I went on another fascinating day tour that started out in Belfast, about 2 hours north of Dublin. Upon arrival, our busload of 40 was split up into small groups and we all piled into vintage London black cabs. Our driver/tour guide was a Belfastman and we spent about an hour touring around the part of Belfast most connected to "The Troubles".
"The Troubles" is the common name for the ethno-nationalist conflict between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of the UK) which lasted from 1969-1998. Over 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured. Although there is a peace agreement and violence is down, according to our guide, some tension still exists. There is still a very tall wall separating the communities which is
scheduled to be torn down in 2023. And there is a huge gate between
neighborhoods that is closed from 9pm - 7am. Our guide was pleased to say that taxi guides are now both Catholics and Protestants, which would have been unheard of 10 years ago.
There are many colorful murals of the fallen. There is one of Bobby Sands who was a member of the IRA who went on a hunger strike while imprisoned at HM Prison Maze and tragically died after 66 days. He was the first of 10 who died from participating in hunger strikes.
We heard many personal stories about what it was like to live under such conditions of daily bombings, murders and imprisonments. People couldn't leave their home for fear of being stopped by the British army to be questioned and frisked. Nobody was allowed to enter or leave the city because of road blocks.
Hopefully, the tensions will continue to ease and that peace will become the norm. There are many tourists now coming to Belfast. Another main attraction is The Titanic Experience, which is a huge museum dedicated to the Titanic that was built in the Belfast shipyards.
Our next stop was The Giant's Causeway on the northern coast west of Belfast. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. A more modern explanation is that an ancient volcanic eruption resulted in 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Which explanation do you like?
After this, we drove along to coast--just breathtaking! We passed by the remains of 17th century Dunluce Castle. Apparently, over 30,000 castles and castle ruins are dotted all over the Irish landscape. Amazing!
Our last stop was to walk over the Carrick-a-Rede (pronounced "carrick-a-reedy) rope bridge. The bridge links the mainland to a tiny island used for fishing. It spans 20 meters (66 ft) and is 30 meters (98 ft) above the rocks below. It was first built about 300 years ago for fisherman to catch Atlantic salmon, but since 2002, it's only a tourist attraction since there are no salmon left in the area.
But all is not lost! The views of this area are spectacular!
At the black London cab ready for the tour
Huge separation wall covered with graffiti--we all signed the wall with peace messages
Bobby Sands mural
Hopefully, the tensions will continue to ease and that peace will become the norm. There are many tourists now coming to Belfast. Another main attraction is The Titanic Experience, which is a huge museum dedicated to the Titanic that was built in the Belfast shipyards.
Our next stop was The Giant's Causeway on the northern coast west of Belfast. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. A more modern explanation is that an ancient volcanic eruption resulted in 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Which explanation do you like?
Basalt columns
Basalt rocks along shoreline
Flat hexagonal basalt rocks
View from the waterline
After this, we drove along to coast--just breathtaking! We passed by the remains of 17th century Dunluce Castle. Apparently, over 30,000 castles and castle ruins are dotted all over the Irish landscape. Amazing!
Dunluce Castle
Our last stop was to walk over the Carrick-a-Rede (pronounced "carrick-a-reedy) rope bridge. The bridge links the mainland to a tiny island used for fishing. It spans 20 meters (66 ft) and is 30 meters (98 ft) above the rocks below. It was first built about 300 years ago for fisherman to catch Atlantic salmon, but since 2002, it's only a tourist attraction since there are no salmon left in the area.
But all is not lost! The views of this area are spectacular!
Great view from path to Carrick bridge
Recommended not to look down
Cove where the fisherman used to fish
What an interesting travelogue. I continue to be in awe of the wealth of experiences you have had.
ReplyDeleteGeologically speaking a big contrast between the sedimentary shales of Galaway and the volcanic basalt near Belfast.
ReplyDeleteAlways look forward to reading about your adventures
M&M