Upon arrival in Belfast, we were planning to head straight to the airport to pick up our rental car and head up to the Northern Coast and eventually to the Giant’s Causway, a UNESCO world heritage site that Nick in particular really wanted to see and photograph. After a crazy cab driver (who we couldn’t understand one word from), figuring out how to drive on the wrong side of the road and figuring out the freeway system in Belfast (which is excellent by the way), we were on our way North, albeit much later than we had anticipated. Long story short, after meandering through a few small Irish towns and having lunch by the harbor in Ballycastle, we arrived at Giant’s Causeway at 4:17pm, with light darkening and tickets stopped being sold at 4pm, we decided we’d just extend our car rental for the following day and come back when there was more light and we could enjoy it more.
We headed back for Belfast (a pretty quick 1hr 30min drive) and spent our evening exploring the amazing Christmas market under the sparkling lights of the Belfast City Hall. This was my first European Christmas market and it did not disappoint! We wandered around, ate apple strudel, roasted pork, yorkshire pudding and took in the magic of the holidays!
Where to Stay in Northern Ireland
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Traveling to Northern Ireland? See all of my posts on the country! |
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
The beautiful Countryside is one of the many reasons why I want to visit Ireland so badly! Also, the Christmas market looks super cute 🙂
Casey Martin says
It really is gorgeous! So much green! Although I found I like Scotland’s countryside a bit more than Ireland, just for the golden hues and more color, but both were beautiful!
BoardingTogether says
This makes me want to visit Ireland and every other similar country. Nothing better than see a beautiful countryside while I’m stuck in a high rise office building…I’m super jealous.
P.S. I’m your newest follower 🙂
Casey Martin says
Welcome! 🙂 So glad to have you! The countrysides were beautiful!!!
themovetoamerica says
The greenery of Ireland is so lovely – I have been once and loved it and it also makes me miss the English countryside where I grew up. Loved this post!
Molly @ The Move to America
Casey Martin says
Yes and totally unique to Ireland! I’d love to see more of the English countryside sometime soon too!
Rachel Murphree says
You are brave for driving in Ireland. I am always afraid that the whole other side of the road thing would throw me off, though I’d love to try it some time. I love these photos of the country side!
-Rachel @ With Love, Rachel
Casey Martin says
The driving didn’t throw me as much as I thought it would… once I got going and used to it, it was totally fine!
Kiki says
I am loving your post on Ireland! It is my top place to visit and am hoping to make it happen this coming year. I loved your guest post on Belinda’s blog Found Love Now What. It was such a great post and I loved how you shared a story of how each place has affected your life. Thanks so much for sharing!
Casey Martin says
Oh wonderful! Thanks so much!
tiarenie says
these pictures are beautiful!! exactly how i imagine ireland to look 🙂
Casey Martin says
Totally!