We will spend 3 nights in and around the walled City of Derry, surrounded by the largest monument of intact walls and 7 gates, all built beginning in the 1600’s. We will walk the walls learning about its historical significance of the last four centuries. Derry became a city of conflict and prosperity through its development of its port. Although originally mostly a Unionist City, predominantly Protestant in faith, it is now evenly divided. It is one of the most important cities in the north with intact murals in the area known as the Bogside, the Nationalist area, predominantly Catholic in faith, where the troubles and Bloody Sunday occurred. In 2011 the Pedestrian Peace Bridge was built representing peace between the two sections of Derry City along the Foyle River. Two structural arms represent a symbolic handshake of two opposing sides of the city. 

No journey to the northern part of Ireland would be remembered if not stepping onto the Giant’s Causeway, to the Irish as the Eighth wonder of the world. It is along the stunning coastal route of the Antrim Coast. The journey traveling up along the coast has significant fortresses and castles. Several areas along the coastal route were the film locations of the Game of Thrones HBO series. We visit the breathtaking Dunluce Castle, once a magnificent personal residence dramatically situated on the edge of the North Atlantic Sea. And for some fun we will visit the world famous Bushmill’s Whiskey Distillery and store. We will all get to have a wee taste.