Day 3/4: Sick Day & Royal Hillsborough, Titanic Experience, The Not-so Dark Hedges, Giants Causeway Coast, & Bushmills
So, unfortunately Day 3 started early before the alarm went off with vomiting, fever, chills, sweats, and body aches…for the next 30 hours. Needless to say, I had to stay another day/night at the Dunhill Cottage in Royal Hillsborough and messed up my whole itinerary. However, the hosts took good care of me with plenty of liquids, nausea meds and paramecetol (U.K.Tylenol). I don’t know if it was food poisoning or a bug, but it was miserable. I really tried to remain positive but I have to admit, it was a bit rough at times. Had lots of bad dreams during my many hours of restless feverish sleep, and it left me feeling very unsettled and a little scared being alone at times. I powered through though because what other option was there? Finally about mid morning today, I got my wits about me and was able to eat a little porridge and drink some tea and made myself head out, but still feeling a little weak, lethargic, and unnerved. I really didn’t want to waste any more time than I already had. Onward!!!
I was very close to the Royal Hillsborough Castle, which is more of a Manor House but I didn’t have time to tour the inside or the Gardens. It is the residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland. King Charles stayed there a week after his mother passed. I also quickly saw an old gothic church in the middle of the Village with a beautiful graveyard that I really wanted to explore but alas, no time.
I finally made it to the Titantic Museum in Belfast. It’s a must see/feel experience. I’ve been a little obsessed with the Titantic in the last year or so, so I definitely had ALL the feels seeing where it was built and launched to its doom.
Then onto The not-so Dark Hedges, a filming location from Game of Thrones. I met a couple taking wedding photographs (they were American!) and I asked if they were a fan of the show or just the location? They said, “just a fan of trees”. 😆
Got to the Giant Causeway area at the tip of Northern Ireland after the Visitor Center closed but I still was able to check out some of the iconic stones and pillars. The hike to the top where the most beautiful views and pillars are was long and steep and my body still felt too weak to attempt it. I might go back in the morning before I head to Derry.
I ended the night at The Bushmill Inn Restaurant which was very old school Irish in its ambiance. An apple whiskey fizz actually helped my tummy along with a salad and asparagus risotto. No meat for this lass for awhile.
I’m at Carnside Guest House along the Causeway Coastal Route tonight with beautiful views of the North Irish Sea but I’ll have to take those pics tomorrow.
G’night y'all. I hope I’m back on track tomorrow, physically and mentally.
