.All Trips / Europe / Northern Ireland

A Visit to Ireland: Part 10) the Antrim Coast

Antrimi Coast 005d Dunluce Castle

Rivaling the magnificent Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry for scenic beauty, the Antrim Coast is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations.  We’ve previously discussed Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway on this blog, both attractions located on this stretch of Ireland’s coast; now we’ll look at some of the other places to enjoy on the Antrim Coast.

It’s fair to say that a major attraction here is the coast itself — simply driving along it to enjoy its scenic beauty, as we did.  You can travel along the Antrim Coast most of the way from Portrush to Belfast, although most would agree that the very northern part just east of …

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.All Trips / Europe / Northern Ireland

A Visit to Ireland: Part 8) Northern Ireland overview and Portrush

002 Portrush Harbor 2013

Our Irish journey took us from the western part of the Republic further north and into a different country, Northern Ireland.  Make no mistake about it, Northern Ireland is a very different country than the Republic of Ireland.  For example, its currency is the British pound, not the Euro, and the economy of Northern Ireland is strongly tied to the United Kingdom (which it is a province of) and much less to the European Union than the Irish Republic.  Speed limits are posted in mph instead of kmph, and you’ll find those classic bright red British mailboxes and telephone booths everywhere.  Beyond the superficial stuff you’ll meet a people who are more traditional and Protestant (members of the Church of …

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