The Giant’s Causeway

On Friday several cadets and I took the Giant's Causeway tour to the north
coast of the County Antrim. This was an 8 ½ hour tour of the beautiful
northern region. Only 13 of us chose to go that day. It was unfortunate
for those who didn't come along because we saw some of the most astounding
scenery of any of the ports of this cruise.

We traveled through peaceful, green farm country passing quaint cottages
and farmhouses. Reaching the coast, we traveled though the seaside
villages of Portstewart and Portrush and stopped at the ruins of Dunlucie
Castle on a cliff overlooking the sea. This castle was the ancestral
home of the McDonnell clan, the chiefs of Antrim and my Mother's family..
The day was clear and warm and we could see all the way over to Scotland
from the site.

Traveling further west, we came to the Giant's Causeway itself. The
causeway is a natural formation of regularly shaped basalt columns formed
60 million years ago by volcanic activity. They extend out into the sea.
The weathered tops are so regular in shape that they look like floor tiles
making up a walkway to the ocean. The legend is that it was created by
the giant, Finn McCool so he could walk to Scotland to battle another
giant.

After exploring the Causeway for an hour we had a traditional meal of
Irish stew for lunch. Our bellies full, we moved on to the adventurous
part of the trip, crossing the rope bridge or Carrick-a-rede. The rope
bridge was first built centuries ago by fisherman so they could reach
their fishing spot on a small, rocky island 70 feet offshore. It hangs
precipitously 80 feet above the sea. Walking across on the narrow
planking was a harrowing experience to say the least. The bridge shook
and swayed while crossing it and some of us managed the crossing better
than others. My method was just not to look down. After walking around
the tiny island on the other side with cliffs dropping straight down to
the sea, we had to make a return crossing to the mainland. It was just as
thrilling.

Heading back to Belfast, we took the Antrim coast road passing through the
spectacular Glens of Antrim and the lovely seaside towns of Ballycastle,
Cushendall, Larne and Carrickfergus. Returning back to the ship that
evening, we were exhausted yet invigorated by the beautiful Irish sights
we had experienced.