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On a cold and windy 13 June, we walked along the trail to the seafront at the Giant's Causeway. It's truly a jewel along the Antrim coast.
Comparing the unusual formations to people gives some idea of the size of the stone columns.
The panorama might help capture the breadth of the rugged landscape.
But along the trail, flowers add additional colour.
Storyboards indicate it is a world heritage site. An audio tour is available in the visitors centre.
You can walk for miles along the trail so, deciding on the time to stop is a personal choice. A walk down and time in the center can consume a couple of hours. Others might want the better part of a day.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland in Ulster Province.
Queen's University opened in 1849 and offers over 300 degree programmes.. The architecture is stunning.
The Titanic Belfastsite is worth a visit. In addition to the story inside, visitors see the original launch site of RMS Titanic and other ships of the White Star Line.
One of Belfast's famous authors, was C. S. Lewis--there's a statue in his honour.
This looks like a fun way to get around the city. The "bike" holds up to 15 people and it does require pedal power.
This 1820s Victorian Pub, The Crown Bar, is famous for gas lamps, etched glass, and carved-mahogany booths. It's located at 46 Great Victoria Street.
Crown Bar, Belfast
The Europa Hotel is Europe's most bombed hotel. It was damaged 33 times by bombs between 1970 and 1994. U.S. President Bill Clinton stayed here in 1995 and 1998.
Europa Hotel Belfast/ Geoff Sutton 2019
The Grand Opera House is a theatre at 2-4 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. It opened 23 December 1895.
Grand Opera House Belfast/ Geoff Sutton 2019
Presbyterian Assembly Buildings-- a gothic structure styled like a Scottish baronial castle.
Titanic Belfast is an experience. A walking tour and historic ride take visitors through the building and launching of the historic ship. The building is an amazing site at the end of the original slipways where the famous ship was launched.
The lighting and glass make it difficult to obtain inside photos without a glare.
Inside Titanic Belfast are a restaurant, toilets, and a gift shop.
Rating: We are glad we went so I'd give it four out of five stars. The facility is clean and the staff were friendly. We did not eat there so, no comments on the food or service.
What would make it five stars? Better lighting. Inclusive audio guides. A clearer path from one stop to the next along the walk through history.
Other note: We went as part of a tour that was not organised by a third party. That tour was late afternoon so we did not have enough time to explore the exhibits in detail. I would estimate that a half day would be good for a leisurely visit.
Down Cathedral, Northern Ireland/ Geoff Sutton 2019
Down Cathedral, on English Street, atop Down Hill, is clearly visible above the town of Downpatrick, County Down, Ulster Province, Northern Ireland.
Christians have worshipped here for about 1,600 years. It is also the traditional site for the burial of the British missionary, St Patrick, as well as Saints Brigid and Columba (also called Columbkille, Colmcille).
The current Cathedral has been rebuilt on the site of an old Benedictine Monastery dating from 1183. Inside are box pews, stained glass windows, and a box organ.
Down Cathedral, Northern Ireland / Geoff Sutton 2019
St Patrick is honoured for his missionary work in Ireland. According to minimal writings and traditions, he was born in Roman Britain, captured as a youth by pirates and enslaved.
He escaped back to Britain and saw a vision calling him to Ireland.
He appears to have lived most of his life in the 400s.
The traditional burial site of St Patrick is on the left as you face the Cathedral.
You can see Celtic Crosses in the front and in the back of the Cathedral.
Nearby the Cathedral is the Southwell School and Almshouses built for poor boys and girls in 1733.
A visitor's centre is below Down Hill.
You can learn more about St Patrick's life here. Although buried somewhere in Ireland, no one is sure of his birthplace in Great Britain.
Cathedral Admission: There is no charge to enter the Cathedral or visit the burial site.
Cathedral website: http://downcathedral.org/
The ship above is a reproduction of an 1840s emigrant ship. The Dunbrody Famine Ship is an example of ships emigrants used in the 1840s to seek a better life when the 1845 potato blight destroyed so much of the potato crop. As a result of the ensuing famine, one million people died and 1.5 million emigrated.
Emigrant Flame
The Emigrant Flame marks the quayside in New Ross where the former U.S. President, John F. Kennedy's great-grandfather left Ireland for America in 1848.
The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin is worth a visit even if you just spend an hour to see the treasures on the main floor. The collection of gold is impressive, but it is difficult to photograph given the lighting and glass enclosures.
Another fascinating area is the bodies of people preserved in the bogs. Several are on display. Below is Baronstown Man from County Kildare. He was found in 1953 during peat cutting. He is dated from the Early Iron Age, 200-400 CE.
Baronstown West Man 200-400 AD
St Patrick's Bell and Shrine are popular items.
The National Museum has four sites. We visited the Archaeology site on Kildare Street, Dublin.
Admission: FREE
Hours: Open daily except Christmas and Good Friday. Tuesday to Saturday 10-5; Sunday Monday 1-5 as of June 2019 but check the website for current information.
