Although still chilly - about 12-15oC - the sun was shining and it was clear. We packed the car and left about 10.30am. Our destination today was Portrush, a two and a half hour drive into Northern Ireland. We are walking the Causeway Coastal Route over the next three days.
Portrush is a holiday town with big amusement arcades and fairground rides. There was some life in the little harbour and on the beach, with surf lessons, sailing races and families enjoying the water, albeit 15o temperature.
Portrush hosted the British Open a few weeks ago, so golf is a large focus for the town with a large course and many practice ranges.
Maugie found a small hostel for us to stay in, with kitchen and good amenities.
We walked from Portrush to Portstewart today - 10 kms of easy walking along the coast - and in the rain.
We will be following the Causeway Coast Way signs.
Walkers include Maugie, John, Dolores, Joe and Clodagh, who swam with us on our Swimtrek holiday in Croatia last year..and Mark and me, of course.
I have to admit that first impressions are that this section of the coast isn’t as scenic as Mayo and Donegal. This was not helped by the dark clouds and showers. The dark basalt rock which forms the Causeway has a distinct character and can be seen all along this part of the coast, with daisies and green grass lining the path.
Portstewart, another port town, with rides, ice cream parlours and the atmosphere of a 1950s English holiday destination.
We had dinner at a popular restaurant, Harry’s Shack, on the beach.
Swimmers at sunset. The Irish are a hardy lot!
We caught the local bus back to Portrush to continue east tomorrow.
M&M
M&M
1 comment:
Certainly looks more inviting when the sun shines & it warms up a bit.
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