Discover Northern Ireland [ Giant's Causeway ]
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
أسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Eid has ended few days back. I was so busy writing my dissertation that I forgot to throw Eid celebration at my house. But a week after Eid, before my dissertation frenzy started, we managed to squeeze in a short travel to Iceland via Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Surprisingly, it was cheaper this way even though we had to spend a night in Belfast compared with a straight journey from Manchester Airport. Belfast is a part of United Kingdom and travelling there from England would not require your passport. But if you're having a stop over, you should bring your passport.
Tips:
- Northern Ireland uses GBP as their currency so there is no need to worry about exchanging money if you are from England or Scotland or Wales.
The journey from Manchester to Belfast took approximately 40-50 minutes by air. Once arrived, there were few connecting buses waiting for passengers whom wished to get to the city centre. Bus fares from the airport to the city centre are listed at Belfast Airport Website - To/From Belfast. They provide complete schedule for the whole season too so there would be plenty of opportunity for you to plan your stay.
We stayed for only one night in Belfast at Belfast International Youth Hostel. It was a pretty decent hostel. If you're one of the people looking for luxurious comfort while travelling, this one is not for you. But for us, it was fine either way. We wouldn't mind the comfort factor. We get to travel, that is what matters.
As we have more than half a day to spend in Belfast, we decided to visit the Giant's Causeway located north from Belfast.
Tips:
- There were few affordable tours that could bring you to Giant's Causeway & Carrick-A-Rede Rope for £25 per person. Head over to Belfast City Sightseeing - Giant's Causeway Tour for further information.
BUT, we didn't take the tour. It started at 9.30am and we arrived Belfast at 11am. So we decided to buy the local bus pass for £9 unlimited travel in a day. It is called the Summer Bus Rambler Day Ticket by Translink Bus company. It is unlimited for BUS and RAIL services. How awesomeeeee.
Tips:
- You have to remember it is a local operating bus, hence it takes longer to reach Giant's Causeway. Around 2 hours plus.
- Change for bus transfer at Coleraine and take a bus from there directly to the causeway.
- Google Maps doesn't show this buses' timing. Don't rely on Google Maps. Check the buses number on the website provided above.
- If you are not sure, ASK the locals or receptionist at any store. They are more than glad to help.
Once you reached the small bus stop in front of the Giant's Causeway entrance, you will see a big building with National Trust sign.
Tips:
- If you would like to use the transport from the building to the causeway, they require you to pay some fees.
- There are actually FREE footpath for those who would like to walk along the causeway on foot. There were signs there directing you to it. They were NOT ILLEGAL. So, no worries. :D
- Paid transport are suitable for the elderly as walking too about 30 - 40 minutes one way. :)
The thing is, the causeway is so beautiful MasyaAllah. The cliffs, the waves, the breeze.
We miss everything and we feel so lucky to witness the weirdest rock formation in our entire life.
Standing on the edge of the cliff witnessing the wonderful creation of earth.
These rocks were said formed long time ago by multiple volcanic eruptions.
Look at how perfectly symmetry every rocks are. I guess some things are created to make us think of The Great One. :)
We didn't linger too long here. It was almost 5 o'clock and we need to catch the last bus back to Coleraine.
Tips:
- If you do prefer local bus, be sure to be regularly aware of the timing. There are not many buses that passed through the causeway. The interval between to and fro buses are usually 2-3 hours apart.
- Be sure to plan your time there carefully!
And we end our Northern Ireland entry this time. Iceland would come up next. Very soon. :)
JazakAllahu Khayr.
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