Category Archives: Roadtrips

Sep13

An adventure in Northern Ireland – Banoge House

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Saturday, 16-Nov-2024 into Sunday, 17-Nov-2024

With Dunluce and the Giant’s causeway behind us, we headed to the exceptionally fancy Bed and Breakfast that Andrea had booked for us – a spot called the Banoge House, a bit outside of Belfast.


Back when we’d originally planned the trip, Andrea and I had found a simple enough option for our stay – nothing fancy, but something perfectly serviceable. For me, it would have been fine. But for her… something hadn’t set quite right. It wasn’t an ideal place – there were a few compromises, and it simply wasn’t right.

In what has become a hallmark of our relationship, we discussed the issue, and took a bit of extra time to search for something that was right. Something that was in the right location, fit our budget, and had that “just right” feeling associated with it.

Banoge House fit the bill perfectly – it was where we needed it, within budget, and it was absolutely stunning with an amazing breakfast included to boot.


Now, I will admit to one flaw in the plan that we hadn’t considered… It wasn’t quite close to any dinner options, and we’d arrived later in the evening on Saturday that we’d expected. Which meant, then, that dinner options were… limited.

Limited to a spot called McDonalds, or a local doner kebab place.


We went with McDonalds, made a fancy meal of it, and had a great time.


And, if there was any concern? Breakfast at Banoge House the next morning easy made up for it.

Sep11

An adventure in Northern Ireland – Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway

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Saturday, 16-Nov-2024


Our two exploration goals for Saturday were Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway – two standouts from a trip my friend had taken to Northern Ireland earlier in October. Dunluce Castle, at least, is connected to Game of Thrones (I believe it was the set for the Isle of Pyke?), while Giant’s Causeway itself is simply a beautiful spot, with some impressive examples of columnar basalt.

They’re great, they were a good goal, and they gave Andrea and I an opportunity to escape Dublin, wander around some ruins and some beautiful surroundings, and for me to get a new country in my logbook. Really, what more could I ask for?

Not much. Not much at all.


Now, to the actual spots?

There’s not much of a review for me to write, that hasn’t already been written. Instead, I’ll focus in on the feelings – They were beautiful, cold, and left us both feeling positive. Really, they were more of a backdrop to our conversations and deepening bond, and I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful scenery to enjoy together.

Sep9

An adventure in Northern Ireland – The Drive

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Saturday, 16-Nov-2024 through Sunday, 17-Nov-2024

It’s been a while since I’d been to a new country. I’d adventured across Europe, explored countless amazing spots, and finally found myself in Ireland… But had gotten settled into a new life of apartment hunting, Irish trips, and classwork.

Thanks to my amazing adventure partner Andrea, that was about to change – Northern Ireland lay on the horizon! We’d split the trip planning up – I’d selected spots, and would be covering navigation, while she had found us not only a cheap rental car, but an amazing Bed and Breakfast to stay at outside of Belfast.

We packed the car, and headed North.

On our way, we took a few adventure stops – nothing major, but little pauses to stretch our legs, refuel the car, and on one occasion to pet an incredibly cute little puppy in its Christmas sweater. We Drove, we chatted, and we had an absolutely lovely time sliding out of the Republic of Ireland, and into Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.



On the other end of the trip, the return journey, we didn’t take quite as leisurely a drive – we pushed through to Dublin in a solid run, though we made a point to take our time and not rush. We chatted, traded stories and thoughts, and earned a very lovely dinner and pint in a pub nearby, upon our return.