Up North

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Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom
2 June 2018
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Yes, you read that right: United Kingdom. Northern Ireland is part of the Queen's sovereignty, and the Republic of Ireland is not. I'm not going to go deeper into that, because I don't want my head to hurt.

Titanic Belfast

The (in)famous Titanic was built in Belfast; and yes, that building behind me mimics the size of the actual ship's bow. This is also where the ship was first released into the water for its maiden voyage and eventual demise.

Yep, it's a museum with very fancy visuals.

Giant's Causeway

This is actually the highlight of this trip. It tends to be overcrowded, so you'd have to be real quick if you want a decent photo. It's basically just an area filled with loads of weird-looking rock formation-- kinda like a jigsaw puzzle; and the locals actually have quite a tall tale to tell with regards to its history, of which they have two versions. One is a silly legend-- a myth; and the other is more scientific. 

It's nice to hear both sides of the story though. :)

There are two routes to reach the stone formation: for this trip, we decided to do the long one-- it's an hour's worth of hike, and I believe it's the old trail. The other is quicker, around 15 or so minutes of walking down a cemented path, with an option to ride a bus for 1£. Do both, if you're not pressed for time: you can hike going to the Causeway, and return via the bus route. If you have kids with you, don't bother with the hike. It's very steep and often times slippery. You do not want that if you have little kids with you. 

midway to the Causeway, via the hiking trail

The last part of the tour is Carrick-a-Rede-- a rope bridge, basically. Fishermen used this bridge to reach that small island, because (I think?) they said that it's more abundant fishing grounds around that part. Or something. I can't remember. Haha. 

Carrick-a-Rede

Surprisingly, while crossing, we noticed that underneath the bridge wasn't water. It was sand-- a beach; and I remembered commenting loudly that you wouldn't drown at all if you fell off that bridge-- you'd DIE, for sure. Then again, it's quite safe. The entire thing was reinforced by steel cable wires and thick ropes, and sturdy-looking wood. The only problem were the heavy feet of people crossing with you. You'd feel as though you're crossing a trampoline. -_-

crowded, I know.

When you cross that bridge, there's nothing much to do. You just have to wait for your turn to cross again, and that's it.

Oh, and by the way... it will take you 20 minutes to reach the bloody thing from the parking lot. You will have to hike again. :)

Belfast is just a few hours away from Dublin, so this kind of trip is actually manageable through day tours. I booked with Wild Rovers Tours for this one.