Sightseeing, Lisnagunagh and Bushmills

Off we went on a sunny day to see what we might happen upon. First up was BallyCastle, a pretty town with a harbour and a surf beach, looking out to Rathlin Island and Scotland in the distance.




Then along the coast to Kinbane Castle ruins, dating from 1546 built in a nearly inaccessible location between steep cliffs and a rocky island. The sign at the top said 'You are recommended to go no further', so down the path we went, of course. You can see they have some concern about falling rocks! There is also the ruins of a forge or foundry with some rusting machinery.



Next stop was the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, managed by the National Trust, so free entry for us.This bridge has been erected each year by the locals for 340 years, giving access to swarms of salmon off the point. 8 people at once can cross on it.I really didn't want to go over - I didn't look down, and tried not to think about it as it bobbed and swayed.



Then further on to Lisnagunagh, armed with this old photo that had turned up in Alexander family archives. First we checked the churchyard gravestones, and found a couple of possible connections, then we walked into the village to take this photo, which is close to where the original was taken.



The old bridge over the stream has been turned into a tarmac road and culvert, some new houses obscure the older houses and the trees cover the old house with the stone walls.



The local was open and it seemed about time for a Guinness/peppermint tea , so in we went, and on the wall was this photo! The owner couldn't believe that I had the very same one! It seems it was an old postcard. The village has been is downgraded to a hamlet these days as the Post Office and store have gone.