Sunshine that feels as though the world is telling you to live. Bright green fields and farms that you can’t get away from. And Helen, who has been by my side since day one, venturing into alleyways and trying to decipher Gaelic messages. Small town pubs where locals sit and watch the football game or talk about their families. The smell of Guinness and stew is thick, as Helen and I sit down to have lunch with the rest of our delegation.
It’s the first day. The first day where I visit the place I plan to retire to. It’s loud, partly because of 38 teenagers, but also because of local men watching the World Cup. Helen’s busy watching the game and becoming heated just like the old men, but me, I am gazing out of the window into the most beautiful drop-off. A drop-off that leads to one of the most amazing rides in my life.
A two hour boat ride accompanied by a two hour carriage ride that leaves you kind of smelly but more alive. Down the gap that reveals divine natural lakes and cottage homes with yards filled with sheep. A place where I could be alone and it wouldn’t bother me because I was surrounded by all of these beautiful views. Under the mountains, across the river, and up the hill where I fell into a sticker bush, lies the Gap of Dunloe.
QUARTER-FINALIST 2015 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Dark clouds, misty rain, wind chills, and fog: things that aren’t associated with good days…but to me they are. A place where loneliness doesn’t matter, nor bothers you. Somewhere that feels more like home than living with your own parents. Looking down into that giant blue pool whose depth is unknown, I felt utter peace, enough peace that I thought if I jumped, something would catch me. Hills that stretch far below and high above and covered with piercing green shrubbery. Cliffs with jagged edges and abrupt endings that are so painstakingly beautiful that you pause and take a deep breath to try and absorb everything around you, from the crimson red wildflowers to the old rock-based Viking’s boathouse that’s across the other cliff.
I inhaled the salty ocean air as we made our way across the two mile gap that took us to our destination. At first it was a bit blurry to see, but as we become closer and closer, it becomes bigger and longer. And finally, we arrived at it’s mouth and I become a bit nervous. Because at 66 feet long and 98 feet above the ground, I had to muster up all my strength just to cross it. A rope bridge. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to be exact.
I was so scared but excited at the same time, I hate heights, but Helen was behind me and she would have never let me live it down if I hadn’t of crossed this bridge. As the front of our group starts to move I felt all my courage melt away. I took one step onto the platform as the guys in front of me started to rock the bridge and the skies gave way to rain. I took another step onto the bridge a discovered that it wasn’t as bad as I thought is was going to be. I looked down and see the clearest, blue water I’ll ever see in my life. I was in awe. As I stepped onto the other platform, the rain stops and I realized that I made it to the other side without the bridge collapsing. I turned around and gave Helen a thumbs up and followed the guide to the top of the hill where the view was even better than back on the mainland. I felt so serene.
I was just standing there on top of this huge cliff in the middle of the ocean where Vikings and Celts had inhabited thousands of years before. I became so aware of everything, like the cliffs in distant fog and the never ending ocean horizon. I had made it, to a little place called Antrim where I’m almost certain my life lies.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Éire”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!