On our way outside of Belfast to the Giant's Causeway on the northern coast.
D by the overlook at Dunluce Castle. This castle is collapsing slowly, and half has already fallen into the sea below.
One of the most beautiful spots in the world!
The Giant's Causeway is a place of fables and myths. The geological formations are the result of a volcanic eruption that left behind hexagonal-shaped basalt columns.
Paddywagon! HAHA! I took a tour with this company back in 2006 when I was last in Ireland!
Belfast has come a long way since I was last here. This is new to me - the Titanic Museum at the docks.
Downtown Belfast
We hired our own black taxi for a tour!
The Black Taxi Tours offer insight and commentary into the "Troubles" that affected Ireland and Northern Ireland for decades. We started in the Shankill area, the largely Loyalist (read: English and loyal to the British Crown) area. This area is still largely political and white, while the rest of the city is diversifying. Many homes are covered in murals on one or two sides.
There is a large wall that separates the Shankill area from the Republican (read: Irish Patriots) area. They call it the "Peace Wall" but much of it is pocked and scarred by rocks, bullets, and other items thrown over or at it. The openings between the fence are still locked at certain times, especially at night. Houses surrounding this area, and any area near boundaries, are fenced, locked, and caged to prevent damage from thrown/falling objects.
D signing the wall.
A Republican memorial.
Our tour guide with the Patriot wall.
The Bobby Sands mural. His story is amazing and if you haven't heard of him you seriously need to do some research. This is such a special place!
Political murals in the Republican area.
Sandy Row
After our tour, we asked the cabbie to drop us off at a great pub by Queen's University, downtown. He dropped us off at a place called The Botanic Inn.
The woman working the bar made sure my pot roast and boiled potatoes were gluten free, and she got me the most delicious pear cider to go with it. Yum!
Queen's University Student Center.
Queen's University!
A pretty church we passed on our way back to the docks to meet up with the cruise ship. I love Belfast. I can't wait to come back again someday! :) I am SO happy that D was able to experience the city with me!
Post no ills! Exactly!
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