Dulse, a kind of seaweed harvested from a nearby island. It was tough and dry, but tasty. UPDATE: it goes well in the broth of Ramen.First stop for the day was the ruins of Dunluce Castle. This is a platform outside the stables, used by upper-class people to dismount their horses.This is the funnel leading to the bridge to the castle.From the bridge, one can see the Mermaid’s Cave below. I took the path down, but the cave was actually less visible from down there.This was supposed to be one of the first rooms ever designed as a toilet. There was a long board with 3 holes, so multiple people could go at the same time. Waste just went right over the wall of the castle.
We next went to the Visitor Centre for the Giants’ Causeway. Instead of hiking down or taking the tram, we met our guide, Rozzy, from the National Trust. She directed us across the street to a public bus. The fare over was included in our £39 guided hike.
Short bus ride over. We got off at Dunseverick Castle after a few miles, the first entry to the trail after the Visitor Centre.Crossing a narrow-gap wall meant to keep sheep from passing.Views the whole way. I have not adjusted the color on pictures here. The day was overcast.Rozzy took this picture.There were some steps, but most of the trail was flat to rolling. No climbing, and no perilous edges.10-minute lunch stop due to time restrictions. I had saved this croissant and ham from breakfast, and also an apple. Since there was no littering on the trail (not even organics), so I ate the core and seeds of the apple, and put the stem in my pocket.At the end of our hike was the actual Giants’ Causeway. We didn’t get to spend too much time, as we had to catch the bus back for the OAT dinner.This is called the Giant’s Boot. Supposedly, you can make a wish, subject to 3 conditions: 1) You can’t wish for too much; 2) You must never tell anyone your wish; and 3) You must wiggle your bum 3 times on the boot (notice how worn it is). I didn’t make a wish. There’s nothing I really need.From the Causeway, it’s still a 15-minute hike back to the Visitor Centre. This is a selfie of the tram passing me, carrying a few of our hiking party. Nevertheless, we all got to the top at about the same time.
The bus ride back from the Giants’ Causeway Centre to Portrush was £3.10, cash only. OAT dinner was at the 55 Degrees North Bistro.
We walked to dinner at the Cafe 55 Bistro. I was surprised to see so many surfers late in the day, in the cold ocean. Surprisingly, surfing is popular here.I don’t remember the local term for shoestring onions, but they were stacked on a grilled chicken fillet, on top of mashed potatoes.A few minutes later.
