Jenny was delighted to finally get to visit the Giant’s Causeway (Image: Jenny Green/The Mirror)
Nearly one million visitors tread the path of giants every year to visit the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, which is as spectacular as one might expect.
When Jenny Green ventured to the Antrim coast, she was utterly captivated by the staggering beauty of this legendary locale.
With her arms wide open and a beaming smile, the journalist was pictured having finally reached the Giant’s Causeway. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back 60 million years, had eluded her until now; it was third time’s the charm after weather woes had dashed her previous plans.
Despite visiting in June, Jenny still donned her winter gear and a raincoat to appreciate the renowned basalt columns. She concurred with the adage that, much like Guinness, “good things come to those who wait.”
Delving into the myths of the area, Jenny shared: “Legend has it that the Causeway was created by Irish giant Finn McCool so he could sneak over to Scotland and challenge his rival, Benandonner. But in reality, the 40,000 incredible honeycomb-shaped stones were formed by a volcanic eruption.”
Sunset view on the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Jenny continued “Drama is something that comes naturally to this stunning part of the UK, which provided the backdrop for many a scene in the fantasy TV epic Game Of Thrones. The Dark Hedges an enchanting avenue of entwined trees seen on screen in series two is now the country’s most photographed attraction, and Dunluce Castle, which doubled up as the House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands, is just a short hop along the coast.”
“I could even see the cliffs of Fair Head, where Daenerys Targaryen first meets Jon Snow, from my room at The Marine Hotel, on the seafront in Ballycastle.”
She found the lively little town, an hour north of Belfast, to be a great base for exploring the local area with all the main attractions no more than 20 minutes away by car. This is clearly common knowledge too, because there’s a constant stream of daytrippers and coach parties passing through, reports the Mirror
Game of Thrones fans will know Dunluce Castle as the House of Greyjoy in the Iron Islands, home of Theon and Yara Greyjoy (Image: Getty Images)
Ballycastle is also home to Conleth Hill, who played scheming Lord Varys in Game of Thrones. He has always lived in the town and locals say he is rarely troubled by GoT superfans possibly because he looks nothing like his follically challenged character in real life.
In one interaction with a cabbie who insisted that he was Conleth’s regular driver and the star was actually his next fare, Jenny felt that he might tell that to all the tourists, but it is a testament to local pride in the screen star.
Jenny said: “After a few days exploring the stunning scenery of the Antrim coast and indulging in treats from trendy artisan bakehouse Ursa Minor, I could see why the actor never left. But back to The Marine, where my chic room offered views of the town park, rugged Rathlin Island and Ballycastle Beach, a favourite spot for wild swimmers throughout the year.”
“If you’re eager to test the waters, the hotel can connect you with the brave locals who swim daily and supply you with blankets, flasks of tea and hot water bottles for warmth afterwards.”
Seafood chowder with homemade Guinness wheaten bread at the Marine Hotel (Image: Jenny Green/The Mirror)
“Wild swimming is just one of the complimentary activities provided by the hotel. Guided walks, Irish coffee classes and bread-making demonstrations are also on offer and provide a great opportunity to mingle with other guests.”
Eager to share her discoveries of local dining spots, she said: “If you’d prefer to leave it to the hospitality professionals, then the hotel’s Marconi’s Bistro has got you covered. The contemporary restaurant specialises in locally caught seafood and arguably serves the best roasts on the coast.”
“Many of the dishes on the menu come with homemade Guinness soda bread and buttery champ, and there’s a strong emphasis on sustainability too, with all food sourced from within 50 miles of the hotel.”
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope suspension bridge near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. (Image: Getty Images)
The once bustling salmon industry of Carrick-a-Rede, a stone’s throw from the coast, sadly ceased operations in 2002, and now the area is famed for its vertigo-inducing rope bridge.
Crafted by intrepid fishermen in the 18th century to lessen their dependence on boats, this bridge is preserved by the National Trust, offering daredevils the chance to traverse it and even snag a certificate upon return.
Like its neighbour, the Giant’s Causeway, reaching the bridge entails a 1.5-mile coastal walk, with the site vulnerable to the whims of the weather, leading to potential abrupt closures.
Jenny Green – Antrim7 – Me with my certificate to prove I walked across the rope bridgeTravelWriters personal pixCollect (Image: Jenny Green/Daily Mirror)
Jenny suggests that “if you do get caught out by the weather (and even if you don’t), be sure to visit the nearby Bushmills Distillery.
“It was first granted a licence in 1608, making it the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world and thanks to recent investment, it’s also on track to become the biggest.”
During her visit, Jenny was escorted by an animated guide who illuminated the fact that Bushmills whiskey, being triple-distilled using water, boasts a smooth finish unlike the peaty smokiness of Scotch.
Jenny enjoyed a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery during her stay (Image: Old Bushmills Distillery Co)
Jenny didn’t hesitate to impart another nugget of knowledge: “Scottish whisky is spelled with a “ky” at the end whereas Irish whiskey takes a “key” (just don’t ask me why).”
She confessed: “Whiskey is definitely not my drink of choice and our guide sheepishly admitted that it wasn’t usually his, either. Like me, he said he preferred vodka, gin and cider but he found that Bushmills’ 10 Year Old Single Malt had been his ‘in’.”
“Several samples later, I had to agree: it was really rather good. I left Northern Ireland with a bit of a taste for it and a taste to see more of this beautiful part of the world.”
Book the holiday here.
- EasyJet flies to Belfast International or George Best Belfast City from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Luton, Southampton and Stansted. http://easyJet.com
- The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, offers a two-night Taste of Ballycastle package from £170pp including breakfast each morning, a two-course dinner at Marconi’s, a £20 voucher for Morton’s Fish and Chip Shop and a £10 voucher for Ursa Minor Bakehouse.
- A two-night Stay and Sea package starts from £190pp and includes breakfast each morning, one evening meal at Marconi’s and a boat tour exploring the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and coastal cliffs and caves. marinehotelballycastle.com