Belfast, Northern Ireland

On August 26, we were in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Janice and Michael went shopping with the chef again and Bette and Bob had organized an excursion to the Giants Causeway and various sites where the Game of Thrones TV show is filmed.

Our first photo stop was at Dark Hedges, a road scene from GOT.  It was here that Arya leaves for King’s Landing.

Our next stop was at Baluntoy Harbour, which was the setting for Iron Harbour in GOT season 6.

Then it was on to the Giants Causeway.  Our driver and guide, Norman, had a CD with the story of how the Causeway was formed.  It is made of volcanic basalt pillars.  They run from this point just north of Belfast to Scotland which is approximately 20 miles away at this point.  The last time we were here, it was pouring rain, but this day we only had cloudy skies, followed by rain.  Bob actually got to hike to one of the points above the Causeway.

We stopped at a cafe to see a door from one of the episodes and a replica of the Iron Throne.

After lunch at a cafe, not as good or nice as the one from the prior day, we went to see White Park Bay.  Beautiful shore line and beach.

A quick stop at Dunluce Castle, which is used for Greyjoy Castle.

Then back to Belfast.  We did not go to see the wall that separates the city, the Catholic area called the Falls and the Prodestant area called Shank Hill.  The time of the “troubles” pitted the two religious groups.  Since 1996 there has been peace.  Our guide indicated that the people realize that this is how it should be and even though there are disagreements they are settled without violence.

Belfast is a working class city.  It is the capital of Northern Ireland and is still part of the U.K.  It was a big ship building area, specifically the Titanic.  Now it is a big port for both cruises and shipping.

Bette ended the day going to the Titanic Museum, which is in a beautiful building with interactive exhibits.

Dinner was on the pool deck at the Grille.  We cooked our own meats on hot rocks.  We thought it would be a good night to do this since we did not sail until late, and did not have to worry about cold windy weather.  The bibs are so we didn’t get splattered while cooking.

Another great day.  Next up, 2 sea days to give us some time to relax.  It is a vacation, you know.