Bushmills
Bushmills is a small village who’s main attraction is the Old Bushmills Distillery. it is however a popular stop for visitors to the nearby Giant’s Causeway.
Sights & Culture
Dunluce Castle
A ruined medieval castle on a basalt outcropping, Dunluce Castle is accessible via a bridge and is surrounded by sheer cliffs, making it extremely defenceable. The original castle was built in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh.
The castle was used as Castle Pyke in Game of Thrones, the seat of the wet and treacherous House Greyjoy.
Parks & Gardens
Giant’s Causeway
One of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks, Giant’s Causeway is made of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by a volcanic eruption and stretching out into the sea. Believed to be constructed by the Irish Giant, Fionn mac Cumhaill, who built it to reach Benandonner, the Scottish Giant to fight and solve their differences.
This was the purpose of my visit to Northern Ireland, as it is a place I’ve always wanted to see. It is heavily touristy, and you’ll struggle to get any images of the stones without people in them, but the scenery is remarkable. Its worth doing the walks and seeing some of the unique landscapes.
Chimney Stacks
Tall columns sat on a clifftop.
Bay of the Cow
The first bay you find on passing the Visitors Centre.
Shepherd's Steps
These challening stairs lead from the cliffside walk down to the Organ Pipes and Amphiteatre.
Organ Pipes
A very visible section of hexagonal columns along the trail where the exposd upright nature of the stone looks remarkable like a Church Organ.
The Amphitheatre
At the end of the trail around Giant’s Causeway, the Amphitheatre, as you’d expect is a huge half bowl shape. In the past, you could continue along the trail, but for safety due to shifting geography that has been stopped.
Restaurants & Bars
The Nook
A surprisingly large pub by the Giant’s Causeway, the queues are long and drinks and food are managed seperatly.
The Fullerton Arms
A traditional pub in a lovely piece of countryside, stopped at by our Tour group, they managed the influx of visitors well, and handled our American’ friends request to have a crusty pie top as a side dish to her Salad without laughing once.
Shoppping
SPAR Bushmills
Facing the Old Bushmills Distillery, the Spar offers normal convenience store items, but also some decent coffee and local ice cream. A good spot to visit if you’re not a drinker.
Sports & Activities
Old Bushmills Distillery
Officially formed in 1784 to distil whiskey, the label cheekily references its founding in 1608, when a local landowner was granted a royal licence. An interesting stop if you like Whiskey, otherwise the overpowering smell of fermentation might be a bit unpleasant.
