It was about 6 months later before we got back to Ireland, this time getting the ferry to Belfast, to see the Titanic Exhibition, for more Guinness (Neil), more seafood chowder (me) and more Game of Thrones doors.
We loved Belfast. We had no idea what to expect and booked a campsite on the outskirts, as we didn’t want to park in places we didn’t know. We did, however, drive into Belfast and parked up for the day in various different places, and it was lovely. We will be going back to spend more time there.
We went to C S Lewis square to meet Aslan and, my favourite, Mr Tumnus.
We visited the Titanic exhibition, which I cannot recommend enough. It is huge, and a really immersive experience. It has been set up so well, with the visuals, the information, the models and the sounds. Such a sad story, and a lovely way of telling the story and remembering those who lost their lives.
The murals around Belfast are a mix of really great and disturbing. The disturbing ones tell the city’s story in an inescapable way.
There was a panic over one of the doors. We walked, in the rain, into the city centre to the The Dark Horse pub. It was closed for a private function. We were wet, cold and disappointed.
Not to be defeated, I spoke to a very smart man waiting outside. The pub was closed for a wedding, but as the bride was in a car round the corner, waiting for the rain to stop, he agreed to take my phone and get a photo of the door for me. He also found the stamp behind the bar and stamped our passports. I know it doesn’t really count as having seen the door, but we’ll go back one day.
The following day we went on the Games of Thrones studio tour – you’ll notice a theme here. It is a really good experience, whether you like the show or are just interested in filming and special effects. There was so much to see and do, including the original iron throne. There is even a stain on the floor, from where Aryia stabbed Baelish. Luckily it was dye and not blood, but it was still a bit creepy when you were in the chilly room.
Apparently it was so cold during filming, the fires were lit not just for atmosphere, but to keep the actors warm. And all the light was from candles, not artificial light, so it was in keeping with the theme. (I first typed that as in keeping with the time, then remembered, it’s not real!)
More days, more doors. The pub/restaurant where the Newcastle door is was lovely, but so expensive, we just stopped for one drink. And the photo and stamp, of course.
If you’re counting, this left us with 2 doors to see. Next stop was Portaferry, and the Fiddlers Green, but it was closed. It looked like it might be deserted, but Irish pubs often have that look, so we couldn’t be sure. A quick hop across the water on the ferry, and we got the door in The Cuan, Strangford.
Neil didn’t want to go back to Portaferry, just to pop in a pub which might have closed down, only to cross back over again. However, I could not leave with just one door to go. He saw reason and we collected the last door. The landlady even took a celebratory photo of us, with the door. And for everyone who is not a GoT’s fan (How? Have you watched it?!), that was it. All doors done.
The Gobbins was a fun place to visit. It is a walk along the bottom of a cliff. You have to take a guided walk and there are paths cut into the cliff, just above sea level, linked by bridges. It was hard work, but so much fun, and you are under the level of the seabirds. We saw a cormorant nest for the first time, and would love to go back when the puffins are there.
There are some rocks which look very much like a dragon in the sea. She is called Connie and made an appearance in the second book I wrote for my grandchildren. Sleeping Giants: A Puca Adventure
“Connie,” I said. “How did you know I was back?”
“The birds sent a message. I have been waiting to hear from them and they said you were on your way from the island. I thought the sooner I got you back, and we were both safely out of sight again, the better.” She sounded as grumpy as she had when she brought me over. I had an idea, but I wasn’t at all sure Connie would go along with it.
“Do you think,” I asked, my voice as respectful as I could make it, “You could take us to Siglufjörður? The children have a vehicle there, which they need to collect, if no one is to find out what they did.”
“I am not a taxi service.” The dragon pulled herself up, so she was even more imposing. She was scary: magnificent but scary.
“I know, but they have been very brave, again. They have rescued one of the Yule Lads, and got Flóki back. If they hadn’t, there would have been a search for him, and the ogres and trolls may have been discovered.”
“Ummm,” She settled back down, bringing her head to my level. “I have heard the stories from last summer and I know how brave they are. I will help, just this once.”
“Will you?” said Askur. “That’s so cool.”
I shot him a look, thinking he would offend Connie, but she surprised me with a deep laugh.
“I have never been called cool,” she said, opening her mouth wide and showing the deep red of her throat.
The children all stepped back, and she laughed again. “Healthy respect. I like it,” she said. “I can’t hold you all in my talons. Let’s find a rock high enough for you to climb on from.”
Just before we left for Ireland, I had finished Sleeping Giants: A Puca Adventure (The Puca Adventures Book 1) and was so excited to see it on Kindle store. My first copies had arrived at my in-laws, but I had got the font size wrong.
So, I reset the type, and was happy. Then I met a lovely artist, who designed a front cover for me, Paulina Vait.
The sea along the east coast of Northern Ireland was incredible, I was able to walk in until I was chest deep, and still see the bottom really clearly. So calm and so clean.
After a dip, we found a lovely park up in the Mourne mountains, at the bottom of a large hill/small mountain. Many walkers were heading upwards and when Neil got chatting to one of them he was told there was a great view at the top of some reservoirs. So in the morning, up we went.
We managed to lose the path, making it hard work for ourselves, but it was worth it.
Even though we had tired legs, we followed this up with a walk at Tollymore Forest and then made our round the coast road.
As we crossed into Southern Ireland, we had completed the coast line of Northern Ireland – now we just need to finish England, and Southern Ireland, and do Scotland and Wales. Easy!
I have to mention my niece’s wedding here. We had some much needed and very precious family time at Alice and Aidan’s wedding, before we headed off to France and Germany.
