Our last day in Ballintoy greeted us with more haze and clouds, but still warm and no rain! We’ve been very fortunate thus far.
This morning I tried the white pudding for breakfast and found I quite like it. White pudding is broadly similar to black pudding, but does not include blood; modern recipes consist of pork meat and fat, suet, oatmeal and breadcrumbs formed into a large sausage. It had a nice crunch and wasn’t as spicy as the black pudding from yesterday. Would I go out of my way order it again? I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t turn it down if offered.
We met a nice older couple from southern England over breakfast this morning and shared pleasant conversations about travel and places we’ve all visited. The O’Rourkes were lovely.
We shared our day’s plans with Theresa and she told us to take any of the breads and muffins we’d like with us for our lunch. I had just enjoyed a piece of what I believe was strawberry bread that was delicious, so I grabbed two pieces of that and two muffins. Theresa gave us a small container of butter and two plastic bags to take. Great idea!
If you have tired of descriptions and photos of ancient castles, then look away, because this one is a doozy. Our last castle in Northern Ireland was Dunluce Castle. Even though it was abandoned in the late 1600’s it was amazing how much of this castle remains, especially with it’s ocean-side, cliff-top setting.
It has easy access and an easy-to-read map describing each area. A lot of archeological work has been done on the grounds and some of the photos and artifacts are on display.
I was fascinated with the “lodgings” or guest quarters where each room had their own fireplace. This was actually OUTSIDE the castle grounds. One of the two-feet thick walls had fallen over at some point and it has been left right where it fell.
The views out every window and ledge were stunning. Dave and I both took so many photos from different angles and locations. We would rate this attraction high on our list of must-sees.
We kept seeing this spectacular sand beach while touring Dunluce and were able to pinpoint where it was. A short drive along the coast and there it was…just ready & waiting for us. It’s called White Rocks Beach in Portrush and it’s wonderful.
Dave and I settled into a nice spot on the sand, enjoyed the rolling waves and people watching and had our baked treats we had brought with us from the B&B. A terrific spot. And, yes, it does have white rocks,
Our next destination was to Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Although both of us had already agreed we probably would NOT walk across this narrow, rope bridge, we DID want to see the way to get to it and enjoy the view on this suddenly warm, sunny day. The path TO the bridge wasn’t too bad, but it would have been a bear for both of us to complete on the way back. So we enjoyed the tremendous views.
We went back to the B&B for a rest before dinner and the TV was on in our room. Really odd since we haven’t turned on the TV since our vacation started.
Then we went back to the Fullerton Arms for dinner. When we walked in to the place, it was noticeably quiet and dark. The power was out. Just as we were deciding what to do, the power came back on. I had fish n’ chips and it was fantastic. We then drove to Ballintoy Harbour for a final look. It was lovely being bathed with sun this time instead of haze.
We returned to B&B and the TV had come in again in our room. Then we learned there was s power outage here as well. I guess it’s not that unusual.
Dave andI go inland to Strabane tomorrow. I will miss Ballintoy, it’s scenery and the very friendly people. Thank you!
Our Celtic Connections 
One breathtaking spot after another! And wow, the B&B owner sounds like such a thoughtful, wonderful person!
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Oooohhhh, You tried the white pudding! And, you liked it 🙂 Goot to know it doesn’t have the blood in it like the black pudding. And, that it has a crunch, I think I would need the crunch. I was so interested in this as I was reading about the black pudding in your previous blog. Nice to hear that you had some more good conversations with some fellow travelers. Strawberry bread. I need to say it again. Um. Yum. What a beautiful breakfast spread they put out for you. The fact that they gave you a small container of butter and 2 to go bags to take, ” Fair Play ” As the Irish say ( Well done ) Theresa. Then you cracked on, to Dunluce Castle. My first keyword was ” Abandoned, my interest was peaked. Crazy to read in your link that in 1639, while the Earl and his countess were at home, part of the castle had fell to the sea, along with 7 of it’s cooks 😦 So neat to read the history. How amazing to know the history and to physically see what is standing from that long ago. The pics of the walk bridge to the castle were really cool. Then, that you came across White Rocks Beach, that was really stunning to see. Then you cracked on, onto the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. What beauty you enjoyed without even needing to walk that thing. Nice that you went to Fullerton Arms for dinner, strange that the power was out and back on again. And, that it is a common thing, huh. Now, to crack on, to Strabone. So glad that you had such a wonderful stay in Ballintoy!
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