I’m currently on the third leg of my trip, and I’m exploring Ireland! Specifically, I’m in Northern Ireland and it is absolutely breathtaking. I know I say everywhere I go has been beautiful, but it’s the truth; each destination has its own, unique kind of beauty.
My time is almost up in Ireland, but I feel like I could stay here for so much longer. I have had so many different experiences here that I didn’t expect to have. My first stop was to explore the Causeway Coast. The views were out of this world and I even got to see the Dunluce Castle. Along my way, I saw the Great’s Causeway, which is a 60 million year old heap of basalt columns that stretch into the ocean. I learned that this spot is home to some long lasting Irish legends and folk tales. To top off my coastal experience, I added a little thrill, and crossed the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The couple days that I spent on the coast were overwhelming, in the best way possible, because there was just so much that I wanted to see and do.
Of course, a trip for me is not complete unless there is some hiking involved, so I asked some locals about the nearby trails. One local told me that hiking through Hare’s Gap was one of his favorite hikes, so I decided to grab some lunch and go for a day hike. I also learned that Hare’s Gap is the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. After taking in the views, I could definitely see one of my favorite childhood books coming to life in the scenery.
The next day I had made plans to have no plans at all. I know it seems weird to plan to do nothing, but I felt like everyday of my travels had been set to a tee, so I just wanted some time to relax and go wherever the wind blew me. While I was at a café getting breakfast that morning, I befriended some other people who were exploring Ireland as well. They invited me to go golfing with them at the Royal County Down Golf Club, and on a whim, I decided to go. I found out that this course is actually pretty famous and that its one of the oldest golf courses in Ireland. While my golf skills were below par, the experience definitely wasn’t. I had so many laughs, and the scenery was amazing.
The final thing I had planned to do in Ireland was explore the Belfast night life. Belfast is known for its incredible musical history, and on any given night you can discover great bands in pubs and night clubs. While I was out I saw a large group of people celebrating, and I asked them what had happened. They told me that the U.K. had finally supported same-sex marriage and abortion rights in Northern Ireland. This group of people had tirelessly advocated for the causes and were celebrating that fact that there work had paid off. I had no idea that same sex marriage and abortion rights weren’t already legalized in Northern Ireland, and it was such a joyous moment to find out that people now had these rights that they greatly deserve. I definitely related to excitement that this group of people felt because I was a big advocate for same sex marriage before it got legalized in Australia in 2017. It’s crazy to think that in some places it can be illegal to marry the person that you love, or have the right to make a decision for your own body. It’s a real eye opener to remind all of us how much more work there still is to do when it comes to these issues, especially internationally.
Around the World with Jess 