![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-127.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-128.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-129.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-130.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-131.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-132.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-133.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-134.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBelfast\u2019s history goes a long way back and it has been tumultuous. But as you can see modern fits right in with the old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-135.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe next morning we set out by coach to drive along the Causeway coastal route which it the north shore of Ireland. It is very picturesque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-136.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-137.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-138.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe stopped along the way at the Londonderry Arms Hotel for scones. This is said to have been home to Winston Churchill from 1921 to 1934. The location is very pretty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-139.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-140.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-141.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOur next stop proved to be a bit more of a challenge as we were invited to cross over a rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island. The walk to and back was breathtaking in all senses of the word\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-142.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-143.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe next stopped at White Park Bay, a gorgeous beach that seems cut off from the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-144.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo regain our strength the next stop was a distillery. But along the way we spotted an old castle perched very close to the edge of a cliff: the Dunluce castle, dating back to the 13th century when Richard \u00d3g de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, built the very first castle there. At one point, much later, part of the kitchen next to the cliff face collapsed into the sea, after which the wife of the owner refused to live in the castle any longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-145.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe distillery was Old Bushmills. I expected a very sterile tour in a symbolic set up but the minute we walked in the smell told us this was an operating distillery! Unfortunately there is not a lot to see as everything happens inside huge copper vats. The tasting at the end was fun though!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-146.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-147.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnytime you have a distillery or a brewery, you need water and so here is the picturesque river that runs by Bushmills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-148.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter a lovely lunch, we set out to the Giants Causeway, again a spectacular walk! This area has been created by the volcanic eruptions (60 million years ago), which has left some surprising rock formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-149.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-150.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-151.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-152.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe following morning we had an orientation tour of Belfast. I must say it confused me a bit but I do carry some vibrant images with me, especially of the street art commemorating the struggles and \u201ctroubles\u201d as they are referred to here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-153.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-154.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-155.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-156.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-157.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe cathedral is especially beautiful\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-158.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-159.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-160.png\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis building set amid beautiful gardens was showing the first signs of fall\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-161.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-162.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-163.png\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAmusingly there are moose heads on the top of lampposts here\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-164.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe next attraction we visited is something that should become a big attraction next year when all the work is completed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, as this is where she was built. For the time being you can only visit the musty office building that housed the shipping company\u2019s activities and the dry dock where the ship was brought in to be outfitted as well as glimpse at what will be the visitors center. You can also see photos of what the cabins looked like as well as see an authentic ticket to attend the launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-165.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-166.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-167.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-168.png\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-169.png\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd it was time to leave Northern Ireland and head all the way south, past Dublin to the area of Wicklow, also known as the garden of Ireland. The drive down was lovely and really illustrated why this is known as the emerald isle: the greens are so intense and so rich everywhere you look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing we visited the next morning is a spectacular estate called Powerscourt. I would have gladly spent the entire day there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The skies were a dramatically dark which made for interesting photos. There is even a pet cemetery on the grounds with very touching epitaphs to favorite dogs, horses and even a prize-winning cow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-170.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-171.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-172.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-173.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-174.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-175.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut we had other houses to visit\u2026 The Avondale House was very interesting because it is outfitted in period furnishings. It reminded me of the plantation mansions in New Orleans. According to a plaque over the door it was built in 1779. The fireplace mantel is especially intriguing as it is inlaid colored marble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-176.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-177.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe had lunch in Avoca at a hand weavers shop. I think they started as simple yarn spinners and weavers but have now grown into a very successful business. They still keep one loom in operation\u2026for the tourists\u2026and they do make the most wonderful mohair throws\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-178.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-179.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-180.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe walked through the village\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-181.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-182.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-183.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThat night we stayed in a beautiful hotel that has a grand spa and each got a treatment! But what I enjoyed the most was their pool outfitted with both very strong jets of water to blast away your back and very gentle bubble beds that you could rest on\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After such nice R&R we were all set for a walking tour of Wexford the next morning, but were met by a chicken standing guard by the door. We never found out if it was a guest who stayed too long in the sauna or if it was to be out next dinner\u2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-184.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are so many castles and towers in Ireland\u2026 I had no idea\u2026We drove by this one called Ferns Castle (Caisle\u00e0n Fhearna)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-185.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd then the remnants of this one which was part of the walls surrounding the medieval city of Wexford<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-186.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-187.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe niches inside the passageway in the wall, was where people were detained to suffer the ridiculing and abuse of passersby after having been found guilty of some offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-188.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere is a renowned opera house in Wexford by the way\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our next stop was the Dunbrody, a 19th century 3 mast sailing ship that transported immigrants during the great famine. It is a very well done reconstitution. There is a similar one on display in Dublin and both their claim to fame is the small number of passengers who died during the trip. Interestingly, this ship was built in Quebec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-189.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/image-190.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAcross the street from the Dunbrody is a surprising thing: the Ros Tapestry exhibition center. When I read that we were going to see tapestries, I expected the dull musty tapestries of olden days but lo and behold, these are brand new, as a matter of fact still in progress tapestries! This is a community initiative being developed by volunteers. It consists of fifteen embroidered panels – 6 x 4 foot each \u2013 that depict events around the Anglo-Norman arrival to the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross, Co. Wexford by William Marshall and Isabel de Clare. Anne Bernstorff designed the content for these tapestry panels. The colors and the stitching are marvelous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n