2003 Discovering Britain & Ireland – Day 13

CRUISING OVER THE IRISH SEA - Glasgow to Londonderry

Our last day in Scotland. Weather is fine and hot but yep, there’s that mist again. Wonder if I will be able to see the sea on our way to Northern Ireland. We bid farewell to Glasgow and head off to the ferry – which turns out to be the size of the QE 2. Definitely not a ferry as I know it. We have to go through customs and they pick a couple of people on the bus who have to get their suitcase out and open in – but I am not called upon. We drive onto the ferry and then have to get off the coach and go upstairs. About 3 stories upstairs!!!! I am lucky and grab a seat right at the front. But it is too closed in for me and I want to do more than just sit there so I go for a wander around the deck outside. I feel a real twinge leaving Scotland – it is a fabulous place but it soon disappears in the mist.

The itinerary says ‘we sail from the Ayrshire Coast and see the Island of Aran’. Well, I’ll have to take their word for it that the Island is out there somewhere – I just hope we don’t run into it. We disappear into the fog and sail west across the Irish Sea. Am told that the Mull of Kintyre is to our north. Remember the words ‘Mull of Kintyre, the mists rolling in from the sea’ – well at least Paul McCartney got that right. Our first glimpse of Ireland is shrouded in mist – but doesn’t matter. We dock at Larne and get back on the coach. There are some good views of the Antrim coast as we travel along. The day is getting hotter and the mist is lifting. Our first stop in Ireland is at the Giant’s Causeway. Really weird basalt columns that have been formed a long, long time ago. The place is full of Irish myth and legends. The coach stops up the top of the hill at the shop and rest rooms we are let loose.  We can either walk down or catch a little shuttle bus. I opt for the walk and head off!!! Good to get out and stretch the legs. The road down is very steep and by the time I get to the bottom I realise how far it is because my legs are a bit sore. The day has turned out hot and after walking around and taking more photos I decide the shuttle bus back up is a good idea. I get to have a bit of lunch – sandwiches and coke – and wander around to take a few more photos. It is really hot now – must be about 30 degrees - just like home. There is a scenic walkway right around the place that some of my fellow tourers have decided to do but I stay where I am and just take more photos. 

Leaving the Causeway we head south west to Londonderry.  Our hotel for tonight is The Everglades. Looks nice and comfy – so here’s hoping. Our dinner is included tonight: Honeydew Melon served with Fruit Coulis; Roast Leg of Lamb served with Mint Sauce, Potatoes and Vegetables;  Traditional Sherry Trifle and Coffee.

Not bad. After dinner I head to my room to catch up on what I have been doing, look at some of the books I have bought and watch a bit of TV and find out what has been going on for the past 13 days. An early night which is a good change.

Highlight of the day: The myths of the Giant’s Causeway.