Glittering Views, Chifon Scarves, and Glassine Sands All in a Day in Northern Ireland

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, part of The National Trust system of protected areas located just east of where we are staying. This morning was picture perfect weather for being out and about. The path from the car park to the bridge is about 1 km, and, although graveled for the most part, it covers the topography of the landscape and is uneven with ups and downs along the ridge and includes steep steps leading to the rope bridge. All along the path are breath taking views of the cliffs, the sea, Carrick Island, Larrybane Bay, Sheep Island, and a limestone quarry, and as you walk, you pass sheep grazing in every pasture along the coastline.

Carrick-a-Rede is actually a Scottish Gaelic name that means the rock in the road. The road here would be the sea route the Atlantic salmon take on their migratory runs, passing by Carrick Island. For hundreds of years the fishermen of the area strung a rope bridge high above the sea from the mainland cliffs on the Causeway Coast to Carrick Island, enabling them to catch the salmon on their runs from the most advantageous fishing places. The bridge functions now as more of a tourist attraction to a beautiful and unique landscape, and while it has become a more substantial structure, it is still primarily wooden planks held by rope spanning a 66 ft. wide distance and 75 ft. depth, the swirling sea and Larrybane bay beneath it. Photos (look for the link on the side bar for mine; this link will continue to update as I add photos, I hope) pale to the true beauty of the place. Whether my gaze was close up on the wildflowers growing on the cliff face or expansive, looking toward the horizon, or even in the middle ground of the rope bridge, I was awed by the opportunity to be a witness to Nature's story. At one point, stepping off the rope bridge just after crossing to Carrick Island, I looked down over the cliff and the sea seemed to be bursting with fireworks in celebration of my arrival as the sun reflected in the water. It was magical.

After crossing back over the rope bridge, we walked along the Causeway Coastal Walk toward the Giant's Causeway where we spent time yesterday. Today, we walked a good chunk, down to Ballintoy Harbor and back to the car park. By mid-day the cerulean sky had pulled up the fleecy covers for a nap and the islands and ruffled coastline wrapped themselves in chiffon scarves against the chill. We made our way back to the car and drove further down the Coastal Route toward Whitepark Bay and explored. The bay has a pristine stretch of sandy beach, the best spot of sand in Northern Ireland, according to our host. Signs posted prohibit swimming due to dangerous conditions and no life guards, but it is a flat, firm, unobstructed beach for walking. And so we did. Not much for the beachcomber here, but we did each manage to bring back a few treasures in our pockets. Despite the cloud cover, the sun persisted and with the receding tide offering up a canvass, the washed beach took on a shimmering glassine quality that held our shadows like paintings.

Aside from stepping in stinging nettles on the side of the road to avoid a close encounter with a motorist, it has been a day of blessings: fresh air, long walks, good company, and Nature's amazing sensibilities!