Backpacking in
Ireland
If you've ever wanted to venture into The
Emerald Isle, read as Geraldine McClintock takes you
through Ireland, backpacker style. With great advice on
places to visit, hang out, and of course sleep, this
all-inclusive travel guide and tale will help you plan your
trip!
By Geraldine McClintock
When people think of Ireland they imagine thatched roofed
cottages, potato farmers, leprechauns and banshees. Remote
villages were everyone knows each other, and a secret is
never kept for long. This view of Ireland is a picturesque
fantasy, far from the real Ireland of today. The best way
to experience Ireland is by taking to the open road and
venturing on foot.
For Centuries poets, painters and writers have been
attracted to Ireland by the inspirational landscapes and
breath-taking mountains, rivers, streams and historical
ruins.
Whether you’re a first time visitor, or a native of the
Island on a trip of exploration, then backpacking is for
you. Ireland also known as 'The Emerald Isle'
because of the greenery of the Island is the kind of place
that will stay with you long after your trip is over. For
Centuries poets, painters and writers have been attracted
to Ireland by the inspirational landscapes and
breath-taking mountains, rivers, streams and historical
ruins. Be prepared to be captivated by the friendly natives
and experience the culture, old and new on a truly magical
adventure.
There are two airports in Belfast they are 'The
international Airport' and 'Aldergrove
Airport' which is in the outskirts of the city. No
matter what airport you fly into, public transportation is
excellent. There is a special bus provided that travels
between the airports and takes you into the heart of the
city.
My first impressions of Belfast, was that it was bigger
than I had first expected. The local people were very
friendly and eager to help and give directions both at the
airport and in the city. Once you’re in Belfast it is
extremely easy to find your way about, buses are a cheap
and inexpensive way of getting around town. A bit of advice
if you do get lost asks someone directions. Don’t spend
hours searching; of course I wouldn’t know anyone who would
do something like that.
Belfast City is situated in Ulster and is probably best
known for the place where the 'Titanic' was built.
It is situated on the River Lagan; it is here in Belfast
that there are many Victorian buildings with elaborate
sculptures over doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of
gods and poets, scientists, kings and queens peer down from
the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses. The
population of Belfast is 700,000. Belfast City Hall was
built in the 1900s and has an impressive and imposing
Edwardian structure, its interior being lavishly decorated
with beautiful Italian works of marble. This fine building
is worth visiting and tour guides are available. As you
come out of City Hall, the Linen Hall Library is to your
left; straight ahead of you is the main shopping area,
Donegal Place. Here you will find the Northern Ireland
Tourist Centre. This office will provide you with all
the information you require on traveling in and around
Northern Ireland.
The southern part of the city is dotted with restaurants,
pubs and accommodation along with a theatre and plenty of
cinemas. You will also find the beautiful Botanic
Gardens. The Botanic Gardens is another Belfast
attraction. There are beautiful rose gardens, a Tropical
Ravine and a Victorian Palm house which was built in 1839.
On a sunny day you will find the park full of activity.
Lagan Valley Park is a 12 mile stretch of open grasslands
and wooded areas. This is a fantastic place for scenic
walks, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle
of the town.
The Ulster Museum has many collections which include
contemporary international and Irish art, Irish furniture,
glass, silver, ceramics, and costume, as well as a display
of life in Ireland over 9,000 years. Perhaps the best known
collection is the gold and silver jewelery from the wrecked
Spanish Armada treasure ship Girona. This was recovered by
divers in 1968.
Having a keen interest in the Titanic, I felt so excited
coming to Belfast. 'Robinsons Pub' is a good place
to find a decent pint of Guinness and sample some good
traditional food, it’s very easy to find as it is across
the street from 'The Europa Bus Centre'. After a hard
strenuous day of Shopping at the 'CastleCourt Shopping
Centre' a walk through Botanic Gardens is a great place to
unwind and think about the amount of money I spent on
clothes 'did I really need to buy all those things'.
There’s also a lot of nightlife in Belfast, so if you like
to go dancing you'll be spoiled for choice, there are at
least three night clubs and plenty of pubs with dance
floors. So get on your boogie shoes and your nightclub
clothes, and head out for a fun time on the town.
The present form which the castle takes was completed in
1870 and replaced the 12th century Norman original. These
later changes are a fine example of Scottish architecture.
Accommodation for backpackers in Belfast is really good.
'Belfast International Youth Hostel' is within walking
distance of 'The Europa Bus Centre’; the
atmosphere is real friendly it’s opened 24 hours a day, all
year round. Bedrooms can accommodate up to 6 people. The
rooms are comfortable, black metal bunk beds all with
reading lights. Facilities include Internet access. One
private bedroom costs £17 UK pounds.
Belfast lies under the shadow of Belfast Castle. From its
elevated position, there are beautiful views of Belfast
Lough. The present form which the castle takes was
completed in 1870 and replaced the 12th century Norman
original. These later changes are a fine example of
Scottish architecture. In 1934, the castle and gardens were
donated to the city and from that date onwards this proved
to be a particularly special setting for weddings and
dances. However, during the 1980's, an extensive
refurbishment of the castle was undertaken and it was
restored to its former elegance. Visitors have much to see
on arrival - the beautiful country park next to the castle,
the spectacular gardens, an antique shop and restaurant as
well as the castle itself. Belfast Castle was truly worth
the visit, the gardens where like a smaller version of the
gardens at the Palace of Versailles. In my mind I thought
of children’s stories of castles and princess, all I needed
was my prince charming, unfortunately on this trip I didn’t
meet him. But then I guess a girl's got to kiss a lot of
toads to meet her special frog. The Castle is used for
weddings at times and it’s not hard to see why, it’s a
perfect setting.
From the main bus station 'The Europa Bus Centre', I left
Belfast and continued my journey by bus to Dunluce and
visited Dunluce Castle, although it stands in ruins with
nothing around it but fields, I felt like I had stepped
back in history, closing my eyes I could hear the wind,
feel the breeze on my face and almost here the past
whispers of a time long gone.
Dunluce Castle, in Dunluce, County Antrim, is a
picturesque tourist attraction set on the north-easterly
tip of Ireland. Built by Richard de Burgh, a 13th century
Earl of Ulster, the ruins of the castle occupy a position
of outstanding scenic beauty. Although the majority of the
castle is in ruins, the two large drum towers remain on the
eastern side while the terrifyingly steep drops at each
side of the 100 ft basalt stack on which it stands, remind
one of the castle's great strategic importance. The
Macquillen clan became lords of the area in the late 14th
century. Often under siege, in 1584 the castle was captured
by Sorley Boy McDonnell. He benefited greatly when
the Spanish Armada ship Girona was wrecked off the Giant's
Causeway and the money was used to modernize the castle.
Local folklore says that in 1639, the kitchen fell into the
sea and that the cooks and kitchen servants were carried
away with it. Not long after this, the MacDonnell clan
abandoned it.
Staying in Portrush for a day a two, gives you a chance to
relax and take the time to visit all the sites you wish to
see. For this part of the journey I chose to stay at a
guesthouse called 'Abercorn House', it was a nice
place with tea and coffee making facilities and television
in room, providing home cooking, but at £25 UK pounds per
night, on a backpacker’s budget you couldn’t really afford
to stay more than one or two nights.
Portrush is one of the most popular seaside resorts in
Northern Ireland. The older generations have happy
childhood memories of having spent holidays there. It is a
world of funfair rides, amusement parks, and indoor
swimming attractions. Indeed, Barry's Amusements of
Portrush are famous all over Ireland. Established for
over 50 years, Barry's is the largest amusement park in
Ireland with the latest rides for indoor and outdoor
entertainment. Kiddieland, which can be found next to
Barry's, offers smaller rides for young children.
Waterworld is an indoor holiday paradise with thrilling
water flumes, water cannons, sprays and Jacuzzi while, if
you wish to pamper yourself, the Health Suite includes
steam room, sauna and sun beds for adults.
Portrush, brought the inner child in me great excitement,
for the whole day I spent there I was a child again,
Barry's Amusements was great fun, the funfair rides brought
laughter and joy, I even embarrassed myself by riding a
colored horse on the merry-go-round. I paid money to row
out into Portrush harbor in a rowing boat, I don’t have any
sailor's genes in me, I was a complete novice and it
showed. Plus the fact that I’m not a good swimmer, the
insane things people will do for fun. It was amazing.
However Portrush's biggest attraction is certainly its
proximity to the magnificent Causeway Coast but in
particular the world heritage site, the Giant's Causeway.
The 40,000 six sided basalt columns are a geological wonder
and various rock foundations have found their place in
local folklore.
A landmark famous throughout the world is the Giant's
Causeway it lays at the tip of Northern Ireland on the
coast of County Antrim. Some refer to it as the 'eighth
wonder of the world’; it is a very unusual and spectacular
site not to be missed. Many stories about the Causeway have
been passed down through the generations to become a part
of local folklore. Legend declares that Fionn Mac
Cumhain, the local giant, built it in a fit of rage
when he heard that the Scottish giant was ridiculing his
fighting abilities. Whether this is fact or fantasy, a
visit to the Giants Causway is definitely a must, and a
site not soon forgotten. Giant Causeway is a
perfect example of the breathtaking and magical sites of
Ireland, the ocean and the waves crashing against the
rocks, all I can say is magnificent.
Mussenden House is a historic landmark in County
Londonderry. It is a county that lies between Lough Neagh
and the Atlantic northern coast of Ireland. The house was
built in 1780 for Fredrick Hervey, who was the Bishop of
Derry and Earl of Bristol it stands on the northern sea
coast. It was destroyed by fire in 1851, the house was
rebuilt and lived in for a short time after World War II
when the roof was taken off and now stands in ruins,
although the shell of this magnificent house still stands.
On the cliff edge near the house is an ornamental temple,
which was built as a library and modeled on the Temples
of Vesta in Italy. It is a place were time seems lost.
Londonderry, known in pagan times, as Doire 'meaning Derry'
is the place where Saint Cholmcille founded a monastery,
and renamed the town 'Doire Cholmcille'.
Londonderry, known in pagan times, as Doire
'meaning Derry' is the place where Saint Cholmcille founded
a monastery, and renamed the town 'Doire Cholmcille'.
Between 1608-1610 settlers from England and Scotland came
to 'Doire' to stabilize English government rule and the
name was changed again to Londonderry. This is a great
city, steeped in history and it has an illustrious name for
music, one of Ireland’s famous playwrights, Brian Friel
lives here. It is not only a city, but a port as well. This
city was the last walled city to be built in Ireland. It
gives it a medieval feeling to the city. Walking around the
walls gives you a sense of ancient battles and fighting,
just outside the walls at Bishop’s Gate stands the old Goal
(Jail), the first records of prisoners held in Derry dates
to the year 1590. The first prisoner is reputed to be
Scanlan Mor the son of the king of Ossory of Ireland. All
that remains of the Goal is one tower. Another building in
this city that is worth a look is the Courthouse. It is a
classic example of Greek revival architecture surmounted by
statues representing Justice and Peace. It stands on Bishop
Street next to Bishop's Gate. Small Claims Petty Sessions
and County Court sittings are held here amidst Derry's
finest architecture within the walled city. A walk through
this old part of Derry will leave a lasting impression of
what life was like here in days gone by. It is an old city
but a beautiful one.
Accommodation in Derry is good value for money 'Derry
City Independent Hostel' is situated near the city
centre, there's a feeling of home there. There's free tea
and coffee available at all times, you can watch a movie
free of charge. Every morning you get free breakfast, and
for £1.50 you can eat barbeques every night. There also
free internet access, for those who need to be constant
contact with work. For a 2 bed private room it costs £13 UK
pounds. I really liked staying here, it was very
comfortable.
Most of the hostels in Ulster can help you by providing
information to tours around Ireland. Backpacking around
Ulster was truly an amazing adventure, I carried a little
bit of each place with me and my thoughts of my trip are
with awe and wonderment, I would recommend this type of
holiday to anyone, I feel that traveling is the only true
way to experience life.
Author Bio: Geraldine McClintock has been writing for 9
years, but her interest in writing began when she was quite
young. She has worked for the Waterloo Chronicle
newspaper in Ontario, Canada; for the Fingerpost
Magazine in Ireland, and for the Sentinel
Newspaper, also in Ireland. Online she has written
travel articles for Ex in the City at Exinthecity.com. Travel is both
something she loves to write about and something she
loves to do. In the last few years she has traveled to
America, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Egypt, as well
as many European capital cities.
When planning your next exursion to Ireland, or anywhere in
Europe, check out cheap flights - low cost airline
guide to help you find the lowest prices no
matter your destination.
Additionally, if you are in Ireland, you might take a jaunt
over to Scotland to enjoy unique holiday cottages in Scotland,
where you can relax in some of the greatest, most
carefully chosen holiday cottages, castles, and
apartments.
You may want to make free and cheap calls to Ireland to
check on all your backpacking friends as they venture
around one of the greenest and probably most beautiful
countries on the globe.