In 10 days once crisscrossing Northern Ireland & Ireland
From 18:07. to 28.07.2013 I was lucky very many sunny days in Northern Ireland and Ireland to enjoy. Apart from the friendliness of the Irish this destination is highly recommended due to its impressive landscapes.
Although I landed in Dublin, it went straight from the airport to the capital of Northern Ireland, according to Belfast where I had only a few hours to explore the city before it then went to the north coast. Because of its historical past, and Belfast was often shunned for no reason in my opinion. The city center is very compact and the street musicians bring a good mood. Just outside the center are the nearly 2000 painted walls reached, representing the political news.
Causeway Coast
Next we went by public bus to Ballycastle, a sleepy village on the north coast, is the perfect starting point for the hike to the Causeway Coast.
The next morning I then started the two-day hike in the best weather and was immediately completely thrilled by the impressive landscape! It is advisable to start early in the morning and at the first visitors Carrick-a-Rede To be hanging bridge. Slowly, the fog bank withdraws and on sunny days you can even see Scotland. Fishermen had built the bridge to get to their fishing grounds, a dizzying endeavor, as can be seen firsthand.
On the way to my first property, the Youth Hostel on the Whitepark Bay they keep coming into raptures at the in spite of the beautiful weather almost they are empty stretch of coast. The accommodation is the way a real find, I have never had such a view from my room for 20 euros per night.
Also the rest of the way to the actual Giant’s Causeway leaves nothing to be desired for hiking enthusiasts! The Wore well-marked trail leads up along the cliffs and offers a unique play of colors between the blue of the sea and the green slopes of the steep coast of Northern Ireland.
The Giant's Causeway, which one is best to visit early morning or late evening offers unique rock formations. Here, have some 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, so shaped volcanic rock. Since the same basalt columns are also on the opposite coast of Scotland to find, this is due to the legend according to the dispute between two giants. Accordingly, the Irish giant Finn MacCool built a bridge to Scotland to there, the challenge to battle with the giant Benandonner to compete.
One of the most touristy places in Ireland is Killarney. The property Muckross can be easily reached by bicycle. In the courtyard of the Muckross Abbey is this picturesque tree.
The property itself can be visited for a good 10 € with a guide and although the interior is very interesting to see the history of the individual owners may already bored something ....
Also the location nehe waterfall is a popular destination of tourist hordes ....
One of the most beautiful spots of Ireland for me is the region around Cahersiveen, A small village on Ring of Kerry been. Originally thought of as a starting point for the trip to the Skellig IslandsI've made there on a short tour a lot of nice discoveries. Here I was in the Sivehostel housed from where the Skellig tour can be booked.
The Ballycarbery Castle is located about 2km outside of Cahersiveen and had for me particularly Irish, just after the downpour has begeitet me feel.
One of the most remote monasteries in the world - Skellig Islands
Without a doubt, was one of the hightlights of my Ireland trip a visit to the mysterious Skellig Islands. Almost the day trip because of the bad weather would gefallten the water, but on the second day I was lucky. Here you have to book in advance in any case, since there are only a few small boats that have the license and the influx of visitors also due to the relatively short season is usually quite large.
Live on the islands thousands of puffins and the sweet birds are usually not at all shy and very photogenic.
More than 1400 years ago founded a few monks who chose a life of seclusion to lead to Skellig Micheal a monastery, which finally came in hard work on the steep cliffs, 200 meters above sea level. Today, the six stone houses, two houses of worship and cemetery are declared as UNESCO World Heritage.
Starting in the capital city - Dublin
After I enjoyed the many different landscapes of Ireland, I learned in the last days the capital Dublin know, where a visit to an Irish music and dance show is a must.
In any case, also recommended is a day trip to HowthWhich is just 20 minutes outside of Dublin. There you can make different walks on the peninsula, along the coast or take a boat trip to the nearby islands.
