Annual spring Break ~ Belfast (Arctic) 2013

Well definately a week-end to remember, and many thanks to the North West Mountain Rescue Team (NWMRT) for extracting all our members and other tourists, stranded drivers and passengers from the snowed-in Ballykilpatrick Forrest area.

We did'nt see much apart from Rain Wind and Snow, YES plenty of Snow, but we did get the Extended Tour with the Exclisive Mountain Rescue thrown in.

Here of course is what we should have seen:-

Shortly after embarking our first photo stop of the day will be at Carrickfergus Castle. This 12th century norman castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Ireland. Besieged by the Scots, Irish and the French the castle is steeped in history and is where King William III first set foot in Ireland in 1690.

Afterwards en route you will be able to marvel at the breath taking views of the Glens of Antrim whilst also having time to sample the scenic delights and idyllic charm of the quaint little towns and villages we will be passing through including:

• Glenarm, famous for its abundant salmon fishing and haunted castle
• Carnlough with its picturesque harbour and distinctive rural character
• Cushendall and its 19th century red curfew house
• Cushendun's pretty Cornish cottages and beautiful beach
• Ballycastle the home to the one and only 400 year old 'Oul Lammas Fair'
• Carrick a Rede with its death defying rope bridge (cross at your own risk, Northern Ireland weather permitting, March - October only) and stunning views of Rathlin Island
• Ballintoy - a delightful coastal town.

We will be visiting the world renowned Bushmills Distillery where you will be able to indulge in a wee tipple of the good stuff in their famous tasting room.

We will then visit the main attraction of the day and the mythical wonder that is the 'Giants Causeway'

The Giants Causeway is a world heritage site and one of life's must see geological phenomenon. Follow in the footsteps of the giants of Irish folklore - Finn MacCool and Benandonner and stand on these unexplainable hexagonal shaped stones (which are estimated to be a staggering 62 - 65 million years old) whilst also enjoying the awe inspiring and majestic views all around you in this magnificent outdoor museum!

Our final stop of the day on the drive back to Belfast will be to take a quick photo stop at impressive ruins of the historical Dunluce Castle, a site which is believed to have been inhabited since the 13th century.

To miss this fully guided informative tour and all around fun day out with our friendly, knowledgeable and experienced drivers and guides would really be a lost opportunity, so reserve your seat today! 

Well it did not turn out exactly as planned but thats another story for somewhere elso on this website