I started the day 600 m from crossing the border into Northern Ireland and initially dipped in and out as I headed up the west shore of Lough Foyle to take advantage of the last weekend when the Greencastle to Magilligan Point ferry runs for the season. Very pleasant way to leave Ireland for the moment. The ferry was small but the sea state was very gentle. I then took the short trip along the coast to the Giant’s Causeway via a short charging stop at lunchtime in Coleraine. While stopped I checked available access at the Causeway and found that you have to book to use the carpark actually at the site. So that is what I did, at no charge of course as I am a National Trust Member. I am glad I did as a string of cars ahead of me were directed to a ‘nearby’ carpark. Boy has it changed since I was here about 10 years ago. Then there was a small pay and display carpark at the Hotel, where I actually stayed, and a few dozen people. Now there is the Giant’s Causeway Experience and hundreds, nay thousands of visitors. Anyway times change. It is still a spectacular sight and the weather was very kind. I stopped at Dunluce Castle on my way back to Portrush and it is spectacular in its own way with fine views of the cliffs towards Portrush. A lovely day. The headline needs no introduction and I will caption the rest.

At Moville how many satellite dishes does one building need and no takers for the water park

While waiting for the ferry a grey heron flew past and there was a lovely lineup of inshore fishing boats.

The ferry was small but ideal

At Magilligan Point there is a Martello Tower and the sun was breaking through.

I made a brief stop at Downhill Beach, a bit of a weird place but popular with surfers.

This is the exterior of the Giant’s Causeway Experience the gatekeeper for the causeway, by the old hotel.

It is a scenic walk down to the causeway which opens up when you pass through the gap. My heart dropped when I saw all of the people but that is the world we now live in so I better get used to it. I did have an incident when a chap spoke to me which I thought was nice but he was asking me to get out of the way as his partner was taking a long shot of him. An optimist. Most, not all, visitors are there to have their picture taken, either a selfie, group selfie or pose. There was even a hen party with bizarrely an inflatable doll! Still it has to be done.

Here are a few pictures from Dunluce Castle.