue Flag status,
stretches out from the mouth of the River Bann, with the <a href="http://www.portstewartgc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Portstewart Golf Club</a>
at one end.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The beach is popular with
surfers, and in the town there is a Dive Centre for divers at <a href="https://aquaholics.co.uk/collections/all-drysuits" target="_blank">Aquaholics</a>, where boat trips can also be booked.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On the opposite bank of the river and inland
a bit is a bird hide run by the National Trust (as is the Strand itself).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The hide offers the opportunity to observe
waterfowl, waders and nesting birds.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
built up part of Portstewart lies to the other side of the golf course,
occupying an area surrounding a small rocky peninsula, and it has a range of
cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops for visitors to choose from.<span style="margin: 0px;"> There is a promenade leading to the Strand, taking in a small harbour. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Portstewart/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48602377cbd7e9ab:0xc30aae3f02397128?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6_uT__PraAhXEwxQKHexaCNsQ8gEwD3oFCAAQ1wE" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/The_Promenade_at_Portstewart_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1322701.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.93px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="File:The Promenade at Portstewart - geograph.org.uk - 1322701.jpg" data-file-height="427" data-file-width="640" height="427" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/The_Promenade_at_Portstewart_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1322701.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: url("data:image/png; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(6, 69, 173); vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Promenade at Portstewart - geograph.org.uk - 1322701. Photo by Des Colhoun, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Promenade_at_Portstewart_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1322701.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #000120;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-53928136567667209952018-05-03T03:55:00.003-07:002023-06-28T01:34:08.602-07:00PORTRUSH<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Portrush, which has signs of human habitation going back to
around 4000 BC, started out as a fishing town, but the arrival of the
Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Portrush Junction Railway in 1855 paved
the way for its development into a resort.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
The big attractions at Portrush are its wonderful beaches,
the windswept location making them popular with surfers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Horse riders and dog walkers are also
attracted to the golden sands, though these should be aware that restrictions
apply from May to September. </span></span>Whiterocks Beach, so named because of the
limestone cliffs and rocks dotted about the beach, which were formed around 150
million years ago during the Cretaceous Period, lies to the east of the town, bordered by the <a href="https://www.royalportrushgolfclub.com/" target="_blank">Royal Portrush Golf Course</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The East Strand, meanwhile,
is managed by the National Trust, so parking is free for members.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
For offshore activities, the town has a <a href="http://www.portrushyachtclub.com/" target="_blank">Yacht Club</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The town itself is built on a peninsula called Ramore Head (the name
Portrush comes from the Irish Port Rois, meaning “promontory port”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On the east side of the peninsula is the Blue
Pool, which is popular with divers.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Golfers are well catered for, with a second golf course, <a href="https://www.irishgolfcourses.co.uk/northernireland/ballyreagh.php" target="_blank">Ballyreagh Golf Course</a>, to the west of the town.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
<a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/The-Coastal-Zone-Portrush-Portrush-P2832" target="_blank">Coastal Zone</a> is a visitor centre with an exhibition space covering aspects of
the area’s history and natural attributes.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>A group of small offshore islands called The Skerries are home to
seabirds such as kittiwake and eider duck as well as more exotic marine species
such as the cotton spinner sea cucumber.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Portrush<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>hosts a
number of prominent events every year, including an Air Show in September, the
<a href="http://www.northwest200.org/" target="_blank">North West 200</a> motorcycle race in May and an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/portrushraftrace/" target="_blank">RNLI Raft Race</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.baysider.com/webcams/United_Kingdom/Portrush/Portrush_Surf_School/9027" target="_blank">Webcam view</a> of Whiterocks Beach.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Portrush/@55.2060904,-6.6623803,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x486024329c2dda6d:0xf888a6174f157684!8m2!3d55.2041945!4d-6.6526708" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/The_White_Rocks_near_Portrush_%283%29_-_geograph.org.uk_-_785946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:The White Rocks near Portrush (3) - geograph.org.uk - 785946.jpg" data-file-height="401" data-file-width="640" height="401" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/The_White_Rocks_near_Portrush_%283%29_-_geograph.org.uk_-_785946.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The White Rocks near Portrush (3) - geograph.org.uk - 785946. Photo by Albert Bridge, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_White_Rocks_near_Portrush_(3)_-_geograph.org.uk_-_785946.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-72582652215884489782018-04-19T02:30:00.002-07:002023-06-22T01:56:06.777-07:00DUNLUCE CASTLE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Such is the appeal of the now-ruined <a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Dunluce-Castle-Medieval-Irish-Castle-on-the-Antrim-Coast-Bushmills-P2819" target="_blank">Dunluce Castle</a> that it,
and its magnificent surroundings, have been the inspiration for both poetry and
music.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The 4-part poem published in 1814
by Edward Quillinan sets the scene at length, describing the castle itself, the
roar of the Atlantic “in wildest fury frantic” and the dramatic coastline
around it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A tone poem called Dunluce
was written in 1921 by Irish composer Norman Hay, while a more recent musical
work called Dunluce Castle was performed by the Irish Rovers in the 1990s.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle made an appearance on the sleeves
of two albums: Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy in 1973 and American musician
Jandek’s Glasgow Friday in 2008.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
castle is believed to have been the inspiration for Cair Paravel in Chronicles
of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Finally, not
surprisingly, the castle was one of the many Northern Irish locations used in
Game of Thrones as the castle of Pyke, seat of House Greyjoy.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Dunluce Castle was the first stop on our wonderful drive
along the Causeway Coast a few years ago, and it set the scene magnificently for
the rest of it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle was built by
the MacQuillan family around the year 1500, but 50 years later it was seized by
the MacDonnell clan.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There was once a
small town called Dunluce, founded by the Earls of Antrim in the 17<sup>th</sup>
century.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The town was abandoned long
ago, but visitors can view the remains uncovered by an archaeological dig.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle’s precarious position perched over
the foaming sea was allegedly the cause of a catastrophe in 1639, when the
castle’s kitchen fell into the sea along with the unfortunate kitchen staff
while the 2<sup>nd</sup> Earl of Antrim and his wife were waiting for their
dinner.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, the veracity of this
story is in some doubt, since the kitchen is still in situ among the
present-day ruins.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What is for sure is
that in the 18<sup>th</sup> century the north wall of the residence building
did fall into the sea.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The remaining
walls are still standing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Dunluce+Castle/@55.2106924,-6.5796063,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x10a91dc5612d9ab8!8m2!3d55.2106924!4d-6.5796063" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></span></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Awesome_Dunluce_Castle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Awesome Dunluce Castle.jpg" data-file-height="1920" data-file-width="2560" height="480" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Awesome_Dunluce_Castle.jpg/800px-Awesome_Dunluce_Castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Awesome Dunluce Castle. Photo by Osioni, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Awesome_Dunluce_Castle.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-13872678035089039422018-04-05T04:42:00.001-07:002023-06-22T01:46:49.436-07:00PORTBALLINTRAE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Looking at Portballintrae on the map, the eye is drawn to a
small but perfectly formed horseshoe-shaped bay.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At one end of this is a small harbour, formerly
the haunt of the local fishermen, but nowadays used mostly by leisure craft,
and at the eastern end is Salmon Rock Beach which, while popular with families,
is risky for swimmers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Bush River
wends its way down to the coast to the northeast of the village, enclosing the
<a href="http://www.bushfootgolfclub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bushfoot Golf Course</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Back in 2007 it
was reported that Donald Trump was considering the village as the site of a £1
billion golf complex, but it never came to pass.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
On the outskirts of the village are two strange mounds of
earth forming concentric rings.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Known as
the Lissanduff Earthworks, it is not clear what their original purpose might
have been.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Some archaeologists, however,
think they may have been linked to ancient worship rituals.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fast forwarding to the 16<sup>th</sup>
century, in 1588 a Spanish galleass called the Girona, part of the Spanish
Armada, sank off Lacada Point, further back along the coast from
Portballintrae.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In the 1960s a treasure
trove from the ship was recovered by a team of Belgian divers, and was hauled
ashore at Portballintrae.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was the
greatest find ever recovered from a Spanish Armada vessel and the gold
jewellery from the hoard is displayed in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Portballintrae,+Bushmills+BT57+8YR/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48602f0bd0a1aa65:0x6eab9122a77f818c?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiY68awhqPaAhVBQMAKHWUEDqkQ8gEI0gEwDw" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/The_bay_of_Port_Ballintrae._-_geograph.org.uk_-_435121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:The bay of Port Ballintrae. - geograph.org.uk - 435121.jpg" data-file-height="426" data-file-width="640" height="426" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/The_bay_of_Port_Ballintrae._-_geograph.org.uk_-_435121.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The bay of Portballintrae. - geograph.org.uk - 435121. Photo by Des Colhoun, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_bay_of_Port_Ballintrae._-_geograph.org.uk_-_435121.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-78551170165918049522018-03-26T04:27:00.004-07:002023-06-22T01:35:39.541-07:00THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
In December 2012 I blogged about <a href="https://postcards-pfte.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/staffa.html" target="_blank">Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The geology that is the cause
of the cave’s distinctive appearance is the same as that on view at the Giant’s
Causeway, namely the strangely uniform interlocking hexagonal basalt columns
formed from cooling lava. The unique nature of this coastal wonder has earned
it the status of World Heritage Site, and it is run by the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway" target="_blank">National Trust</a>, with
all the associated trappings such as shop and tea room.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>From the car park there are buses on hand for
anyone who does not fancy the hike down to the causeway.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
When the causeway was discovered by the Bishop of Derry in
1692, no-one was sure whether the feature was man-made or created by
nature.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There was even a school of
thought that a giant was responsible for it, hence the name given to it. The favourite candidate was one
Finn McCool.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The story goes that there
was a battle between Finn and a Scottish giant who was threatening
Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Finn started throwing chunks of
rock into the sea to form a pathway towards his Scottish enemy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In reality, as indicated above, it is ancient
volcanic activity that was responsible for this most unusual of coastal
features, as explained in the Visitor Centre. The Causeway is a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Ireland, and is probably the best known and most visited site in this corner of the British Isles. When we visited we stayed in a nearby roadside pub; alternatively the nearby village of Bushmills makes a good base.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Giant's+Causeway/@55.2408073,-6.5115554,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf3228ca019de1fd2!8m2!3d55.2408073!4d-6.5115554" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Causeway-code_poet-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Causeway-code poet-4.jpg" data-file-height="1536" data-file-width="2048" height="480" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Causeway-code_poet-4.jpg/800px-Causeway-code_poet-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Causeway-code poet-4. Photo by code poet, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Causeway-code_poet-4.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-8134761629060404262018-03-08T11:35:00.001-08:002023-06-16T06:15:20.069-07:00DUNSEVERICK<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
The hamlet of Dunseverick, on the way from the
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge to the Giant’s Causeway, is tiny but with several
points of interest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castles-forts/dunseverick-castle" target="_blank">Dunseverick Castle</a>
and earthworks, on a peninsula managed by the National Trust, date from at
least the 5<sup>th</sup> Century AD when St Patrick visited and baptized Olcán, a local man who later became Bishop of
Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Gate Lodge of the castle
can still be seen standing proud, although ruined, on the grassy clifftop.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is a well on the headland named after
St Patrick.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Walkers can take the <a href="https://walkni.com/walks/north-antrim-cliff-path-dunseverick-to-giants-causeway/" target="_blank">North Antrim Cliff Path</a> from the castle to the Giant’s Causeway, a distance of 5
miles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="margin: 0px;">The harbour, sheltered by basalt islets, was where many local people emigrated from during the19th century. They were rowed out from here to schooners headed for Glasgow or Londonderry before continuing with their onward journeys. Between the harbour and the castle, Dunseverick Falls, although not the most dramatic of waterfalls, make a picturesque sight as they tumble down to the sea.</span><br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Dunseverick,+Bushmills+BT57+8SY/@55.2340982,-6.4540397,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48602c4103eb2979:0x8b16db4f10a8298f!8m2!3d55.2341!4d-6.4365301" target="_blank">Map of the area</a>.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Dunseverick_Castle_-_geograph.org.uk_-_475761.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Dunseverick Castle - geograph.org.uk - 475761.jpg" data-file-height="447" data-file-width="640" height="447" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Dunseverick_Castle_-_geograph.org.uk_-_475761.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Dunseverick Castle - geograph.org.uk - 475761. Photo by Anne Burgess, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dunseverick_Castle_-_geograph.org.uk_-_475761.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-84254180970995541162018-02-28T14:41:00.002-08:002023-06-16T06:12:33.125-07:00KINBANE CASTLE AND THE CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Heading north from Ballycastle on the way to Ballintoy we
come to <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Kinbane-Castle-Ballycastle-P37450/" target="_blank">Kinbane Castle</a>, reachable by a minor road off the Whitepark Road.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle is in ruins and there are many
steps leading down to the main castle area, but those fit enough to tackle the
approach will be rewarded with some of the best views on the Antrim coast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle was built in 1547 by Colla
MacDonnell, brother of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and was laid siege to more than
once by English forces.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
As a member of the National Trust, I have visited many of
their properties over the years, but possibly the most unusual site I have been
to is the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede" target="_blank">Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
bridge was originally built in 1755 by fishermen to provide access to the small
offshore island called Carrick, from where they were able to fish for
salmon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Now, under the auspices of the
Trust the bridge is solely a novel tourist attraction, providing a frisson for
visitors as they wobble their way across while daring themselves to look down
at the foaming sea below.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The bridge is
a popular attraction, so be prepared to wait to make the crossing, which is
only 20 metres.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The island itself is
very small, but offers wonderful coastal views and birdlife.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Back at the entrance to the site there is a
cafe for visitors to warm up in. The nearby village of Ballintoy has a number of facilities for visitors in the area, and the harbour is worth a visit for Game of Thrones fans, as it was used for the Iron Islands scenes.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ballintoy,+Ballycastle+BT54+6LX/@55.2363582,-6.3766496,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861d35200b6f449:0xecb1adcdccf37aa8!8m2!3d55.23636!4d-6.35914" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Carrick_a_Rede.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Carrick a Rede.jpg" data-file-height="479" data-file-width="640" height="479" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Carrick_a_Rede.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Carrick a Rede. Photo by Qole Pejorian, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carrick_a_Rede.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-33883337529773564432018-02-23T05:44:00.002-08:002023-06-16T05:12:51.655-07:00BALLYCASTLE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
This small resort is located in the far northeast of the
Irish mainland and at the most northerly point of the Antrim coast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Ballycastle’s main attraction is its wild and
windswept beach, with lovely views along the coast to Fair Head.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At one end is an area known as Pans Rock,
the remains of an iron salt pan used by fishermen, and just beyond that is the
Devil’s Churn, with steps leading down to an underwater tunnel.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Ballycastle’s big event of the year is the
<a href="http://irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/LammasFair.html" target="_blank">Ould Lammas Fair</a>, which originated in the 17<sup>th</sup> century, and which is
the subject of a ballad by John Henry MacAuley, a sculptor by craft.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The first line of the ballad tells how “At
the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle long ago I met a pretty colleen who set me
heart a-glow”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Fair is held on the
last Monday and Tuesday of August. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallycastleMuseum/" target="_blank">Ballycastle Museum</a> has displays relating to the local area.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
On the way in to Ballycastle by the road from Cushendall lie
the ruins of <a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Bonamargy-Friary-Ballycastle-P2818" target="_blank">Bonamargy Friary</a> built by Rory MacQuillan in 1500.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>88 years later the friary was seized by the
rival MacDonnell clan.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Many of the features,
including a cloister, altar and burial vault, are still relatively unscathed,
although the roof is missing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The friary
is the last resting place of several Earls of Ulster and of Sorley Boy
MacDonnell.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The friary is easily
accessible from the road, free to enter, and there are information boards for
visitors, who can also enjoy the lovely surroundings, including a <a href="http://www.ballycastlegolfclub.com/" target="_blank">golf course</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://marinehotelballycastle.com/webcam/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://marinehotelballycastle.com/webcam/" target="_blank">Live streaming webcam</a> view courtesy of Marine Hotel.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><br /></strike>
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ballycastle/@55.2020931,-6.2876248,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48602b537eb5b571:0x9bcec64211e945a9!8m2!3d55.2052888!4d-6.2532947" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Pans_Rock_-_geograph.org.uk_-_470238.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Pans Rock - geograph.org.uk - 470238.jpg" data-file-height="404" data-file-width="640" height="404" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Pans_Rock_-_geograph.org.uk_-_470238.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Pan's Rock - geograph.org.uk - 470238. Photo by Anne Burgess, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pans_Rock_-_geograph.org.uk_-_470238.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-25081778207525171212018-02-15T03:31:00.002-08:002023-06-12T01:44:43.969-07:00TORR HEAD AND FAIR HEAD<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Heading north out of Cushendun the Causeway Coastal Route
takes on the name Torr Road, and after a few miles there is a turnoff from this
to Torr Head.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This headland, with its
spectacular views of the Mull of Kintyre, was used in the 1800s to record the
passage of Transatlantic ships for Lloyds of London, and the remains of the old
lookout station are still visible.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This
was also one of the first places where Marconi’s wireless telegraphy system was
installed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Nestled against the headland
on Portaleen Bay is a small harbour, a reminder of a former salmon
fishery.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Further north is Murlough Bay, known for its flora, fauna
and geology, with birdlife including eider ducks and peregrine falcons. Beyond the bay is Fair Head, which has been described as Northern
Ireland’s tallest cliff face, rising to 600 feet above sea level.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As well as fantastic views along the coast
and across to Scotland, there are goods views of Rathlin Island, which lies
just across the way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The headland is
popular with rock climbers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Running
around the headland is a path called The Grey Man’s Path.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Grey Man in question is said to derive
from a local legend about a “devil-horse” living in nearby Lough Dhu who
wandered along the path disguised as a human and frightened the living
daylights out of a local woman called Mary McAnulty.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Murlough+Bay/@55.2088295,-6.1650039,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861d086224510fd:0x58861c146dad1197!8m2!3d55.2088265!4d-6.1299849" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></span></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Ballycastle_beach%2C_September_2010_%2801%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Ballycastle beach, September 2010 (01).JPG" data-file-height="2848" data-file-width="4272" height="426" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Ballycastle_beach%2C_September_2010_%2801%29.JPG/800px-Ballycastle_beach%2C_September_2010_%2801%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballycastle beach, September 2010 (01). Photo by Ardfern, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ballycastle_beach,_September_2010_(01).JPG" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-36266899654075759922018-02-09T04:31:00.003-08:002023-06-12T01:37:08.323-07:00CUSHENDUN<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Like Cushendall, Cushendun, at the foot of Glendun, one of
the nine Glens of Antrim, is classed as a “conservation village”, and as such
is protected by the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cushendun">National Trust.</a><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
name comes from the Irish<span style="background-color: white;"> <span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #595959; margin: 0px;">Cois Abhann Duinne, which means “beside the
River Dun”, the river that tumbles down from the valley of Glendun.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The village was planned in 1912 by Clough
Williams-Ellis at the request of Baron Cushendun, and the Cornish appearance of
the village is no accident, as Williams-Ellis designed it in this way to please
the Baron’s wife Maud, who was from my home town of Penzance.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is even a row of whitewashed cottages
named after her. The village passed to
the care of the National Trust in 1954.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: #595959; margin: 0px;">Just to the north of the village is <a href="http://www.castles.nl/castle-carra" target="_blank">Castle Carra</a>, thought to have been built in the 14<sup>th</sup> century and now a
ruin.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The castle was the scene of a
series of shenanigans involving Shane O’Neill and the McDonnells, culminating
in O’Neill being stabbed to death as revenge for his earlier defeat of the
McDonnells.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Not content with this act of
violence, they cut his head off and sent it to representatives of Queen
Elizabeth in Dublin.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: #595959; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Last, and by no means
least, fans of the hit series Game of Thrones will want to include a visit to
Cushendun Caves on a visit to the village.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The caves, formed from over 400 million years of weathering, appeared in
the series as the background for the Stormlands, one of the nine constituent
regions of the Seven Kingdoms.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They can
be reached by following the walk suggested via <a href="http://www.cushendunweb.co.uk/Walks/THE%20RING%20WALK%202%20web.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>. </span><br />
<div>
<span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: #595959; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #595959; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Cushendun,+Ballymena+BT44+0PH/@55.1257782,-6.0604396,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861c4e1e9b7cfe5:0x7f14dd1ebcb93e97!8m2!3d55.12578!4d-6.04293" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></span></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Cushendun_Caves_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467791.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Cushendun Caves - geograph.org.uk - 467791.jpg" data-file-height="412" data-file-width="640" height="412" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Cushendun_Caves_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467791.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Cushendun Caves - geograph.org.uk - 467791. Photo by Anne Burgess, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cushendun_Caves_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467791.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-72947078465330589582018-02-01T05:44:00.002-08:002023-06-12T01:28:59.741-07:00CUSHENDALL<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Formerly known as Newtown Glens, Cushendall and the
surrounding area is classed as a “conservation area”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The ‘dall’ part of the name comes from the
River Dall which tumbles down to the beach via the <a href="http://www.cushendallgolfclub.com/" target="_blank">Cushendall Golf Club</a>
course.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One of the main historic
landmarks in the village is the Curfew Tower, also known as <a href="http://cushendall.info/tourism/turnly.htm" target="_blank">Turnly’s Tower</a>,
after Francis Turnly of the East India Company, who erected the tower as “a
place of confinement for idlers and rioters”. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, the history of the area goes back
much further; there are the remains of Bronze Age forts in the mountains
overlooking the village.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In 1924 the
village became one of the first places in Ireland to have street lighting
installed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
On the outskirts of the village is <a href="https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/things-to-do/cottage-wood-p792961" target="_blank">Cottage Wood</a>, with
footpaths, viewpoints and picnic facilities.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Lovers of wildlife should keep their eyes peeled for the Red Squirrel,
which are regularly seen here.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>About a
mile outside the village lie the evocative ruins of the <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Layd-Old-Church-Ballymena-P2820/" target="_blank">Layd Old Church</a>,
dating from the early 1600s, although records suggest a church existed here as
long ago as 1288.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cushendall’s big event
of the year is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfTheGlensFestivalCushendall" target="_blank">Heart of the Glens Festival</a>, which takes place in August and
is a throwback to the days when there were eight fair days held throughout the
year. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Cushendall,+Ballymena/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4861c5f4034c60e3:0xf545a644290105de?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiV__yf7ITZAhXlJcAKHZTSAwMQ8gEIqgEwEA" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Cushendall_Beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467693.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Cushendall Beach - geograph.org.uk - 467693.jpg" data-file-height="408" data-file-width="640" height="408" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Cushendall_Beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467693.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Cushendall Beach - geograph.org.uk - 467693. Photo by Anne Burgess, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cushendall_Beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_467693.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-70997800203246649592018-01-24T05:31:00.001-08:002023-06-06T03:12:43.555-07:00RED BAY<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
To the north of Carnlough the shore-hugging Causeway Coastal
Route veers to the west, where it reaches Red Bay.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Glenariff, one of the nine “Glens of Antrim”
and known as the “Queen of the Glens”, drops down to the sea here, and there is
a small village by the same name.<span style="margin: 0px;"> <a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Glenariff-Forest-Park-Glenariffe-Ballymena-P2825">
</a></span><a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Glenariff-Forest-Park-Glenariffe-Ballymena-P2825" target="_blank">Glenariff Forest Park</a> speads over 1,000 acres, with woodlands, lakes,
waterfalls and recreational areas.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just
beyond the neighbouring village of Waterfoot lie the ruins of <a href="http://www.castles.nl/red-bay-castle" target="_blank">Red Bay Castle</a>,
built in the 13<sup>th</sup> century by the Bissett family, self-styled Lords
of the Glens of Antrim.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The family’s
descendents, the MacDonells of Antrim, rebuilt the castle in the 16<sup>th</sup>
century, only for it to be burned to the ground in 1565 by Shane O’Neill of
Tyrone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The MacDonnells rebuilt it again,
but it fell into disrepair and after a further restoration was subsequently
destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during his conquest of Ireland, hence the scant
ruins on view today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So not much to see
here now, but worth swinging by anyway for the wonderful views across to the
Mull of Kintyre.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Waterfoot,+Ballymena+BT44+0QR/@55.0615882,-6.0788696,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861c616a792d72f:0x82509d391ff128d1!8m2!3d55.06159!4d-6.06136" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Waterfoot%2C_Co._Antrim%2C_1990_%286981329372%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Waterfoot, Co. Antrim, 1990 (6981329372).jpg" data-file-height="1297" data-file-width="2000" height="415" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Waterfoot%2C_Co._Antrim%2C_1990_%286981329372%29.jpg/800px-Waterfoot%2C_Co._Antrim%2C_1990_%286981329372%29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfoot, Co. Antrim, 1990 (6981329372). Via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Waterfoot,_Co._Antrim,_1990_(6981329372).jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-76055153220556325342018-01-16T05:19:00.002-08:002023-06-06T01:36:03.026-07:00CARNLOUGH<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Continuing north from Glenarm along the glorious coast road
which hugs the Antrim shore, we come to Carnlough (‘cairn of the lake’), a
village on the bay of the same name and lying at the mouth of Glencloy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The villagers must be made of stern stuff,
the harbour here being one of a number of locations on the Northern Ireland
coast known for its New Years Day swims.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The limestone cliffs in the vicinity have played an important role in
the area’s history right from Neolithic times, when the flint deposits in the
cliffs served as tools for these ancient inhabitants.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Much later quarries were set up to extract the limestone, and the harbour, originally a stone pier built in the 1700s, was redeveloped in the mid-19th century by the Marchioness of Londonderry. The limestone was used for the construction of the harbour, as well as many of the houses in the village, and a 1.5 km mineral tramway was built for transporting the stone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Another spinoff from this activity was the <a href="http://glensofantrim.com/" target="_blank">Londonderry Arms Hotel</a>, built in 1848 as a coaching house.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Between 1921 and 1924 the hotel was owned by Sir Winston Churchill
courtesy of an inheritance from a second cousin who was a grandson of the
Marchioness.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Marchioness, meanwhile,
used to stay in a summer residence a few miles to the north of Carnlough known
as the Garron Tower, a dark grey castle-like structure with turreted
towers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The building is now occupied by
St Killian’s College and lies just off the coast road, which here is known as
the Garron Road.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Back in Carnlough, as well
as the charms of the village itself there is a scenic drive called the Slemish Scenic Drive which follows Glencoy up to Slemish Mountain, where St Patrick
spent 6 years in captivity.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
No piece on Carnlough would be complete without making a
mention of one of the most famous former residents of the village, Paddy the
carrier pigeon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>During the D-Day
landings Paddy was sent to France with a coded message on the Allied advance, a
secret mission codenamed U2, and remarkably was back home within 5 hours.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He was rewarded for his efforts by being
awarded the Dicken Medal for bravery, the only Irish pigeon to have received
the award.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Paddy died in 1954, but his
memory lives on in the form of a commemorative plaque erected at the harbour.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Carnlough,+Ballymena+BT44+0HQ/@54.9903182,-6.0099196,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861b84b4259c747:0x8806e0154c59113f!8m2!3d54.99032!4d-5.99241" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Harbour_reflections_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1012839.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Harbour reflections - geograph.org.uk - 1012839.jpg" data-file-height="427" data-file-width="640" height="427" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Harbour_reflections_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1012839.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Harbour reflections - geograph.org.uk - 1012839. Photo by Arnold Price, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harbour_reflections_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1012839.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-14490182662562010962018-01-11T04:11:00.002-08:002023-06-05T01:46:04.806-07:00GLENARM<div style="margin: 0px;">
Glenarm and its surroundings constitute one of the nine “Antrim
Glens”, or valleys which are among the attractions of this part of Northern
Ireland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The glen itself, the river, the
bay and the village are all called Glenarm, which stands for “Glen of the Army”,
a reminder of a bloody past dating back to the Normans.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The harbour at Glenarm has a long history,
but has been restored and updated, and nowadays houses a marina used by yachts
and pleasure boats.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The village itself,
dating from the 17<sup>th</sup> century, is a Conservation Area.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Across the river from the village is <a href="http://www.glenarmcastle.com/" target="_blank">Glenarm Castle and Walled Garden</a>, home to the Dunluce family.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The castle originates from the 13<sup>th</sup> century when one John
Bisset, expelled from Scotland for murder, arrived in the area and established
a castle for the defence of his newly acquired land.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, it was in 1636 that the present-day
version of the castle was built by the Earl of Antrim Sir Randall McDonnell.
The Walled Garden dates from the 18<sup>th</sup> century and is one of Irelands
oldest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is a tea room which last
year had a glowing write-up in the <a href="https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/restaurant-reviews/joris-minne/restaurant-review-we-try-glenarm-castle-gardens-tea-rooms-35944692.html" target="_blank">Belfast Telegraph</a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The garden is open to visitors from March
until September, however the castle itself is only occasionally open to the
public, and is available for group visits.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The Glenarm Forest Park used to be part of the demesne of Glenarm Castle
but is now open to the public and maintained by <a href="http://www.ulsterwildlife.org/reserves/glenarm" target="_blank">Ulster Wildlife Trust</a>.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Glenarm,+Ballymena+BT44+0AU/@54.9681282,-5.9698696,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4861b922b4e77d9f:0x212b4b077b7683f5!8m2!3d54.96813!4d-5.95236" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Glenarm_Castle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Glenarm Castle.jpg" data-file-height="510" data-file-width="510" height="510" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Glenarm_Castle.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Glenarm Castle. Photo by Glenarm Castle, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glenarm_Castle.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-65940139598396918352018-01-05T03:56:00.003-08:002023-05-31T02:31:50.049-07:00LARNE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Larne is a major gateway to Northern Ireland courtesy of the
<a href="https://www.poferries.com/en/routes/cairnryan-to-larne" target="_blank">ferry link</a> to Cairnryan, 6 miles north of Stranraer in Scotland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Formerly known as Latharna, from Lathar, son
of the pre-Christian King Hugony the Great, one of the earliest records of the
area dates from Roman times, when a galley bound for Scotland was blown off
course to a place called Portus Saxa, believed to be Larne Lough.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The lough was later named after the Norse
King Ulfrich during the time of the Viking raids.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fast forward to the 18<sup>th</sup> century,
when the quays which had been built in the port were used by people emigrating
to America.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was the coming of the
railway which led to Larne being established as the departure point for ferries
to Scotland, initially using a paddlesteamer called the Briton, a service which
lasted until 1863.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Three years later the
harbour was bought by James Chaine, a linen merchant’s son, who updated the
port and re-established the link to Scotland.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>People arriving at Larne by sea will be reminded of this by the <a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Chaine-Memorial-Tower-Larne-P22238" target="_blank">Chaine Memorial Tower</a> which dominates the harbour entrance.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
During the First World War Larne became a naval port, then
during the Second World War the port played an important role for the Allied
Forces, including as a conduit for troops preparing for the D-Day
Landings.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In the post-war period, after
various ups and downs with efforts to establish ferry links once more, the Larne-Cairnryan
service finally started in 1973.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This
outcome, which contributed considerably to the success of the port, was
facilitated by one Colonel Frank Bustard, who was made a Freeman of Larne in
recognition of his efforts.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
If you are visiting Larne with a car or motorbike, the
coastal route heading north from the town is highly recommended.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We did this route in the other direction
after exploring the Antrim coast, and the journey was a delight due to the way
the road hugged the coastline with the attendant views of Scotland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At one point I nearly caused my husband to
crash the car when I spotted a seal poking its head out of the water a short
distance offshore.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Back in town, the <a href="https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/museums-arts/larne-museum-and-arts-centre/" target="_blank">Larne Museum and Arts Centre</a> provides a
fascinating insight into the history of the town, including a display devoted
to a famous warship called the Princess Victoria.<span style="margin: 0px;"> For lovers of the great outdoors, a</span>s well as the tower, James Chaine’s memory
lives on in the form of <a href="https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/chaine-park" target="_blank">Chaine Park</a>, a green space with wonderful views,
especially for people who, like me, love watching the comings and goings of
shipping and ferries.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just to the south
of the port, the ruins of <a href="https://www.belfastentries.com/places/places-to-see/olderfleet/" target="_blank">Olderfleet Castle</a>, dating from at least the 13<sup>th</sup>
century, lie on Curran Point facing the Lough.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For a list of events in Larne, follow <a href="https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events" target="_blank">this link</a>.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Larne/@54.8590794,-5.860246,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48619764b0ed567b:0xe039e6db0a3c9d13!8m2!3d54.8578003!4d-5.8236224" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/The_Chaine_Memorial%2C_Larne_-_geograph.org.uk_-_620971.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:The Chaine Memorial, Larne - geograph.org.uk - 620971.jpg" data-file-height="522" data-file-width="640" height="522" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/The_Chaine_Memorial%2C_Larne_-_geograph.org.uk_-_620971.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Chaine Memorial, Larne - geograph.org.uk - 620971. Photo by Albert Bridge, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Chaine_Memorial,_Larne_-_geograph.org.uk_-_620971.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-27068263427134167372017-12-13T04:25:00.001-08:002023-05-31T02:20:12.615-07:00ISLANDMAGEE<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Looking at the map of County Antrim to the north of
Whitehead you will notice what looks like a lobster claw stretching northwards
to just across the way from Larne and almost enclosing Larne Lough.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is the peninsula known as Islandmagee, a
strip of land characterised by quiet villages and beautiful coastline inhabited
by seabirds such as Kittiwakes and Guillemots. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
The eastern coast of Islandmagee is the most dramatic, since
it faces onto the Irish Sea.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In 1902 a
local civil engineer, Dean Berkeley Wise, opened <a href="http://thegobbinscliffpath.com/" target="_blank">The Gobbins Cliff Path</a>, stretching
for nearly 3 miles and following the line of the limestone Gobbin cliffs, over
200 feet high in places.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The path
became an instant hit with tourists but fell into disrepair during World War
II.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Now there is a Visitor Centre where
supervised cliff walks can be booked, with safety helmets provided.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The walk, as well as being spectacular in
itself, offers wonderful views across the sea to Scotland.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Would-be visitors reading this during this
month of December should note that the path is now closed until April 2018.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
At the northeastern end of the peninsula, near the village
of Mullaghboy, is the delightfully named Portmuck, reached by a steep, twisting road.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Do not be put off by the name though, as this
is a beautiful spot with a bijou little harbour sporting lovely views of
the Antrim coast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The National Trust,
who manage this stretch of coast, have come up with a couple of walking trails
for visitors to enjoy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For further
information follow <a href="https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Portmuck-P15733" target="_blank">this link.</a><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A tombolo,
or sandbar, links the peninsula to Muck Island, although access is forbidden due to it being a nature reserve.<span style="margin: 0px;"> Portmuck used to be the haunt of smugglers, and a reminder of this time is a 'horse cave' where smugglers used to hide their horses. At the northernmost tip of Islandmagee is </span>Skernaghan Point, which can be approached via a <a href="http://www.walkni.com/walks/50/skernaghan-point/" target="_blank">walking trail.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Islandmagee,+Larne+BT40+3TX/@54.8204815,-5.7297048,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48619764b0ed567b:0x203eebbf9a8ccde3!8m2!3d54.82047!4d-5.72095?hl=en" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/The_Gobbins_-_Islandmagee%2C_Northern_Ireland%2C_UK_-_August_14%2C_2017_-_04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 14, 2017 - 04.jpg" data-file-height="4912" data-file-width="7360" height="427" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/The_Gobbins_-_Islandmagee%2C_Northern_Ireland%2C_UK_-_August_14%2C_2017_-_04.jpg/800px-The_Gobbins_-_Islandmagee%2C_Northern_Ireland%2C_UK_-_August_14%2C_2017_-_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 24, 2017 - 04. Photo by Giorgio Galeotti, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Gobbins_-_Islandmagee,_Northern_Ireland,_UK_-_August_14,_2017_-_04.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-25688660541464161412017-12-04T07:40:00.002-08:002023-12-02T06:58:16.181-08:00WHITEHEAD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Whitehead, on the north shore of Belfast Lough, is a small
seaside town midway between Carrickfergus and Larne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town was originally called Chichester,
and the ruins of <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/hi4/Whitehead/history.html" target="_blank">Castle Chichester</a>, built by Sir Moses Hill, are still on view
in Chester Avenue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town became a railway town during Victorian times and its
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visitors whether or not they are into trains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The famous Portrush Flyer steam train is on view there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local <a href="http://www.whiteheadgolfclub.com/" target="_blank">Golf Club</a> has a restaurant with
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There is a <a href="http://www.walkni.com/walks/322/blackhead-path/" target="_blank">lovely walk</a> leading from the Boat Club in
Whitehead to Blackhead and its <a href="http://www.greatlighthouses.com/lighthouses/blackhead/" target="_blank">lighthouse</a>, taking in habitats such as the
woodland known locally as the ‘Magic Forest’, although walkers should be aware
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maintenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lighthouse, perched on
a cliff at the northern edge of Belfast Lough, was built in 1902 and was manned
until 1975.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a wide variety of
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Whitehead,+Carrickfergus/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x486198d8ec348909:0x1576a4281e90e943?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnv7aA2PDXAhUiJsAKHamHABgQ8gEIfzAL" target="_blank">Map of the area.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:Whitehead to Blackhead (3) - geograph.org.uk - 700207.jpg" data-file-height="398" data-file-width="640" height="398" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Whitehead_to_Blackhead_%283%29_-_geograph.org.uk_-_700207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitehead to Blackhead (3) - geograph.org.uk - 700207. Photo by Albert Bridge, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whitehead_to_Blackhead_(3)_-_geograph.org.uk_-_700207.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-9936774725666375042017-11-28T04:40:00.003-08:002023-05-23T13:02:23.326-07:00CARRICKFERGUS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Many people like to dress up for marathons, as viewers of
the annual London marathon will know – everything from a lion suit to a full
antique diving suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has this got
to do with Carrickfergus I hear you cry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, earlier this month a couple from Carrickfergus who are members of
the local running club decided to work a marathon run into their wedding
celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The couple, accompanied by
their guests, changed into running gear with a wedding theme and ran a variety
of distances so that as many people as possible could take part, right up to
the full 26 miles.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Carrickfergus is on the north shore of Belfast Lough, just
over the Antrim side of the County Down/County Antrim border which crosses the
eastern suburbs of Belfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town
takes its name from Fergus the Great, a legendary king of Dál Riata, a kingdom
that encompassed parts of Western Scotland as well as northeastern
Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrickfergus was a prominent
settlement before Belfast, meaning that until the 17<sup>th</sup> Century the
Lough was known as Carrickfergus Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman knight who we have met several times already in
this blog, established his headquarters here in the 12<sup>th</sup> century and
built Carrickfergus Castle on "Carraig Fhearghais" (the rock of
Fergus) in 1177. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Carrickfergus has had an eventful history over the
centuries, at one point even becoming involved in the American War of
Independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the Nine Years War,
a struggle against English rule which began at the end of the 16<sup>th</sup>
century, the town was the scene of the Battle of Carrickfergus, which saw the
English defeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The much wider Seven
Years’ War in the mid-18<sup>th</sup> century brought the forces of William of
Orange to the town, where they besieged the castle for several days and William
himself arrived on the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1777
there was a naval duel off Carrickfergus between the British Royal Navy vessel
HMS Drake and the 18-gun sloop Ranger of the Continental Navy, as the US Navy
was called during the War of Independence, which the Americans won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time of World War Two relations with
the US had improved to the point where the US Rangers used the Sunnylands Camp
in Carrickfergus for training before heading to Normandy. The <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Andrew-Jackson-Cottage-and-US-Rangers-Centre-Carrickfergus-P2801/" target="_blank">Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre</a> includes a museum dedicated to the US Rangers.</div>
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<a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Carrickfergus-Castle-Carrickfergus-P2814/" target="_blank">Carrickfergus Castle</a> is still remarkably well preserved and
is open to visitors, with historical displays on view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The castle occupies a fetching position on
the northern shore of Belfast Lough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near
the castle is the King William III (William of Orange) monument, a statue of
the king commemorating his landing in the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Further away from the shore, the <a href="https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/museums-arts/carrickfergus-museum-and-civic-centre" target="_blank">Carrickfergus Museum</a>, attached to the
Civic Centre, has displays dating from the Middle Ages onwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For visitors staying in Belfast, the town is easily
reached by car or train from the capital.</div>
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Carrickfergus/@54.7220373,-5.8818905,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48619850c51ab037:0x36ab31cdaaadf6bb!8m2!3d54.7261871!4d-5.8101207" target="_blank">Map of the area. </a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:Carrickfergus Castle (2) - geograph.org.uk - 733522.jpg" data-file-height="441" data-file-width="640" height="441" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Carrickfergus_Castle_%282%29_-_geograph.org.uk_-_733522.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrickfergus Castle (2) - geograph.org.uk - 733522. Photo by Albert Bridge, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carrickfergus_Castle_(2)_-_geograph.org.uk_-_733522.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-26437070269836317812017-11-14T03:39:00.002-08:002023-12-03T06:31:38.354-08:00BELFAST<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, lies on the River
Lagan, which empties into Belfast Lough, and which flows through some
attractive green spaces on the outskirts of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of the city is in County Antrim, with the rest in County Down. There has been a settlement here since the
Bronze Age, though the populated area was still small by the 12<sup>th</sup>
century, when the Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy built a castle on what is
now Castle Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This modest
conurbation put on a spurt in the 17<sup>th</sup> century when Arthur Chichester,
1<sup>st</sup> Baron Chichester of Belfast established a town which saw an
influx of Protestant English and Scottish migrants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the 19<sup>th</sup> century the city had
become Ireland’s most important industrial city, with industries including
shipbuilding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ill-fated Titanic was
built in Belfast, and the memory of her lives on to this day in the form of the
<a href="http://www.titanic-quarter.com/" target="_blank">Titanic Quarter</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in the early
1920s that Belfast became the capital of Northern Ireland upon the partitioning
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Just to the northeast of the central part of the city is the
area known as Sailortown, so called because during its time as a working-class
residential area from the 19<sup>th</sup> century until its redevelopment in
the late 1960s it was frequented by sailors from all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 1907 dock strike was started in
Sailortown by trade unionist James Larkin, and it spread from there to the rest
of the city, with carters and coal men getting in on the act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area has its own <a href="https://www.sailortownregeneration.com/" target="_blank">website</a> with some
old photos and memories of past times.</div>
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Belfast’s more recent history has been dominated by <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/troubles" target="_blank">The Troubles</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the capital, the city
has seen the lion’s share of the bombings, violence and general unpleasantness
associated with that period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I
am not going to dwell on this unhappy time, rather I want to celebrate the magnificence
of the city that has emerged from all this in more recent, happier times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The aforementioned Titanic Quarter would be
worthy of any modern, progressive city, with its glitzy apartment buildings,
restaurants, hotels and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Central
to this area is <a href="http://titanicbelfast.com/" target="_blank">Titanic Belfast</a>, a museum which tells the story of the famous liner in a realistic and interactive way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not been there but I did visit a similar
attraction in Cobh, Republic of Ireland, and found it fascinating, so I can
only imagine that the Belfast one is even bigger and better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:Opening Day, Titanic Belfast, 31 March 2012 (81).JPG" data-file-height="2848" data-file-width="4272" height="533" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Opening_Day%2C_Titanic_Belfast%2C_31_March_2012_%2881%29.JPG/800px-Opening_Day%2C_Titanic_Belfast%2C_31_March_2012_%2881%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="800" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening Day, Titanic Belfast, 31 March 2012 (81). Photo by Ardfern, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Opening_Day,_Titanic_Belfast,_31_March_2012_(81).JPG" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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For plant lovers, the <a href="https://visitbelfast.com/partners/botanic-gardens/" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens</a> in the south part of
the city occupies 28 acres with features such as a Palm House and a Tropical
Ravine House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gardens occasionally
host concerts and festivals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fans of the
TV series <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294189/" target="_blank">The Fall</a> may find the Gardens familiar, as they are one of a number
of Belfast locations which feature in the storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <a href="http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com/" target="_blank">Crumlin Road Gaol</a> is no longer used as a
prison, having ceased that function in 1996, but it holds tours and
events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most familiar
landmarks in Belfast is the <a href="http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/cityhall-about.aspx" target="_blank">Belfast City Hall</a> with its green copper domes, which is open to visitors and offers tours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city’s St Anne’s Cathedral has lent its
name to the <a href="https://visitbelfast.com/cathedral-quarter/" target="_blank">Cathedral Quarter</a>, probably the liveliest district in the city at
night, with a host of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels for night owls
to discover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The imposing <a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/visit/" target="_blank">Parliament Buildings</a>, commonly known as Stormont, are in the Stormont Estate to the east
of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Estate also houses
Stormont Castle, a hefty pile reworked in the Scottish Baronial style in the 19<sup>th</sup>
century which hosts meetings of the <a href="https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/topics/history-and-tour" target="_blank">Northern Ireland Executive.</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stormont. Photo by LukeM212, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stormont.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This is just a sample of the attractions on offer in
present-day Belfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say a
vibrant city like this has lots going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Cathedral Quarter has its own <a href="http://www.cqaf.com/" target="_blank">Arts Festival</a>, and also hosts events
such as the <a href="https://foolsfestival.com/" target="_blank">Festival of Fools</a> and <a href="http://www.belfastpride.com/" target="_blank">Belfast Pride</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a list of events in the city follow <a href="http://visitbelfast.com/whats-on" target="_blank">this link</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Belfast/@54.5947991,-6.0667142,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4860fffdd7d08a3b:0x2e57162cefc7c531!8m2!3d54.597285!4d-5.93012" target="_blank">Map of the area</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Postcardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329977916901291521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978821002280087691.post-76470199465153180392017-11-01T05:11:00.002-07:002023-05-22T05:02:33.997-07:00HELEN'S BAY<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Helen’s Bay’s two main assets are its beaches and its <a href="http://www.helensbaygc.com/" target="_blank">golf course</a>, both of them well frequented by inhabitants of nearby Belfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helen’s Bay railway station is the starting
point for a <a href="http://www.walkni.com/walks/329/clandeboye-way-helen-s-bay-to-whitespots-country-park/" target="_blank">walk</a> along the Clandeboye Way to Whitespots Country Park, taking in
leadmines and the Somme Heritage Centre (see <a href="https://postcards-pfte.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/newtownards.html" target="_blank">Newtownards post</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Commenters on the walk have described it as a “real delight” and a
“lovely walk with varied scenery and terrain”, although there are complaints
about a lack of waymarking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The village
itself was established as a planned village named after Helen, Lady Dufferin,
with the aim of creating a luxury holiday resort linked to the <a href="http://www.downrail.co.uk/about-us/belfast-co-down-railway/" target="_blank">Belfast and County Down Railway</a>.</div>
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Just outside Helen’s Bay is <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Crawfordsburn-Country-Park-Helen-s-Bay-P2882/" target="_blank">Crawfordsburn Country Park</a>,
which forms a scenic backdrop to the beaches as well as views across Belfast
Lough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park’s attractions include a
waterfall, wildlife such as rabbits, badgers, seals and herons, and <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Grey-Point-Fort-Helen-s-Bay-P3124/" target="_blank">Grey Point Fort</a>, with its guns pointing out to sea and a military museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fort is relatively new, having been started
in 1907 to provide Belfast with a defence against naval attacks.</div>
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Helen's+Bay,+Bangor+BT19+1WB/@54.6701882,-5.7654396,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48617583129bab1b:0x53c9ad1286e862c9!8m2!3d54.67019!4d-5.74793" target="_blank">Map of the area. </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:Crawfordsburn Country Park.JPG" data-file-height="1944" data-file-width="2592" height="600" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Crawfordsburn_Country_Park.JPG/800px-Crawfordsburn_Country_Park.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="800" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crawfordsburn Country Park. Photo by Stubacca, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crawfordsburn_Country_Park.JPG" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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