One amazing day in Northern Ireland

Victory! I make it onto Carrick-a-Rede island after getting
through the challenge Carrick-a-Rede bridge!

I only spent one day in Northern Ireland when I was on the Emerald Isle. Its a fascinating part of the world. And how I wish I could have stayed longer.

Despite all the negative news coming out regarding the protests and what not, don't let it put you off from coming to Northern Ireland and spending your money there. There's a lot to see! 

Going on a tour with Paddywagon Tours we were taken from Dublin, all the way up the M1 to Dundalk before we drove past Newry and all the way up north to Ballintoy in County Antrim near where the famous Carrick-a-Rede island is situated. And you guessed it, I went over the bridge.

It is very tough. You have the gusty winds blowing into each side of your body. Its cold, damp and very turbulent and that's even if the sun is shining. Wrap up warm. One mistake and you are in very serious trouble. People have dropped mobile phones, cameras, their wallets and much more going over that bridge. I was determined not to fall victim to such an unfortunate occurrence. And thankfully, I got through to the island without any major hiccups. 

And you are rewarded with some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline of County Antrim, Rathlin Island and even...Scotland! Who said you were ever far away from home on the Emerald Isle?

Giant's Causeway

Next, we moved on to the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site. This visit had a personal touch for me as a Scot because there's a lot of history between the Emerald Isle and Scotland. In Irish mythology, Fionn mac Cumhaill was said to have built a causeway to Scotland. This part of the world is blessed with lots of natural beauty. 

And finally we headed for Belfast. What really struck me was how unbelievably friendly the people there were. You would have probably been forgiven for thinking that no trouble had ever existed in Northern Ireland down the years. Its a dynamic city with a great future ahead of it. Belfast City Hall is a must for its architecture and even a walk around it. But the biggest winner about Belfast and the whole of the province of Ulster, and the rest of the island, is its people - ten out of ten to them. You've got to give them massive respect really especially when you put history into context.

So next time you watch the news and, God forbid, its a negative story from Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, don't be put off. Because my God it is not a dangerous place really. Its a fantastic place!

Belfast City Hall