The 4th day of my parents visit was the start of a 4 day trip all over Ireland. We decided to head up to Northern Ireland then down to Galway, Killarney, and finally Cork. There will be lots of pictures. Enjoy!

The trip to Northern Ireland was our longest drive taking a little under 5 hours to reach the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy, Co. Antrim. When we got to the rope bridge the rain had picked up making us question whether we should wait or go for it. As a few tour busses pulled up we decided to make to walk across in the rain. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede, hence the name of the rope bridge. For over 350 years fishermen have been erecting bridges to the island for some great fishing. Now the bridge is only for visitors as fishermen do not use the island anymore, but the history can be felt as soon as you step on the island. The rope bridge itself is not very big, only 20 meters (66ft) long and 30 meters (98ft) high. Even though the rain was pouring down it was interesting to see how the bridge would have been crossed years ago as work went on through the rain. 

My Favorite Cows: Dutch Belted Aka. Oreo Cows

After a short 10 minute drive to Giant's Causeway in Bushmills, Co. Antrim the rain had stopped. That was the last of the heavy rain we would have for the rest of our trip! I was really excited to visit Giant's Causeway because the rock formations are so unique and old. Giant's Causeway had many more visitors than the rope bridge, but you felt alone when on the rock looking out at the ocean. The rocks are basalt columns interlocking over 40,000 columns. The formation of the Giant's Causeway creation can be accounted for folklore and myth as well as science. The myths say that Finn McCool carved the causeway from the coast as he was a mighty giant. Science says that the rocks were formed over 60 million years due to cooling and shrinking or laval flows and geological activity. No matter which version you believe the rocks are magnificent and one of a kind. Leaving the rocks and walking east down the coast to the Amphitheatre and the Shepherd's Steps the power of the cliffs is seen looking up the steep hills. The Shepherd's Steps are 162 long and very narrow. Long ago the Shepherds used to carry sheep up the hill with out any steps for help. That had to be hard. I really enjoyed the Giant's Causeway and the views from the top of the cliffs. My parents really enjoyed getting on top and away from the mass of people so the we could enjoy the views better.

Tomorrow I will highlight our trip to Cliffs of Moher and the Bunratty Castle.