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July Visit

I'll be in County Antrim July 1-4 this summer.  My great grandparents belong to the McMurdy and McKeown families.  They immigrated in the very late 1800's -- 1995-1900 -- making Saskatchewan their home, all the girl children scattering south into the United States.  My Great aunt Meta made a few trips home to visit family and now it's my turn.  Any relatives on the McMurdy or McKeown line still around Bushmills?  Portrush?  Ballylough?  I've booked at room at the Ballylough Inn where my great grandmother Sarah is said to have been taught the 3Rs, the Trail family reaching out to her perhaps because she and her siblings had been orphaned.  Suggestions for local pubs, good walks, whether to book a Bushmills Distillery Tour (great grandfather David is said to have worked there for a bit).  Thanks for any suggestions.  

sheryl.gerety@…

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You ask about possible walks. The walkNI site lists hundreds of walks in Northern Ireland. https://walkni.com

Given where you are staying, you might want to walk along the cliff top at the Giant's Causeway. You can go all the way to Port Braddan which is about 7 or 8 miles. There is a coastal bus that runs along there and you can get back to the Giant’s Causeway using it.

Most visitors go to Carrick a Rede (National trust). https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede

I think the answer to whether to visit the Bushmills Distillery rather depends on whether you like whiskey. It’s a perfectly pleasant  tour and well organized but if you have been to a distillery before or if you are not that interested in malt whiskey, it probably isn’t all that worth doing.

Bushmills Inn is fairly popular with overseas tourists.

Many visitors make a day trip to Rathlin Island from Ballycastle.

https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/rathlin-island-p687111

There’s a bus (the Puffin Bus) that usually meets the ferry at Rathlin and takes you out to the West Lighthouse where there’s a big bird sanctuary. You can watch the puffins and other seabirds. There’s a pub on the island and seals on the beach in the bay by the ferry.

If you are a fan of Game of Thrones or if you just like unusual trees, you might find the Dark Hedges interesting:

https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/the-dark-hedges-p703291

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Elwin, thanks.  The walks look interesting as does a ferry ride out to Rathlin.  Carrick a Reed seems to be having staffing problems so we'll see once we arrive if that's a possibility.  We will think about Bushmills Inn, as it does look like it caters to tourists.  Perhaps there are local pubs or coffee/tea shops that might be more in keeping with the purpose of our visit -- getting acquainted with everyday options.  I am remembering High Tea at the Empress Hotel, Victoria, Vancouver Island in British Columbia.  I didn't eat for at least a day following it was that substantial.  

I suspect our innkeepers will help us steer in good directions too.  

Really looking forward to the stay

sheryl.gerety@…

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