Spring 2023

Portrush then Bushmills - 22 May 2023

22 May 2023 - Portrush & Bushmills

Back to the sound of the sea - slept well!

Right on our doorstep was the path to go exploring this morning.

A very tame robin!

Walked for about an hour and saw the Mussenden Temple. This was built in 1785 in a flamboyant Italian style, as a summer library and forms part of the Downhill Demesne.

The views over the beach were great - just went on and on. We could also just about make out some of the islands off Scotland in the distance (Islay and Jura).

The vast mansion began in 1775, it was lived in by the Bruce family until 1922, used by the RAF for WWII and sold in 1944 - and fell into disrepair.

The mausoleum was built in memory of the Earl Bishop, Fredrick Hervey’s brother - George - Lord Bristol and a former Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The gardens are colourful, and well maintained - an enjoyable walk.

Me to drive today, only about an hour in total. About 40 minutes to Portrush. That was a bonus - Dave needed servicing, so that was all available, plus was only 50p/hour to park up - and close to the town.

Portrush used to be known as “the Brighton of the North”. It first became a resort in the 1800s, as railways expanded to offer the new middle class a weekend by the shore! Victorians flocked here, believing swimming in saltwater would cure many common ailments. No change there 😊

Also home to Royal Portrush golf club - a links course that hosted the British Open in 1951 and 2019 (and due to host again in 2025).

By this time, our tummies were rumbling - so set off in search of food. At one place we asked, we were told nothing until 2pm - they can’t get staff - so they do one shift to cover a late lunch and early dinner! Quite a few places were closed, or didn’t look very appealing. In the end, we had some really good, freshly cooked cod, chips and mushy peas from Mr Chips takeaway (£21). As it was good weather, we sat overlooking the sea to eat them.

I really love starlings, and usually don’t get close to them. These were so close, chatting away, wanting food. I’m sure Anne will tell us off for feeding them, but they seemed happy enough!

From there we walked out towards Ramore head at the peninsula. It may have been sunny, but still chilly in the wind! Despite having full tummies, couldn’t resist a Mr Whippy. His van was very close to a Mister Softee - should we know the difference?! Went for Mr Whippy. He said yesterday we wouldn’t have been able to park in the huge carpark, plus it’s normal to have two ice-cream vans, and usually two fish and chip vans - one of each wouldn’t be enough in summer. He has to pay £20,000 for his license to operate. That’s an awful lot of ice-cream to sell before even thinking about making a profit after all the overheads! He seemed happy enough - £3 for two - think it should have been £4, maybe if you chat you get a discount 😉

The row of Victorian houses seem to have been converted into bed & breakfasts - although only a couple looked in good repair and open!

There are quite a few amusement arcades, gift shops, closed shops, and a few quaint, quirky ones. There’s a huge ‘department store’ on 3 levels - took Tintin in for a quick look - luckily there was a seat for him whilst looking at clothes!

Had seen a pretty dress in another shop window, so went in. Brian Gabriel - very like your shops, but not as organized! Dress was too see through!

Went into the town hall, which is the tourist information - and picked up some maps for Northern Ireland - and things to see along the way…

There is a fun park with rides, but didn’t see anyone on them.

Love the paving slabs in front of The Station - optical illusion - doesn’t look flat!

Back to Dave for a cuppa and sit down. Surprisingly we’ve walked about 12k steps today. It always feels like it should be more on some days, but stopping and looking at ‘stuff’ seems more tiring than just going for a walk!

From there quick drive around the coast, and stopped off at Magheracross viewpoint to look at the Wishing Arch and Dunluce Castle.

Think I read that the lookout was only opened last year. We do laugh - there are rubbish bins absolutely everywhere. In Ireland there are hardly any, and they all have restrictions as to how much you can put in - they’re really just for litter.

Oh no - the cows are down - does that mean it’s going to rain?!

Very windy, as you can see from my hair! The castle was first built in the 1500s by the MacQuillan family and added to over the years - now in ruins. Inspired the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones - haven’t watched it, so can’t confirm!