Today was a full and unforgettable day of travel and exploration along the Northern Coast of Ireland. First, the Haller team went to Dark Hedges, which is a beautiful, mystical path with unique tree structures that made for awesome views and photographs. Dark Hedges was featured in the television series Game of Thrones, which made the location significantly more popular. This has attracted a great influx of tourists visiting the site that are specifically fans of Game of Thrones. Even though I have not watched the show, I understand why the directors choose to use this place and why tourists continue coming here. The Dark Hedges truly are breathtaking.

Next, we traveled to Giants Causeway. When we arrived, we hiked from the top of the hill, where there were stunning views, down to the bottom where the unique hexagonal rocks lay perfectly.  People were taking buses down to the shoreline, but I felt the best part was the scenic walk down to the stones.  My friends and I agreed it was one of the most amazing sights we’ve ever seen. The area was full of visitors from all over, all drawn by the beauty of the landscape.

After leaving Giants Causeway we had the opportunity to visit Derry.  In Derry we met with a man from the town who gave us an informational tour as we walked atop the infamous walls that are throughout Derry.  As we walked, he shared insights about the many murals throughout Derry and its deeply political history. It’s a city shaped by conflict, and the strong sense of identity and opinion among its people was deeply moving. 

Our final stop was the ancient stone fort, Grianán of Aileach. Perched on a hilltop 250 meters above sea level, it offered a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside. We even ran a few laps around the fort to prepare for our upcoming 5K run.

Each location had its own story, and each guide or curator brought a unique perspective. That’s what made the day so special. The emotional stories from Derry stood in stark contrast to the historical tale of Grianán of Aileach, which once served as a strategic fort for royalty.

This day will stay with me for a long time. Some of what I saw is hard to put into words. To truly grasp the magic of the Dark Hedges or the wonder of Giant’s Causeway, you really have to be there in person. I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced it all today.