Top 4 Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland

by Jennissa Thomas (India)

A leap into the unknown Ireland

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Talk about nature at its finest, and Northern Ireland is the queen. Northern Ireland boasts of some undeniably scenic landscapes. While pictures and endless praises do no justice to the unsurpassing beauty of this place, I hope to inspire you to add Northern Ireland to your bucketlist since my experience was something out of the world, and I wish you feel that too. Dunluce Castle The Dunluce Castle, used as Pyke Castle in Game of Thrones, has quite the dramatic setting. A medieval stone castle, abandoned and lying in ruins, seated on the edge of a cliff against the backdrop of beautiful blue waters, and connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Can you picture that? The Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by the McQuillan family. It wasn’t until a tragic incident in 1639 that the castle’s notable cliffside location proved deadly. It’s kitchen fell into the sea on a stormy night. Legend has it that none of the cooks survived that night barring one kitchen boy who actually saw the kitchen vanish from his sight. This lead to the abandonment of the castle. However, this story seems to be just another myth since the kitchen is still intact. Giant’s Causeway Get ready to witness something so unique and striking, you won’t believe that this was all the doing and magic of Mother Nature. But before that, gear up for a trek. However, walking alongside the picturesque sea with cool winds hitting your face, evens the score. The Giant’s Causeway is an area consisting of around 40,000 interlocked basalt columns sticking out of the sea, of which almost all are perfectly hexagonal in shape, and this was all the result of a volcanic eruption about 60 million years ago! Wow, now that’s the beauty of nature. The hexagonal columns form stepping stones and it’s so fascinating to just walk on them. Some of these adjoined columns even form tiny hill-like structures, it truly is an impressive sight. To top it off, the sea crashing against the black coastline and the mighty strong winds that could literally knock you down, made the experience even memorable! The Dark Hedges Originally known as Bregagh Road, this stunning tree tunnel was used in Game of Thrones as Kings Road. GoT fans, here’s your chance at an Instagram perfect shot. Don’t forget the costumes! Yet, if you don’t watch the show, this sight is so impressive, there’s no way you should miss out on it! Back in 1775, the wealthy Stuart family planted around 150 beech trees along the path that led up to the entrance of their home. Today, this tree tunnel has gained so much fame that it has become an unmissable tourist attraction and also made its way to our TV screens! Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Adventure aficionados, this is where you need to be! The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a 20-metre suspension bridge that connects the County Antrim mainland to the Carrick-a-Rede island. But here’s the thrill : As you hang 98 feet above the blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean and swing along with the strong breeze, nothing could get more exhilarating and uplifting than that! Soak in the freaky combination of icy winds and tingles travelling down your spine as you make your way to the Carrick-a-Rede island. If you’re gutsy enough, take a sneak peek of the view below your feet and feel the adrenaline rush through your veins! Finally upon crossing the bridge, walk up to the edge of the cliff and get your cameras out. A postcard perfect view awaits… You can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment as you reach the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. As your heartbeat gets back to normal, take in the splendid views of the rugged Irish coastline and Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s northernmost point. On a clear day, you might even see all the way up to Scotland! Barring an old fisherman’s cottage, there’s nothing else to see on the island; so lie down on the grass, watch the blue-green waters, and listen to the rhythm of the seabirds and the waves as they crash against the shore. Northern Ireland surely is an underrated destination, waiting to be explored by all.