Carrick-a-rede is a rope bridge that leads from the mainland in Northern Ireland to a small rock island.  Originally this bridge was used by fishermen who were too lazy to row a boat to the rock and instead built a flimsy bridge to blow around in the massive wind gusts.  Well, the bridge isn’t that flimsy as it is now a popular tourist destination, but the wind gusting is still applicable.

Since Aaron and Katie had been to the bridge before they hung back at the visitor center tea house while Noah and I trekked down the path toward the bridge.  The winds were horrible here.  Bitterly cold and gusting in the 50 mph range, I’m sure.  They were strong enough to push me off my feet at times.  However, the coastal view was spectacular as we made our way toward the bridge.  In the distance, across the sea, we could even see Scotland!  After what seemed like forever (because I had to pee almost as soon as we left the visitor center we arrived at the gateway to the bridge.  I was not planning on crossing the bridge because I’m pregnant and tired, so I stood on the mainland, my face covered by my scarf, my beanie pulled down low on my head, and took pictures of the scenery and Noah as he made it across.  On the way back to the visitor center I was beyond slow.  Steep stairs were not my friend and my bladder was now very full.  So, as became a reoccurring theme with our vacation, Noah took my hand and dragged me along the path.

Our next stop on our journey of Northern Ireland was to Downhill House and Mussenden Temple.  The Temple is located on right on the cliffs above the Irish Sea, near Castlerock in County Londonderry.  It was built in the late 18th century by yet another Bishop.  Downhill House was the Bishop’s mansion home, also built in the 18th century but mostly destroyed by fire in the mid 19th.  However, an amazing ruin!  There are signs posted on the inner walls to detail what room was located in that area of the house.  And what amazing views it had of the surrounding countryside!  It must have been quite the abode when it was standing in it’s full grandeur!

As the sun set behind the hills, we headed back into town for some shopping.  The British Pound is weaker than the Euro, so Katie and Aaron always stock up on groceries and buy random items while up north (this trip the big item purchase was a Dyson vacuum).  We did a little shopping as well.  The Dollar to Pound conversion is only a few cents off from the Dollar to Euro so we weren’t making as big of bargains.  But I did buy a very nice fleece jacket on clearance for Logan for £4.50 (appx. $7.35) and a baby’s first Christmas shirt for £1 (appx. $1.63).  Big spenders!  Well, Logan needed items to acknowledge his trip to both countries.  🙂

Now we’re back in Dun Laoghaire and tomorrow is our last full day in Ireland.  Wow, this trip has gone by fast!