Tag Archives: Belfast

Sep16

An adventure in Northern Ireland – The Drive

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Sunday, 17-Nov-2024


I knew that Belfast was important!

I mean, okay. Capital of Northern Ireland, major Irish City, lots of history. Yeah, there’s lots of reasons that it’s important. Obviously.

But it’s where they built the Titanic! It’s where they launched the Titanic!

It’s where there’s a MUSEUM TO THE TITANIC!


Thankfully, Andrea was incredibly aware of this fact – and thus, when we discussed traveling to Northern Ireland, she made absolutely sure that we were heading to visit said museum.

It’s been a while since I was in that phase that every young boy seems to go through, where I was obsessed with the Titanic… but even so. Seeing the museum, the launches, the historic artifacts and memorabilia. The quotes, and the transcripts from the radio messages sent between Titanic and Olympic.

I cried a bit.

I cried a bit, and I don’t feel bad about that for a single instant.

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.