the turquoise trail

{Saturday, October 11th} Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge We got up at 7:30a again this morning to get ready for the day. We had yogurt and oatmeal for breakfast at the hostel, before continuing along the Causeway Coastal Route.  Our first stop was at the Carrick-a-Rede Ripe bridge. It didn't open until 9:30a, so we waited for about 20 minutes before we were able to go in. Once we got our tickets, it was a 1km walk to the bridge. It was the first time we paid full price for tickets! We walked along the cliffs edge over to the entry of the rope bridge. It's quite high, and the rope bridge sways and jumps as you cross it, high above the sea.  Once we crossed, there was a small island we could walk around.   Carnlough From there, we continued following the coastal route around the north-east corner of Northern Ireland. We passed through several small villages, and for most of the time we were driving right on the coast.  We stopped in Carnlough for...

{Friday October 10th} We got up around 7:30a this morning again to get ready. We didn't leave the hotel until around 9a, and headed to the Lyon's department store in downtown Sligo. They have a cafe on the second level of the store which was recommended to us.   Paul ordered the traditional Irish breakfast; bacon, sausage, beans, toast, and tomato. I got French toast served with maple syrup... both were very good. After breakfast, we headed towards the Marble Arch Caves. We had a very unceremonious entry to Northern Ireland, lacking even a sign.  Marble Arch Caves We arrived at the caves shortly before 11a and were lucky enough to have a private tour.  Because of the recent rain, the water levels were too high to take the short boat ride in, but we were able to walk into the cave. The water level last week was far above our heads, so we were lucky they were opened again.  The caves are quite extensive and we went through several chambers following the p...

{Thursday October 9th} Burren Perfumery We got up around 7:30a this morning to get ready to head out for the day. We left the hostel at 8:30a and headed towards the Burren. We had yogurt, apples and granola bars with us, so we had that en route for breakfast. Sheep by the roadside We got to the Burren Perfumery shortly before 10a, so we had to wait a few minutes before they opened.  Galway When they opened, they showed us a short video featuring some of the different flora that they use from around the Burren. They have several lotions, balms, essential oils and perfumes that they make onsite.  From there, it was a quick 45 minute drive into Galway. We started with a walk along the sea-side promenade. From there, we intended to go to Sheridan Cheesemongers, but it was closed so we walked around the corner to a pedestrian street and found a little sidewalk cafe serving delicious savoury crepes. After lunch, we walked down the quaint pedestrian ...

{Tuesday October 7} We got up around 7a this morning to get ready and have breakfast at 8a. The lady of the house here is very nice and offered us quite a selection of breakfast options. I had an apple and pear green tea (delish!), strawberry peach yogurt, and Irish soda bread with black currant jam.  We left our bed and breakfast around 9a to frosty window's and a chilly 4 degrees, and headed toward Mizen Head. We saw lots of rugged landscape, cows, and the end of the rainbow! We arrived shortly after 10a; the signal station and lookout points didn't open until 10:30a, so we walked down the road and through a field to admire the coastline. Thankfully it had warmed up to 12 and was quite nice for a walk.  Mizen Head When it opened, we bought our tickets and headed towards the signal house. We saw a couple lookouts and crossed the bridge which was extremely high. The shoreline was very steep, tall cliffs around the point and up the surrounding coastline. ...