Days 25 - Giant's Causeway and Londonderry, Ireland
Monday 6th September, 2025 - Belfast - Londonderry, Ireland
We left our Belfast apartment, aptly named "Roof Top Apartment" as you can see from the post image the view from our bedroom window said it all !
The plan for today was to see Carrickfergus Castle, a well preserved medieval castle, follow the Causeway Coastal route to Giant's Causeway and end up in Londonderry for the night.
First stop was Carrickfergus, first problem - it is a Monday and the castle is closed on Mondays ! What to do ? - of course get a coffee nearby, have a nice chat with a local whose mother and aunty lived in Australia and he has yet to visit there himself...the long flight being his concern.
Next stop was Giant's Causeway via the Causeway Coastal scenic route. But no, Goggle maps had a better idea to take us on a more direct route on inland country roads, which had their own charm, just not coastal. We eventually linked back up with the coastal road and it was very scenic.
We arrived at Giant's Causeway near the visitor centre, but parking here was reserved for those with a ticket to the visitor centre @ 17 pound per person. We backed up and went to the nearby Bushmills train station car park for 10 pound per car staying for as long as you need. Much better value with a short walk back up the hill.
We spent about an hour here trekking to the causeway beach and stones which had beautiful coastal scenes very reminiscent of coastlines in Australia, parts of Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln etc. The hexagonal shaped stone pillars and stepping stones were rather unique though. (Although I do recall something similar in Picton, New Zealand when we visited in 1986!)
Back in the car and we set the GPS for Derry, our overnight stop and just over an hour's drive away. We arrived just after 15:00, but we were on the wrong side of the river Foyle, and thinking there was little on offer to see, a quick Google search identified our problem and a 5 minute drive over the bridge revealed a wonderful fully walled city centre on the banks of the river. We were able to walk a full circuit of the city on-top of the medieval wall built in the 17th century, still with cannons on the bastions at prominent locations around the wall.
Checked into our Bnb, Rose Park House, only another 5 mins drive out of the centre with on site parking, a very nice room with ensuite and a helpful host that pointed us in the direction of the Old Dock bar and grill for dinner. An easy walk back towards the river and the meal was the best meal on our trip so far ! We enjoyed the popular Irish side dishes, Bombay potatoes and Tobacco onions - YUM!
