The beauty of Northern Ireland

 

As Storm Erin buffeted the coast of Ireland, there was more than a moment of doubting the wisdom of a crossing on the Irish sea! Normally delays on ferries and boats are a cause of frustration – and whilst I wouldn’t want to revisit the 5-hour delay in the middle of the night at Holyhead, the fact that the storm had passed when we eventually set sail was a big relief.

Arriving into Dublin port, there was an added poignancy to this trip – yes it was back to my ‘homeland’, it was one of the few places which could, in August be visited within the Covid restrictions – but most importantly, it was a place so special to mum. Having lost her so suddenly in May, it seemed fitting that dad and I could take the time to retrace steps, and remember.

On landing in the Emerald Isle, the restrictions didn’t allow us to overnight in Dublin – but undeterred we still fitted in breakfast and a long overdue catch up with family. Heading North, the ear retuned to the ‘Norn Iron’ lingo, ready to catch up on the ‘craic’ with friends and family. There was no shortage of fine food – often with amazing views. 

I had forgotten how stunning it was to have the Mountains of Mourne as a backdrop – and I rediscovered scones – Northern Irish style, with a variety of flavours that make English muffins look boring! 

Scones with the Mountains of Mourne as a backdrop

Maybe it’s the strangeness of ‘unprecedented’ times – or memories of mum, but I loved retracing steps …. walking along the seafront in Bangor, inconspicuously (!) peering through the gates at Granny and Grandpa’s old house, seeing how café culture had crept into Ballyholme – and Gin to Donaghadee (a future visit to The Copeland Distillery Donaghadee will have to added to the post Covid list!).

Bangor Harbour

Visits in recent years have tended to be for a long weekend – this time, visiting for a week meant there was time for a trip to the North Coast where the aftermath of Storm Erin had left bright blue skies – making the coast line even more stunning. Our roadtrip took us along the Antrim coast – through Cushendall, Cushendun, Ballycastle – and as far as Portballintrae, Portstewart and Portrush …. the last time I had been in Portrush could have been 35 years ago when it was famous for Barry’s amusements and Morelli’s ice-cream (and a treat when we were growing up)! 

Portballintrae

Staying for two nights in Smugglers Cove we were in a perfect spot to enjoy a meal at the award-winning Bushmills Inn, and the spectacular views overlooking White Park Pay and Portbradden.

White Park Bay and Portbradden

A late afternoon trip to Ballintoy harbour avoided the crowds – having never seen an episode of Game of Thrones, the significance of the filming location was a little lost on me – as were the adults in the car park, donning full GoT outfits!

Ballintoy Harbour - Games of Throne country

This year’s more extended visit to Northern Ireland was well overdue – but I think it will become a regular ‘go home to’ place in the post Covid world 😊.