Rainbows over Derry, Northern Ireland

Posted on 05/01/2024 by Alba Marie

Derry, Northern Ireland

Ah, Derry (or Londonderry, depending on you persuasion). Have you watched Derry Girls already? If not, stop reading, start watching, and come back when you’ve binged at least a few episodes. The TV show offers a surprisingly positive, if gritty, view of life in Northern Ireland during the 90s. Things have changed a lot since then and these days, Derry is a bustling and lively place with a rich culture and a haunted past. If the popularity of Derry Girls teaches us anything, it’s that Derry doesn’t hide from the past here, but rather embraces it as it looks towards the future. Explore this beautiful walled city, walk its cobblestones and clutch cups of coffee and steaming pots of tea in the many cafes to warm up after your walk along the walls. In the evening, Derry’s many pubs await for a pint or a hot whiskey. Bushmills Distillery isn’t far away – what better place to taste its whiskies? Though not a big city, Derry is packs a bundle, and you should schedule at least a day (and night!) to fully explore and embrace this hidden gem. A guided city walk is an excellent introduction to Derry’s complex culture and history, and will offer the necessary perspective to enjoy your visit.

Top tip: Visit in October for the Halloween festival. Also, it’s a beautiful time to see Derry, with the leaves changing colours and quilting the cobblestones. Autumn is prime rainbow season, so chances are you’ll be lucky enough to spot one during your visit!

Visit Nearby:

Granian of Aileach Hillfort- Ireland
Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland
Donegal Castle – Ireland
Boa Island Ancient Art – Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Posted on 23/03/2023 by Alba Marie

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Jutting out into the swirling sea, this impressive and bizarre geological formation is certainly one of Ireland’s weirdest places. 40,000 interlocking basalt columns jostle for place as they rise from the sea floor off the coast of Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland. Was it made from volcanic forces? Or was it made by giants? Science states that as a result of volcanic activity 50-60 million years ago, the basalt magma fractured between 840-890C, making the rock cool and contract, resulting in a regular array of polygonal prisms or columns. On the other hand, the mythical story goes that Finn McCool, the Irish giant, was engaged in a shouting match with Bennadonner, the Scottish giant, on the other side. Grumpy Finn decides to teach Bennadonner a lesson – he’d best him in a proper fight, and wouldn’t that show him! So he builds the Causeway… all the way to Fingal’s Cave in Scotland. But when he arrives, he realises his error: the Scottish brute is massive. Far bigger than Finn. So Finn retreats in fear, babbling the tale to his wife. Unfortunately for Finn, Bennadonner finds the Causeway and follows him across, angry and looking for a fight. Finn’s quick-thinking wife disguises him as her baby. When Bennadonner arrives, he demands to know where Finn McCool his. His wife, carefully tending her massive “baby,” says he’s out but will be back soon. When Bennadonner sees the size of Finn’s massive infant, he thinks to himself, ‘if that’s the size of his child, imagine the size of the father! He must be much bigger than me!’ In terror, he runs back across the Causeway, tearing up chunks and tossing them behind him. Leaving two ends of the causeway intact, but missing the middle section… And that’s the Irish folklore story of how the Giant’s Causeway was formed. Visit it yourself to decide for yourself!

Tip: Walk from Dunseverick Castle along the coast to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s the best way to visit this very cool but popular site. You’ll have most of the walk to yourself, and it’s fantastic to watch the coastline get more and more wild as you approach the Giant’s Causeway. From this approach, you’ll get and epic bird’s eye view of the Causeway before you descend the cliffside stairs to walk on the stones themselves. Walking isn’t for you? For those visiting from the car park, a shuttle service is available, making the stones accessible to all.

More Northern Irish Sites to Visit

Boa Island, Northern Ireland

Posted on 14/01/2022 by Alba Marie

Boa Island Statues, Northern Ireland

Bizarre, eerie, and mysterious, the Boa Island statues stand in the overgrown and forgotten Caldragh graveyard at the end of a bumpy lane on the little-known Boa Island at the edge of Northern Ireland. Defying expectations, the strange sculpture is unlike anything else around. There are other Irish statues of course – Christian saints, carved heads, busts of important figures, the early Christian figures on nearby White Island – but none quite like Boa Island. On this 5-mile-long island in County Fermanagh, two unrelated, lichen-spotted anthropomorphic statues stand forlorn: the great Boa Island figure and the smaller Lustymore Island figure, moved here in 1939 from a nearby island. It is the larger figure which draws your attention. It is a “bilateral figure,” which is fancy way of say it has two faces and two sides (also sometimes called a Janus figure due to its duality though not related to the Roman god Janus). One side represents the male side (complete with man parts), and the other facade is the female side. The duality of humanity, the balance of nature. No one really knows from when they date – likely sometime between 400-800 AD – or even whom exactly they represent, though it’s widely accepted that they are pagan deities. It’s also worth pointing out that the name Boa Island has nothing to do with snakes (remember, good ol’ St Paddy banished the snakes of Ireland sometime in the early Middle Ages!), but rather is the Anglicised name for Badb, the Celtic goddess of war, often depicted as a crow or wolf. Still the subject of debate (should they be left there or removed to a museum? How best to protect them?), one thing is clear: the Boa Island statues are utterly, enticingly, arrestingly unique.

Top Tip: Located at the top of Upper Lough Erne, Boa Island is part of the road travelling from Bundoran to Omagh, and Caldagh Cemetery is just a short detour. You also might like to read Irish poet Seamus Heaney’s poem “January God” about Boa Island’s Janus figure.

Other Ancient Sites in Ireland & Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle (NI)
Carrowkeel Neolithic Tombs (Republic)
McArt’s Promontory Fort on Cave Hill (NI)
Newgrange Tomb (Republic)
Lough Gur & Associated Sites (Republic)

Botantic Gardens in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Posted on 11/12/2021 by Alba Marie

Palm House in the Botantic Gardens, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Established in 1828, the Palm House is the jewel in the crown of Belfast‘s beloved Botanic Gardens. While it might pale in comparison to its enormous cousins in Kew Gardens, the Palm House and the Temperate Glasshouse, this gorgeous glasshouse is a fanciful feat of Victorian engineering and beautiful in its own right. The Palm House would have been a wonder to the Victorians who were now able to see exotic plants from all over the globe year round. Even during Northern Ireland‘s cold, wintery days, the hothouse at the centre of the city would sustain wondrous plants. Belfast’s Palm House, an early example of the Victorian glasshouse, was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, the same great architect who helped design parts of Queen’s University, located just around the corner. The wings were built in 1840 while the renowned architect Richard Turner of Kew Gardens fame added the dome in 1852. Many of the plants on display are still the same species that Victorian visitors would have seen almost two hundred years ago!

Tip: The Botanical Gardens are very close to both Queen’s University and the delightful (and free) Ulster Museum, both worth visiting. Looking for a lively pub? Lavery’s is a fun place full of vivacity, good beer and hearty dishes. Visit the Palm House on your morning walk and you’ll likely have the gardens and gasshouse to yourself.

Visit Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland

Posted on 07/08/2020 by Alba Marie

Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle is possibly Ireland’s best-preserved Norman castle. The Battle of Hastings (Norman conquest of England) was fought and won in 1066, but the Norman conquest of Ireland didn’t take place for another 100 years, in 1169, when Strongbow made an alliance with the McMurrough-Kavanagh family (eventually marrying daughter Aiofe) and the Normans invaded Counties Wexford and Waterford in Ireland’s southeast. It didn’t take long for eastern Ireland to fall under Normal rule, deposing the Irish king. Built in 1177, Carrickfergus Castle was designed to be Norman noble John de Courcy’s headquarters from which to rule this corner of Ulster. In fact, Carrickfergus predates Belfast as Ulster’s capital and main city. De Courcy was top Norman at Carrickfergus until 1204 when he was ousted by compatriot Hugh de Lacy, another well-known name in Ireland. See, Carrickfergus is a proper fortress. Built on a narrow rocky outcrop over the local harbour, the castle has massive walls, a strong keep and its own well, meaning as long as it was stocked with food, it could hold out on a siege for a very long time. But, nothing is impossible, and in 1210 King John laid siege and waited them out, taking control of the castle when those few still alive could stand it no longer. Over the years, the castle grew in size and comfort. A beautiful vaulted chapel was built in Romanesque style – still one of the best parts of the castle. As gunpowder came into being, the castle acquired gun loops and cannons. Carrickfergus was generally seen to be a sign of English dominance over the local Irish, and it was from here that the Crown launched its forces. Carrickfergus changed hands many times in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was used as a prison during the Napoleonic wars – remnants of cells remain to this day. While the regional capital of Northern Ireland was eventually moved to Belfast and Carrickfergus lost some of its importance, it remains a bustling and colourful market town, lovely and beautiful in this lesser-visited corner of the famous County Antrim.

Pro tip: Do the guided tour – it is worth it! And it doesn’t cost any extra. The tour guides are really passionate about the castle, and you’ll learn plenty. Afterwards, if it’s a warm day, go to the local shop – almost any will do, look for the plastic cones – and ask for a “99” – soft serve ice cream with a chocolate flake. A favourite of the Irish no matter the weather! (Too cold for you? Go for a pint instead – you have plenty of options. We recommend a Guinness.).

More of Northern Ireland & the Causeway Coast

Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland

Posted on 11/12/2019 by Alba Marie

Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland

Would you believe this “temple” actually dates to only the 18th century and is located in Northern Ireland? Strangely enough, that’s the truth. One would call it a folly (i.e. a fake building built to look like something much older). Mussenden Temple was built by Lord Bristol in 1785. The estate was originally that of Frederick, the 4th Earl of Bristol (yes, Bristol, England…he’s far from home! Sadly this happened often – English “heroes” were given stolen Irish land), who was the Church of Ireland (e.g. Protestant) Bishop of Derry for 35 years in the late 1700s. Lord Bristol modelled his temple on the Roman Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum, though despite appearances, Mussenden Temple’s original purpose was a library. Located on the estate of Downhill Demense (now a sprawling ruin), the temple is precariously perched atop a cliff overlooking the lovely Downhill Strand. Though the temple itself did not appear in the infamous TV show Game of Thrones, the site was used as a backdrop for some scenes – in particular, Downhill Strand’s beach was one such site used. Nothing is left of the house but a shell, and though the temple fares slightly better, it is no longer a library. Coastal erosion is bringing the temple ever closer to the edge and though solutions are being looked at to keep the temple from tumbling down to the sea, you may want to visit sooner rather than later…

Pro tip: You can actually get married at this temple…imagine that! Also note that dog lovers can bring their pups with them when visiting Downhill Demense and Mussendun Temple. There are also lovely gardens on far side of the estate. Nearby, don’t miss the world-famous Giant’s Causeway or Bushmill’s Distillery, Ireland’s oldest.

Other Game of Thrones Filming Sites

Cavehill Country Park, Northern Ireland

Posted on 02/09/2019 by Alba Marie

Cavehill Country Park, Northern Ireland

Rising above the city of Belfast is the beautiful landscape of Cavehill Country Park. Once part of Belfast Castle’s extensive estate, the hill is covered in lush woodland criss-crossed with narrow muddy tracks. After meandering on an upwardly-sloping path under a canopy of leaves, you suddenly break out into a beautiful panorama – behind you to one side is an aerial view of all Belfast, the little streets and buildings looking small at the bottom of the hills. And on the other side the landscape of Cavehill seems as if it comes straight out of a fairytale land, dramatic emerald and golden hills punctured with mysterious caves. It seems perhaps a scene you’d find in The Chronicles of Narnia – you almost expect to see fauns and centaurs and talking animals wandering about the hills. Even though you haven’t quite crossed over into a magical land, you’re as close as you can get – CS Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia grew up in Belfast (and was educated at Oxford) and spent his boyhood exploring these hills – the Mourne Mountains to the south up to the Causeway Coast to the north (Dunluce Castle is said to have been the inspiration of the ruined Cair Paravel in Prince Caspian). It’s reasonable to expect that CS Lewis would have climbed the slopes of Cavehill just behind his hometown, and it’s again reasonable to expect that the places he encountered in Ireland as a boy would have formed as inspiration for Narnia. Interesting again that the “real world” places of The Chronicles of Narnia resemble Oxford and its environs, but the mystical, magical places of Narnia and other magical lands find their inspirations in the landscapes of Ireland…perhaps Ireland is just a magical place.

Pro tip: There is a family-friendly car park to go straight to the top of the hill to McArt’s Fort, but you’ll miss the hike, forest, and actual cave hills in the panorama above. It’s worth it to start at Belfast Castle and do the full loop – at 6.5-7km, it should take you about 2 hours. It can be muddy, so bring your boots and waterproof jacket. As of this post, the route from Belfast Zoo is closed (but not the castle). Check here for hiking info.

Further Travels in Ireland

Enniskillen Castle, Northern Ireland

Posted on 13/08/2019 by Alba Marie

Enniskillen Castle, Northern Ireland

Everyone knows of Belfast, and most have heard of Derry, but the border town of Enniskillen slips under most people’s radar. Smaller than the other two, and further south on the border with the Republic of Ireland, Enniskillen is a fascinating little place. As with most cities in Northern Ireland, it was bombed during the Troubles – in Enniskillen’s case, it happened on Remembrance Day (November 8th, 1987), and several civilians died. But that’s all in the past now. Today, Enniskillen is a thriving town, a bustling cosmopolitan centre in an otherwise rural region of Ireland, and a perfect stop for road trips from Belfast to the west coast of Sligo or Connemara and Galway. In Irish, Enniskillen means island of Cethlenn, a mythological Irish goddess, and in fact it is still known as “The Island Town.” At the centre of Enniskillen, its oldest structure is Enniskillen Castle, built in the 16th century on the foundations of a much older fortification (dating back to 1428), which came under siege several times during the Irish rebellions against British rule (including falling to Irish rule from 1595-1602). Later, Enniskillen Castle was built up with barracks for soldiers, giving the castle the look more of a military fort. Today, the castle site hold a collection of museums on the history of Enniskillen and County Fermanagh in general, as well as the military history of the castle. Though not the most medieval castle, the border town of Enniskillen and its castle is a fascinating look at the history of the Irish border from the 1500s through the Irish Rebellion, the Revolution, the Troubles, all the way through to today and whatever Brexit holds for the future.

Pro tip: There’s a great pizzeria in Enniskillen called Little Wing Pizza – close to the castle with reasonable prices and a varied menu. Learn more about the castle visit (hours & tarifs) here. If you arrive 1 hour before closing, you’ll get a reduced price ticket. Nearby, visit a number of other castles. Explore the islands of Lough Erne – take a boat to Devenish Island, just north of Enniskillen, or White Island, further north. Both contain the ancient ruins well worth visiting.

More Places in Ireland

Pollnagollum Cave, Northern Ireland

Posted on 19/03/2019 by Alba Marie

Pollenagollum Cave, Northern Ireland

Hidden away in the little-known County Fermangh along the Ireland–Northern Ireland border is the Marble Arch geopark and the Boho Caves. Buried within the hollowed hills is a collection of limestone caves. Some caves can be visited – such as those in the Marble Arch geopark – while others are harder to find. Pollenagollum Cave is one of those subterranean worlds that few discover – and those who do are not disappointed. Located in Belmore Mountain Park, Pollenagollum Cave (meaning “hole of the doves”) bores into the face of a small 12-metre-high cliff, its mouth at the bottom of a graceful waterfall. The cave itself goes back about 2 km, where there is another entrance in the hollowed-out hills of Marble Arch, though an underground stream makes the cave impassible (only the first kilometre or so is unblocked). Pollenagollumm Cave’s claim to fame is quite recent – it was here that, in the much-loved Game of Thrones TV Series, the scene in which Beric Dondarrian had Arya and her companions where brought to his underground hideout was filmed! The limestone cave is impressive, and the surrounding Belmore Forest and quarry is tranquil and beautiful.

Pro tip: The whole loop in Belmore Forest is about 7km, though the cave is only about 1km along the trail. There is also a stone marked with neolithic-era Curvilinear art not far off the path, but isn’t well marked. Please note that access to the cave is by permission only – some speleology associations may be able to bring curious visitors. Otherwise, there is a viewpoint just about the cave and waterfall for those who simply want to enjoy the panorama.

Find Other Subterranean Worlds

McArt’s Fort atop Cave Hill, Northern Ireland

Posted on 30/01/2019 by Alba Marie

McArt’s Fort atop Cave Hill, Northern Ireland

From most cities, one must drive a long distance to find wild landscapes, but just 15 minutes from Belfast, there lies the magnificent Cave Hill. It is easy to see why fantasy writer CS Lewis – born and raised near Belfast despite spending his adult life in Oxford – gained his inspiration for the fantastic landscapes of his imaginary land of Narnia from Northern Ireland (just look at the bizarre Causeway Coast!). Cave Hill – part of Cave Hill Country Park – overlooks Belfast and yet transport the hiker into another world. With woodland paths starting from Belfast Castle, weave through the moss-covered forests until suddenly you emerge into a clearing facing the magnificent caves that lent the name to hill. Rolling hills, emerald greens, brilliant yellows, rugged rock faces – one almost expects to see a satyr or dwarf making its home in the cave! But it’s not over just yet – follow the path around the hill to the top for this epic view of the hill itself and Belfast sprawled below. On the narrow outcrop in the distance are the remains of an iron are fort – McArt’s Fort. Little is left today (just a few rocks, really), and its exposed position suggests that this rath (ringfort) was only ever used for defensive purposes. Thousands of years later, McArt’s Fort became the secret meeting place of United Irishmen to plot their famed – and doomed – attack in the rebellion of 1798 (when the Irish rose against the oppressive forces of the British nobility and military. The rebellion failed, and caused a large loss of life on the Irish side). Because Cave Hill is near Belfast, it can get busy but even with other hikers enjoying the views alongside you, this place emits a magic that cannot be rivalled.

Pro tip: Start your hike at Belfast Castle, and follow the signs for the Cave path. The first part is muddy in places, and there are a few steep bits so wear a proper pair of hiking boots. The whole walk is about 7km. There is also a “family friendly” trail starting from another car park on the backside of the hill, but this means you’ll miss most of the good stuff, and it’s not a looped path.

Other Places in Ireland (the whole island):

Shane’s Castle, Northern Ireland

Posted on 02/01/2019 by Alba Marie

Shane’s Castle, Northern Ireland

On the shores of Lough Neagh (Ireland’s largest lake, though far from its most interesting one…), Shane’s Castle is one of the most fascinating castle ruins on the Emerald Isle. Built in 1345 by the O’Neill dynasty (one of the major family clans in Ulster, the northern half of Ireland), the original name was actually Eden-duff-carrick – only becoming the far more catchier “Shane’s Castle” in 1722 when Shane MacBrien O’Neill changed its name to suit him. Today, the castle is famous for its many uses in HBO’s Game of Thrones TV series. Though largely ruins, most visitors to Shane’s Castle will miss the most fascinating part (only accessible through certain tours and events): the huge network of tunnels, caves and catacombs twisting underneath the castle’s foundations! Dark and windy, these tunnels featured in several GoT scenes. Not far way, the infamous Battle of Antrim was fought on on 7 June 1798 as an unsuccessful rebellion of Irish peasants against the British Rule (the Republic of Ireland only managed to get independence from Great Britain in 1922 after years of fighting, and obviously Northern Ireland is still a region within the UK). Though this can still be a contentious subject in Ireland (both north & south), a lot has changed in recent years making the whole island a fun and safe destination.

Pro tip: Every year in July, the grounds of Shane’s Castle holds Ireland’s largest Country & Game Fair, including living history and reenactments – well worth the visit! The event includes is a historical component showcasing ways of living in the past, from the Viking age through to modern times, with a reenactment of the Battle of Antrim.

Other Impressive Castles Worth the Visit

Belfast Murals, Northern Ireland

Posted on 15/11/2018 by Alba Marie

One of the many murals of Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is known for a lot of things. It’s known for struggles, religious and political unrest, even for terror. But a lot has changed in recent years. Belfast has become a cosmopolitan hub, with an up-and-coming foodie scene that surpasses Dublin and rivals other European capitals. It’s a quirky place where art meets urban life in the best possible ways. For one, there are the Peace Walls. Massive walls that divides the Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods, Peace Walls were constructed to protect each side from the other but at the end of the day, it is a barrier through the middle of the city dividing the two sides (not unlike the Berlin Wall once did). Today the wall is still there and the sides are still divided but the wall is now a Peace Wall, full of thousands of messages of hope and courage written by residents and visitors alike, and the two sides have come together much more. But that’s not the only wall in Belfast. The city of Belfast is full of murals. Some are well known, others aren’t. Some are religious or political, some are artistic. Some are massive, others small. The above mural is one of the many one finds in the city centre, ‘neutral’ territory where both Protestants (aka unionists) and Catholics (aka republicans) rub shoulders. Belfast is still a divided city, and though on the island of Ireland, it resembles England far more than Ireland (in regards to architecture, way of life, fashions, shop brands…). Yet despite this – or perhaps because of this – it is a fascinating place to visit. Particularly the murals!

Pro tip: To truly appreciate Belfast, its history and its murals, take one of the famous Black Cab tours – Paddy Campbell’s is the original and the best!

Other Fascinating Sites to Visit in Ireland (North & South)

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Posted on 29/09/2017 by Alba Marie

Causeway Coastal Route, Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

Most people think that the iconic hexagons of the Giant’s Causeway are contained in that single bridge-like ’causeway’ – but this is not true. In fact, the dramatic hexagonal spires one sees at the Giant’s Causeway continue for over a kilometre from the UNESCO site! Hugging the Northern Irish coast of County Antrim is a several-hundred-kilometre path called the Causeway Coastal Route. Easy to break up into walkable chunks, hiking the Causeway Coastal Route is the best way to truly experience the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland’s phenomenal countryside and clifftops. Start at the ruined castle of Dunseverick and follow the coast for 8km (5 miles) – the hiking is easy, the views are breath-taking and the path is quiet. Little by little, you’ll slowly build up to the iconic Giant’s Causeway. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy dramatic cliffs, impressive sea stacks, and hexagonal columns. Walking on a soft carpet of rolling emerald fields dotted with grazing livestock and laughing horses, you’ll navigate stiles, listen to the distant sound of crashing waves, hunt for Spanish Armada gold (supposedly long discovered but you never know!) and learn about the legendary Irish giant, Finn McCool, credited with creating the Giant’s Causeway. But that’s a story for another day…

Find More Exciting European UNESCO Sites

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Posted on 10/08/2013 by Alba Marie

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Yes, this glittering building in Northern Ireland is different than the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, etc). Same island, different government. Here, they use the pound, measure things in miles, and are supposedly ruled by the Queen. Northern Ireland was created in 1921 because unlike the Republic of Ireland to the south, the majority of the population of Northern Ireland (then) wanted to stay part of the UK, as many of them were Protestants. However, the Catholics wanted a united Ireland. Because of this religious and political divide, acts of violence rang out, including the infamous Bloody Sunday (Derry, Northern Ireland), where 26 unarmed protesters were gunned down by the British Army (14 died). It seems that most of the Catholic/Protestant violence has died down today. The Republic of Ireland doesn’t much like the queen, and still organises events to protest that the 6 northern counties haven’t yet became part of the Republic. Today’s Belfast is a small, quiet town by day, known for its nightlife, for providing the world with Van Morrison, Seamus Heaney, and Liam Neeson, and for the building of the Titanic (though this last feat is not something that I’D necessarily be very proud of!).