…Northern Ireland. It seems tourists are reluctant to enter the “forbidden” world of Northern Ireland. We decided to throw caution to the wind and explore the ENTIRE COUNTRY…not just the touristy part. Before leaving Sligo, we stopped to see the grave of Yeats, but decided against spending much time in the ancient city…we still have some ground to cover.
Crossing into Northern Ireland was pretty unexceptional. In fact, we didn’t know we had crossed the border until we went to pay for a souvenir at Belleek…they wanted payment in British Sterling (which we had!) This lovely bridge is the dividing point…no armed guards, no border patrol. Just a text message on the phone about the rates that apply in Great Britain!
We bought the only souvenir I suspect we’ll buy at Belleek. It’s a Celtric cross that we’ll hang somewhere in the house. Belleek holds a special meaning for me. My father had a small collection of delicate pieces and, the first year I dated Mike, I gave one of my father’s pieces to Mike’s mom as a Christmas gift (given her Irish heritage.) We have it back now, but she reminded me of him so I thought it was something she would appreciate. (She did.)
We thought we might go to the Giant’s Causeway and head back to Londonderry, but thought better of it and checked in at our home for the night. We later went back and toured “The Walled City” – another reminder of the division between the two religions factions in Ireland.
Tomorrow we’ll hit the Giant’s Causeway on the way to Belfast. In the meantime, here’s your photo of the day. Yup…even in Northern Ireland you can buy crap at a discount!
WeilStyle 