Northern Island

bevclyde45
Oct 9, 2025
4 min read

08 October 2025

I’m spending the first part of my Irish tour in Northern Ireland, which comprises six counties and is part of the United Kingdom. It promises to be an intriguing couple of days steeped in history. We begin our journey in Belfast and then head to the fascinating geological formation known as the Giant’s Causeway, before concluding in Derry (or Londonderry, depending on one's identification as an UK Unionist).

Our time in Belfast kicked off with a significant chapter in the city’s history, particularly its

Belfast Titanic Museum was designed to appear like a ship cutting through the ocean.

prominence as a major center for shipbuilding. One of the most iconic ships constructed in Belfast was the Titanic. The Titanic Belfast Museum delves into the ship's history, highlighting its construction at the Harland & Wolff Shipyard and its tragic legacy. The museum is exceptionally well-crafted, effectively using multimedia to enhance the visitor experience. Even with the Titanic tragedy, this era was a great for Belfast, but things would not continue so well.

Belfast Peace Wall We were encouraged to write hopeful words on the wall,

We learned about a low point in Northern Ireland’s history: The Troubles. We took Black Cab tours that highlighted various sites involved in this tumultuous period, guided by individuals who had lived through the violent events. I won’t delve into all the complexities, as I don’t fully understand them myself. However, I was left feeling saddened and disheartened.

It became clear from our taxi drivers’ interactions that there remains a profound mistrust between Protestants and Catholics, with lingering animosity. While the violence has subsided, the deep-seated feelings of division persist. Even today, gates of the “Peace Wall” (probably should be called "the Keeping the Peace Wall") between the Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods are locked each night, a reminder of the historical rifts that still affect daily life. It was a sobering and heavy afternoon.

After the heavy afternoon, I was glad to arrive at the Gallybally Castle Hotel on Gallybally

Bay on the Irish Sea. It is a wonderful hotel and I had a delicious dinner with the group. I’m heading to bed feeling much better than I was this afternoon.

The next morning, we departed from the charming Gallybally Castle Hotel (I love that name) and made our way up the coast. Northern Ireland was a significant filming location for Game of Thrones, so we visited several locations from the show. However, since I never watched Game of Thrones, those locations didn’t resonate with me. What I truly enjoyed was the stunning yet rugged scenery.

Next, we explored the fascinating geology of the Giant’s Causeway. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions created the unique formation of basalt columns, some with five, six, or even seven sides, arranged like a giant puzzle. I didn’t climb the rocks to get a closer look, as I was worried about slipping, but I still found it intriguing.

There’s a legend associated with the Giant’s Causeway involving Finn MacCool, who wanted to prove he was the fiercest giant in the world. To do so, he had to confront Benandonner, a giant from Scotland. To reach the Scottish island of Staffa, Finn constructed the Giant’s Causeway. When Finn eventually laid eyes on the enormous Benandonner, fear overcame him, and he fled back to Ireland, realizing he stood no chance. In a clever twist, Finn’s wife disguised him as a baby. When Benandonner arrived in Ireland and saw the massive “baby,” he was terrified and fled back to Staffa, destroying the Giant’s Causeway in his retreat. There are rock formations similar to the Giant’s Causeway on the coast of Scotland.

L'Derry's Peace Wall I though the media peop[le came up with a decent way tp write Londonderry, Derry without upsetting too many people

Then back in the bus and on to Londonderry (or Derry depending on your political leanings) and another story about “the Troubles.” Our guide didn’t leave us as depressed as the Belfast guides had. One reason, I think the situation seems better in Derry since most of the Protestants have left the city. Derry is only 3% Protestant and they live in the same area of town. Gates in the “Peace Wall” that separates Catholic Derry from Protestant Derry at least aren’t locked at night like they are in Belfast.

To be awaken to the situation in Northern Ireland is so depressing. The current tensions between Protestants and Catholics have been going on for 50 years (really probably 500+ years). Things are better than earlier; there is no bombing or shooting. It breaks my heart that two Christian groups cannot not find a way to trust each other and live in true peace. I certainly don’t have the answer, but I hope someone here does. This land and these people are too nice to live in this situation.

I don’t want you to get the wrong impression about the people of Northern Ireland; most are incredibly kind. Let me share a quick example: when we arrived at our hotel, I was exhausted and decided to have dinner there. After checking out the menus, I spoke with the receptionist, who informed me that it would be at least 40 minutes before I could get a table in the restaurant. I went back to my room to think things over and ultimately decided to order room service. However, when I called reception to place my order, I could hear the receptionist, but she couldn't hear me. Just as I was about to head downstairs again, there was a knock on my door. It was the receptionist, who said, “I knew you were tired, so I didn’t want you to have to come down again. I came to you instead.” Her thoughtfulness was a tremendous help that night.

Derry Weather:

High 59 F ( C) Low 50 F ( C) Rainy

Sunrise 7:47 Sunset 6:44 (18:44 EU time)

Hours of Daylight: 10 hours 57 minutes

A Few More Pictures of Northern Ireland