August 27, 2012

Portrush

Portrush

White Rocks Beach and East Strand with Ramore Head and Portrush in the background. Portrush, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Port Rois, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

The Skerries

The Skerries are a small group of rocks just off Portrush on the north coast of Northern Ireland. The temperature of the Skerries during the summer months is warmer than other parts of Northern Ireland, and so the rocks are home to particularly interesting fauna; it is the only place many southern species such as the cotton spinner sea cucumber (Holothuria forskali) are found in Northern Ireland. There are several protected habitats located around the Skerries, notably for seagrass (Zostera marina) and horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus). Portrush, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Port Rois, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

White Rocks Beach

White Rocks Beach with the white cliffs that provide its name. Portrush, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Port Rois, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/5.6, 1/500 second, ISO 200.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle

On our way to the Giant's Causeway, described by a local in Derry as "a must-see, but only just barely worth seeing once!", we stopped at a viewpoint and discovered what was certainly the highlight of this day's travels. Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim, and accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. The castle is surrounded by extremely steep drops on either side, which may have been an important factor to the early Christians and Vikings who were drawn to this place where an early Irish fort once stood. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Dunluce Castle perched right on the edge of the precipice. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Natural Fortifications

You can easily see why this was a stronghold for many years. The sheer cliffs and the drawbridge from the "mainland" to the castle site on the stone outcropping made an imposing obstacle. One source, written in Ulster-Scots translation said this: "Quhaniver tha Caissle wus bigged in tha Middle Ages, nae airmie cud tak tha caissle, nae mettèr tha nummer o sodgers the’ had." A little hard to read but descriptive! Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Dunluce Castle, Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Sea Cliffs

Sea cliffs near Portballintrae with the Giant's Causeway in the distance. Portballintrae, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Port Bhaile an Trá, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Cair Paravel?

Dunluce Castle is thought to be the inspiration for Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. In 1973 the castle appeared on the inner gatefold of the multi-million selling Led Zeppelin album Houses of the Holy. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Fortified Castle

In the 13th century Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, built the first castle at Dunluce. It is first documented in the hands of the McQuillan family in 1513. The earliest features of the castle are two large drum towers about 9 meters (30 ft) in diameter on the eastern side, both relics of a stronghold built here by the McQuillans after they became lords of the Route. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

The Ghost of Dunluce Castle

In 1534, one of the child members of the McQuillan family claimed to have seen a woman in a white dress standing at the edge of the cliff, looking out at the ocean at sunset. He said he watched her fade into the wind. No one believed the child so he retrieved his eldest sibling out the next night to watch for the ghost, but it did not appear. Then in the early 1550s, many people claimed to see a woman in a white dress walking down the shore below Castle Dunluce at sunset until finally one day the McQuillan boy, now in his 30's, walked down to the shore and tried to speak with the ghost. After that, it stopped. No reports have ever been made of seeing the woman again. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Drawbridge

The McQuillans were the Lords of Route from the late 13th century until they were displaced by the MacDonalds after losing two major battles against them during the mid and late-16th century. Later Dunluce Castle became the home of the chief of the Clan MacDonnell of Antrim and the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg from Scotland. Chief John Mor MacDonald was the second son of Good John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, 6th chief of Clan Donald in Scotland. John Mor MacDonald was born through John of Islay's second marriage to Princess Margaret Stewart, daughter of King Robert II of Scotland. In 1584, on the death of James MacDonald the 6th chief of the Clan MacDonald of Antrim and Dunnyveg, the Antrim Glens were seized by Sorley Boy MacDonnell, one of his younger brothers. Sorley Boy took the castle, keeping it for himself and improving it in the Scottish style. Sorley Boy swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth I and his son Randal was made 1st Earl of Antrim by King James I. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Castle Manor House Window

Ramore Head is visible in the distance through the gap in the ruined castle wall from the Dunluce Castle  Manor House window. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Remains of Kitchens

At one point, part of the kitchen next to the cliff face collapsed into the sea, after which the wife of the owner refused to live in the castle any longer. According to a legend, when the kitchen fell into the sea only a kitchen boy survived, as he was sitting in the corner of the kitchen which did not collapse. That empty expanse on the right of the photograph is where the kitchen used to be. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Sea Cliffs and Arches

Sea cliffs and arches stretching away toward the west from Dunluce Castle. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Kitchen Window View

What a view! Can you imagine seeing this every day as you walked down the galley between the castle and the kitchen? Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/11, 1/500 second, ISO 200.



Backyard!

While we are talking about views, how about a sheer cliff just inches outside the baby's bedroom window? But what a gorgeous view! Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

The Outer Ward

The Outer Ward enclosed by a curtain wall and narrowing down to the drawbridge in the "funnel" created a natural protection to Dunluce Castle. Cattle and other livestock would be kept in the Outer Ward. In the event of an attack, they would bunch up at the bottom of the funnel just before the drawbridge, presenting another obstacle to the invading forces. Dunluce, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Libhse, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. The story goes that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool) was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet. In one version of the story, Fionn defeats Benandonner. In another, Fionn hides from Benandonner when he realises that his foe is much bigger than him. Fionn's wife, Úna, disguises Fionn as a baby and tucks him in a cradle. When Benandonner sees the size of the 'baby', he reckons that its father, Fionn, must be a giant among giants. He flees back to Scotland in fright, destroying the causeway behind him so that Fionn could not follow. Across the sea, there are identical basalt columns (a part of the same ancient lava flow) at Fingal's Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa, and it is possible that the story was influenced by this. Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Clochán an Aifir or Clochán na bhFomhórach, Muileann na Buaise, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Snake River Plateau Meets Atlantic Ocean

Regardless of the legends and the popularity of this place, I found the surrounding hills to be even more fascinating. I suppose because it is a greener version of the Deschutes River plateau in eastern Oregon where I spent many, many days during my youth and young adult time. I especially like this shot showing the freestanding columns out on the point of this hill. Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Clochán an Aifir or Clochán na bhFomhórach, Muileann na Buaise, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Basalt Columns

While most of the columns are vertical, obviously, some of them have shifted over time, such as these exposed on the slope above the Causeway. Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Clochán an Aifir or Clochán na bhFomhórach, Muileann na Buaise, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f5.6, 1/125 second, ISO 200.

Dunseverick

A Wee Rainbow

All day we have been plagued by heavy, leaden skies. Down near Straw and Maghera, it poured. Otherwise, the storms have been all around us, but never really with us. Finally, in the evening, we got a little sunshine, but as you can see, the heavy layers of storm clouds never left. This tiny wisp of a rainbow was the reward! Dunseverick, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Dún Sobhairce, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Sea cliffs at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig a' Ráid, Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Wave breaking on the rocks near Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. I was surprised by the clarity of the water. After spending so much time in the Pacific Northwest, where, even in summer, clear ocean water is somewhat rare, this was a little surprising to me. I guess it shouldn't be, what with the Gulf Stream influence and all. . . . Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Sea cliffs near Ballintoy from Carrick-A-Rede. Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

It is thought salmon fishermen have been building bridges to the island for over 350 years. It has taken many forms over the years. In the 1970s it had only one handrail and large gaps between the slats. A new bridge, tested up to ten tons, was built with the help of local climbers and abseilers in 2000. Another was built in 2004 and offered visitors and fishermen alike a much safer passage to the island. The current wire rope and Douglas fir bridge was made by Heyn Construction in Belfast and raised early in 2008 at a cost of over £16,000. Although no one has fallen off the bridge, there have been many instances where visitors, unable to face the walk back across the bridge, have had to be taken off the island by boat. Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig a' Ráid, Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 meters (66 ft) and is 30 meters (98 ft) above the rocks below. The bridge is open all year round (subject to weather) and people may cross it for a fee. Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig a' Ráid, Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Benmore (Fair) Head

Benmore (Fair) Head

Looking across Kinbane Head toward Benmore Head (an Bhinn Mhór, also known as Fair Head). The headland of Benmore Head rises 196m (643 ft) above the sea. Wild goats can be seen roaming among the rocks beneath the cliff tops, where a walkway called The Grey Man's Path winds around the rugged coastline. From the road, a manmade Iron Age island or crannóg can be seen in the middle of a lake, Lough na Cranagh. The lakes are stocked with trout and can be fished during the summer months. Geography books have long measured the length of Ireland "from Fair Head to Mizen Head". Ballintoy, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Baile an Tuaigh, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus became an inhabited town shortly after 1170, when Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy invaded Ulster, established his headquarters in the area and built Carrickfergus Castle on the "rock of Fergus" in 1177. The castle, which is the most prominent landmark of Carrickfergus, is widely known as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Sometime between 1203 and 1205, De Courcy was expelled from Ulster by Hugh de Lacy, as authorized by King John. de Lacy oversaw the final construction of the castle, which included the gatehouse, drum towers and outer ward. Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig Fhearghais, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/3.8, 1/8 second, ISO 800.

Safely in Port

Moored along the Marina wall. Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig Fhearghais, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/5.6, 1/8 second, ISO 900.

Moonrise

Moonrise over Carrickfergus Marina. Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ulster, Northern Ireland, (Carraig Fhearghais, Contae Aontroma, Ulaidh, Tuaisceart Éireann), August 27, 2012. f/5, 1/8 second, ISO 1400.