Belfast -> Hillsborough -> London
Highlight
- The weather was absolutely horrid – grey rain and lots of strong wind, so it was no good for walking.
- We drove up to Belfast castle on Cave Hill, but didn’t walk up the hill because of the weather.
- had the whole castle to ourselves. It was kinda scary as we could wander everywhere. The visitor centre was tacky.
- To St Anne’s Cathedral and that Quarter. Dongall St had some fine architectural buildings, but looked a lot like England.
- Down to Maggie May where all the students seem to be eating. Read the reviews here.
- Spent awhile at Queen’s university. It was a very nice building, and did the “tour”, which was not that interesting.
- The botanic garden had a nice glasshouse.
- Back to the city to see the Albert memorial Clock and City Hall.
- Actually did some shopping. It is pleasant here, nice shops, wide space, plenty of things on sale and not too many people. We managed to pick up some Levi’s for Slokky for more than 50% off. Unfortunately there was nothing for me.
- went to see the viewing tower/platform at Victoria Square…the view was kinda obstructed but it seemed to be a popular passtime.
- Toe ht doem of Waterfront Hall to see the Big Fish.
- Resisted visiting the Titanic Docks.
- To Shankill Road and Falls Road to look at the Loyalist and Republican murals. It is still very bleak area and the huge high fence to separate the two region is still in place, reminding you of the ominous past.
- Hillsborough – seems to be a small posh town. We visited the lovely tree-lined church and graveyard, but the castle and fort were already closed.
- A lovely dinner at The Plough Inn – great service and very busy, read the reviews here.
- Forgot we couldn’t carry the jam we got at St Georges Market on the plane as we only had hand luggage, so had to give it up at security.
- It was a very rocky plane ride with lots of shaking.
Food
- cherry tomato foccacia
- Maggie May’s breakfast:
- fried Irish soda bread with sausage and fried egg (£2.99)
- Traditional Fry Up – bacon, sausage, tomato, mushroom, soda bread, potato bread, pancake, fried egg (£3.99)
- cappuccino
- Plough’s Inn dinner:
- Dundrum Bay Mussels, served with a garlic and white wine cream (£6.25)
- Deep-Fried Whitebait with Asian Salad and lemon and parsley mayo
- Grilled Langoustines, with avocado and rocket salad (£15.95)
- Succulent Roast Sirloin of beef with creamy champ, chasseur sauce and Yorkshire Pudding
- Roast potato, creamed cauliflower, carrot, squash, peppers, beans
- Trio of Asian Brulee, passionfruit, pear and coconut (£4.95)
London -> Belfast -> Ballymoney -> Bushmill -> Dunlace -> Whitepark Bay -> Carrick-a-Rede-> Cushenden -> Carnlough -> Belfast
Highlight
- Smooth airport ride. Even got our free KK, and we arrived 10 minutes early.
- Slokky forgot his paper license, but luckily we were still able to rent our car.
- Got given a card by the girl at the Budget rental, very cute.
- St George Market was excellent- just like Borough but with much less people. There were lots of tastings and Northern Ireland produce. Excellent cakes.
- Decided to go to the Giant Causeway today because the weather was going ot be worst tomorrow.
- Stopped off at Balymoney on the way, with nice rolling hills, sheep and cows. We drove through the cool Dark Hedges, a series of trees forming these tunnels.
- The Giant cuaseweay was very cool, hexagonal rock phenomenon. There were lots of visitors.
- Luckily we got a bit of sunshine when we started climbing on it, like steps…but unfortunately the weather turned while we were around, and got caught in the huge downpour with nowhere to shelter, and got absolutely soaked.
- We wanted to stay longer ot enjoy the scenery and the nice walks, but gave up because of the weather.
- It cleared up again for some nice coastal shots.
- Bushmill Distillery, where I managed to score a free tasting…I think whiskey is still an acquired taste.
- Dunluce castle was crumbling but in a beautiful location right by the sea.
- A quick stop at Whitepark Bay
- Carrick-a-Rede Roe Bridge was kinda scary but the scenery wasn’t worth it as big sections of it were closed off.
- Started the drive on the Causeway Coastly Route, with some spectacular scenery, stopping at Cushenden, Carnlough on the way. All very nice, but it was too dark to really fully enjoy.
- Day’s Hotel was very busy. They must’ve had some big party there as all the rooms were full and we had to wait ages for service.
- Walked to Deanes via the pretty Crown’s Inn pub with its too cool tiles and closed booths.
- Deane’s was nicely decorated, the food was great but the service was shocking. Read the full review here.
Food
- krispy kreme chocolate glazed ring
- hog roast with apricot stuffing (£4.50)
- taste test at St George market: cheese, cake, yoghurt, sausage
- Greek yoghurt with granola and berries
- taste test Old bushmill original whiskey
- cherry tomato foccacia
- Deane’s dinner:
- sun-dried tomato bread
- black olive bread with oil oil/ tapenade and balsamic oil
- Celeriac Veloute with truffled ricotta dumplings
- Slow Poached Breast of Pheasant with pickled carrot and watercress salad, aniseed emulsion, nibbed cocoa
- Pan-Fried John Dory in Crisped Couscous with Baked Piedmontes red pepper, olive Polenta & Basil Tapenade Crisps
- Breast of Irish Duck with Warm Config Leg Terrine, Savoy Cabbage, Vanilla, Pear & Chestnut
- Ardi-Gasma with Fig Chutney and Crozier blue ice-cream
- Homemade Vanilla Yoghurt with Poached Blackberries and Ginger Biscuits
- Milk Chocolate and Orange Custard Cake with Milk Chocolate & Tea Ice-Cream, Citrus Reduction
