Dark Hedges. . . . and the Game of Thrones -

Flying into Dublin from Charlotte, North Carolina was a breeze - 7.5 hours overnight
 on a smooth flight - despite the usual tasteless airline food, bad wine in plastic cups, 
and somewhat dour-faced attendants. Thankfully, an unoccupied seat between us 
allowed us more room. As we who fly coach class know, there is little remaining
 in the way of creature comforts showered on the occupants of the cheaper seats
 (which are no longer that) compared to the old days of passenger care.

We left home in 99F temps. and arrived in the expected cold, chilly rain, and 50F.

Clomping around our point of departure in winter booties, cashmere high-necked 
sweater and a hefty rain jacket brought side glances from the tank-topped, 
shorts and sandals set, but oh was I glad for thinking and planning ahead when
 it came to "there's no bad weather, just the wrong clothing" way of travel.

From the wet Dublin airport we were whisked by a comfortable, clean train through
 the beautiful countryside to Northern Ireland. Probably the best season to see fields

in all their glory, full of newborns - lambs, calves and foals by the hundreds visible
 in every direction, cavorting, curled up sleeping, or nursing from their proud mamas.

We had spent just one day in Belfast on our Irish trip 3 years ago, a rush visit with an 

overall view of the city via Hop On Hop Off bus. This time with 3 days planned 

we were able to relax, get out around the city, and to take a day trip by coach to 

the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede and The Dark Hedges etc.

Of course it was raining - I'll be reiterating that statement in posts on Ireland often

 so don't be surprised.

If you were a Games of Thrones viewer you may well recall this beautiful, quite

mysterious place featured in the series as The Kings Road.

More posts to come on beautiful Northern Ireland.