In the Footsteps of the "Game of Thrones"- Traveling Ireland

I've always heard that Northern Ireland is one of the world's best kept secrets - both in the character of its people and in its scenery. 

Secret no longer, but definitely not common knowledge, Northern Ireland has its own distinct character.  Aside from the "Troubles" concentrated in Belfast and Londonderry from the 1960's through the 1990's that have grabbed the headlines, the countryside and the coast has extraordinary beauty.

The craggy 20 mile stretch of the Antrim Coast, one of the key locations for the filming of the Game of Thrones, rates second only to the tip of the Dingle Peninsula as the prettiest chunk of Ireland.   It's a fairly small area but with a car (which I drove on the opposite side of the road WITHOUT INCIDENT) it can be done leisurely in 2 to 3 days. 

Starting from Dublin, we drove first to Belfast, a city that has had its share of troubles and challenges.  The Duke of Wellington, Samuel Beckett, C.S. Lewis,  Jonathan Swift, The Titanic  and U-2 are just some of the names which have played a part in shaping this city.  Personally I loved Belfast and I must say that the food was a lot more than just "bangers and mash"!

From Belfast we laced together an incredible two days- hiking and biking - various areas of this magnificent coast. One of the highlights was Dunluce Castle, precariously perched on the edge of a rocky headland, and a testament to the region's turbulent past.  During the Middle Ages, the castle resisted several sieges and one stormy night in 1639, dinner was interrupted as half of the kitchen fell into the sea. 

And of course, The Giant's Causeway, a 5 mile stretch of coastline, famous for its bizarre basalt columns.  The shore is covered with largely hexagonal pillars that stick up at various heights, as if the earth were offering God his choice of 37,000 six sided cigarettes!

We crossed the 200 year old Carrick -a-Rede Rope Bridge, hung by fisherman across a 65 foot wide chasm between the mainland and a tiny island just east of the Giant's Causeway.  And we hiked the Gobbins Cliff Path, clinging to the rugged edges of the County Antrim Coast.  We drove through the Mourne Mountains, which inspired C.S. Lewis to create the fantasy land of Narnia.

Each of the cities we visited in the North has its own distinct character.  Londonderry (Derry to many) is one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe.  This is where "Bloody Sunday" took place, which officially started the most devastating years of "The Troubles". Armagh, home to two beautiful Cathedrals claims strong links to St. Patrick and arty Lisburn has lovely shops in its 18th century streetscapes. 

We also visited Donegal, part of The Republic of Ireland, and climbed Sleive League, the highest cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way.  The views were breathtaking and so was the climb! And we drove through towns with names like Ballycastle, Kellybegs, Letterkenny and Ballymoney - What could be better than that?

So now that the word is out, for those of you more adventurous travelers - Northern Ireland is really a gem.  The scenery will absolutely take your breath away and the romance and the passion of the pubs, the poetry, and the people will capture your imaginations.