The day started off with leaving Belfast and heading to the Dark Hedges, where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed. At the Dark Hedges, we went for a walk and saw the natural scenery. From the Dark Hedges, we went over to Fullerton and Arms for lunch, which is a guest house with a restaurant on the bottom. When you arrive at the restaurant, you go through one of the Game of Thrones doors and then into the seating area, which adds to the character of the restaurant, with the Game of Thrones vibe being very prevalent in the area. During lunch we discussed what makes a place special or worth visiting. We decided that what makes a place worth visiting is a blend of its historical, cultural, or natural significance, offering a unique connection to the past, a different way of life, or a sense of awe. However, the stories told at these sites are curated, often to promote a specific narrative that aligns with national identity, educational goals, or commercial interests. This curatorial process inevitably leaves out crucial perspectives, such as those of marginalized groups, uncomfortable histories, or the everyday lives of ordinary people. By actively questioning what’s missing and reframing these narratives, perhaps by centering forgotten voices or embracing a more complex and nuanced history, visitors can move beyond the surface-level story to gain a more complete and critical understanding of a place’s true meaning. After lunch with an enlightening conversation, we headed off for a hike at Giant’s Causeway.
At Giant’s Causeway, we hiked down to the bottom by the ocean and explored. We climbed the rocks to get closer to the ocean and took in the beautiful natural scenery, which was a nice break from the long drive to Donegal from Belfast. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the coast of Northern Ireland. It’s a natural wonder made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that form a unique pavement-like structure, and it truly is beautiful. After we hiked the Giant’s Causeway we drove over to Derry and had a tour of the historic Derry walls. Derry was an interesting place because it has 17th-century city walls, which you can walk along to get a sense of its past. The city’s recent history is also very prominent, particularly in the Bogside area, where powerful murals depict events from “The Troubles,” including Bloody Sunday. It’s a place where history, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere come together.
After we finished the day by walking around a fort in Donegal called Grianan of Aileach. Grianan of Aileach is a historic stone ringfort located on a hilltop. Perched on Greenan Mountain, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly. While the stone fort visible today is a 19th-century reconstruction, the site itself has a much longer history, dating back to prehistoric times, with evidence of an earlier hillfort. After we finished at the fort, we continued the drive and ended the night at the hotel with dinner and country line dancing.
