Holidays in the North

[ziggysego]

What's the feck wrong with Greencastle?

[Tyrones own]

What's the feck wrong with Greencastle?

They've a fierce false sense of hope up around them parts 

[Evil Genius]

You have to visit the Giants Causeway so that you can grouse forever more how underwhelming it is. A most disappointing place to visit.

The Causeway itself often underwhelms, as you say. Dr. Johnson got it right when he described it as "Worth seeing, but not worth going to see!". That said, that will have been as much a reflection on the difficulty in getting there in his time, as it was on his destination.

Far too many people just drive up to the Causeway itself, take a couple of photos, buy some tat from the Tourist Shop, then drive off somewhere else. Whereas, if they took the opportunity to take a walk along even a couple of miles of the coastal path/immediate area, then they would see scenery which is at least the equal of anything in the entire British Isles (imo).

Moreover, as a drive in itself, the entire Coast Road pretty much from Belfast to Derry is absolutely stunning. I've done the equivalent along the Corniche on the French Riviera and the Big Sur in California - both world famous - and with one qualification*, Antrim is every bit as enjoyable. And that is only the Coast itself. If you take a detour up into some of the Glens, they are equally fabulous. (I'm not even from Co. Antrim, btw)

P.S. The Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough is a nice wee spot to stay in a nice village. Also Cushendall and Cushendun - esp. whichever one is part-owned by the National Trust (always get them confused), since much of it was designed by Clough Williams Ellis, the guy behind Portmeiron in Wales (where The Prisoner was set).


* - The one qualification is the weather. It needs to be dry and bright for the best effect. Ideally it will also be windy - as it usually is! - to appreciate the full effect of the elements, as you look out over fabulous beaches, ruined castles, golf courses etc to Rathlin, Scotland and beyond.

[corn02]

If you are looking a relaxing holiday Benny, the Gaelteacht area in Donegal (not the north I know) is a geat spot. Great traditional Irish pubs in Dunlewey and the likes and then there is the scenery.

[brokencrossbar1]

The Derry Arms does good food.  It is Cushendun that is owned by the National Front, sorry the National Trust.  Lovely and all as it is they are a shower of hounds who won't get off there fat lazy holes to do anything. Buildings like Glenmona House have so much potential but they are so inward looking they keep missing opportunities.