Dublin Day 3 - Forces of Nature

'Arriving doesn't always mean reaching the destination, it can also just be the feeling of breathing freely again.'

After a short night, as I mentioned, we got up early to catch the bus and see as much as possible of Northern Ireland in one day (Attention: Northern Ireland is part of the UK and has a different currency). The tour included: Giant's Causeway, the ruins of Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, and the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. And despite the tiredness, the first stop was almost the best. After initial difficulties due to road closures, which the tour guide handled very well, we first reached Dunluce Castle in wonderful weather. Blue sea, blue sky, green meadows, and an old castle. It was simply breathtaking and romantic!

Many photos later (who can resist such a motif?) and with the help of our tour guide, who took photos for us and really knew the best spots, we continued heading north. On the way, our guide told us a lot about the history of Ireland and the 'Troubles', which divided the country not too long ago. His humorous nature and helpfulness made the trip much better and sweetened the long journey. Next, we went to the highlight of the trip - The Giant's Causeway, and I must say it was truly breathtaking. Beautiful cliffs, great weather, and stones that opened up like stairs and steps (...the name really fits). The sea crashed against the stones, and even splashed my face when I sat too close to the edge (I guess I deserved it, oops)! But with the great weather, I quickly dried off.

It was a place as beautiful as I had not seen in a long time. Magical and captivating, like only wonders of nature can be when seen with your own eyes. In a strange way, I felt like I had arrived. Maybe it was the glorious weather, maybe the freedom I enjoyed, or maybe it was the sea. The sea with the sound of waves in the ears and the wind in the hair, and the feeling of arriving where the blue stretches endlessly on the horizon. It felt like something within me found peace the longer I watched the movements of the sea.

The time at the Giant's Causeway was too short, and after rushing up the hilly road to make it back to the bus on time, we continued to Sheep Isle for a quick photo stop. Then we went to the Dark Hedges - famous from Game of Thrones! An avenue of trees with a roof paved with branches, which has already been used for several film shoots. A wonderful place to walk and here too, we took beautiful pictures with the help of our guide (and of course, many of myself). On the way back to the bus, I talked to an Austrian from the bus, and when we arrived in Belfast, we decided to use the free time there together. It was quite nice to speak German again.

In Belfast, we even saw the Titanic Museum from the bus! Very impressive, but I was less interested in a tour than in the nature on this trip. In the city, the guide first took us around a bit and gave us some details, and then we walked through small streets and took photos ourselves. We came across a small bar - The Crown - full of gold, decorations, and brightly painted glasses. After a small beer and ale tasting at the counter (a really nice gesture from the waiter!), I had another ale from Belfast itself. To our surprise, we realized that the bar was the oldest, original bar in Belfast! We had stumbled across it by accident, how lucky we were! Very elegant and really beautiful with the decorations.

And we headed back! On the way back, Austria and I sat together and talked. We exchanged travel tips and destinations in Dublin. It was her last evening in Dublin, and despite the long bus ride, we went for a beer and pizza in a pub - even with live music! Serena (from my grandmother's Irish family) also called that evening, and we arranged to meet in Galway soon. My next step was planned, and feeling a bit nervous, quite exhausted, and very satisfied, I went back to the hostel.