Giant's Causeway - 8th Wonder of the World

One of my favorite places in Ireland was Giant's Causeway. A natural land formation created by an ancient volcanic eruption. All the stones are practically the same size and shape. It's amazing. The area has about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, Giant's Causeway was named as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. We were able to walk all over them as much as we pleased. Most of the columns are hexagonal, although there are also some with four, five, seven and eight sides. The tallest are about 12 metres (36 ft) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 metres thick in places.




Legend has it that a giant Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner's great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby. In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn.

Belfast Castle Hike (Ireland)

Below: I zoomed in on the Belfast Castle at the top of our hike.

(Above) See the trees at the bottom of the cliff!?

(Below) It was straight down. I stood on the edge just to feel the danger but then an older couple came and looked at us like we were crazy. I guess people die falling off that ledge.

The trees at the bottom of the cliff.

Inside the cave.

The trail we hiked (view from inside the cave).

I found an Irish Spring! (And then I waded through it!)

Ending our hike back again at Belfast Castle.

I got separated from Carlie & Cal and wandered into the castle. I got past a security poing and had to use the restroom. It was the nicest bathroom I ever used. So large with a separate room for the toilet and the vanity. I absolutely loved it. Later I found out I wasn't really supposed to use it or be in it - only special people - but i think by that definition I am justified.

Some people like to get married at old castles. I am sure it was an amazing wedding but it's not my dream.

Self explanatory. Except the bus was coming so we had to hurry but I had to explain to the people by us that although we were from Utah Cal, Carlie, and I were not polygamsts. Just friends.

Double decker bus all to myself.

Carrick-A-Rede Ireland's Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope suspension bridge near, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island. The site spans twenty meters and is about 100 feet (30 meters) above the rocks below.

Carrick-a-rede means 'rock in the road'. It is thought salmon fishermen have been erecting bridges to the island for over 350 years. It has taken many forms over the years. Although no one has fallen off the bridge, there have been many instances where visitors, unable to face the walk back across the bridge, have had to be taken off the island by boat.

Me taking a picture looking down. I liked to see how high up I was. :D

The area is exceptional in natural beauty with stunning views of Rathlin Island and Scotland. The site and surrounding area is unique. Underneath large caves are visible, which once served as home for boat builders and as shelter during stormy weather.

Me with Monica, a girl from Spain that we shared a hostel room with. I invited her to dinner the night before and found out we were going on the same tour. She was so sweet.