Old Friends, New Perspective

Updated on February 26th, 2025

So, last weekend I was in Northern Ireland catching up with friends who I first met 36 years ago. We haven’t been together for a decade, but the years melted away as soon as we saw each other, like it was 10 days, not years!

Friends like that are precious. And spending a few days together, gave us plenty of time to reminisce, catch up on what has happened in each other’s lives and share plans about the next chapters. And of course, leave as always vowing that it will not be nearly so long next time!

Whenever you see friends again after so long, there is often a revelation. This time it was less about something that had happened to one of us and more about the location we chose to base ourselves.

And I can report that Northern Ireland is stunning!

I don’t really know why I was surprised. My friend (who grew up there) has been telling us that for every one of those 36 years.

But maybe because the scenery hasn’t been the dominant discussion about the region for much of my lifetime. Maybe because the narrative has been around the “trouble” rather than the beauty.

But from the Antrim coast, we were within touching distance of islands of Scotland. And of course, the coastline continues to where I fell in love with the Wild Atlantic Way a few years ago. If you would like to read more about my adventures (and a few misadventures) in Ireland, check out my blog post HERE.

islands of Scotland

HERE

But over the weekend we discovered just some of what this northern neighbour has to offer. For example:

We explored the mesmerising Giants Causeway, a stunning natural wonder of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. These striking formations were created by an ancient volcanic eruption and are steeped in local folklore (involving a giant called Finn McCool who apparently built the causeway to cross the sea).
We crossed the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a historic suspension bridge that connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Spanning 20 meters and dangling 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, the bridge offered a hairy experience crossing the swaying walkway, originally erected by fishermen over 350 years ago.
Then we had a stroll around the pretty village of Cushenden and visited the caves, a fascinating natural attraction formed over 400 million years ago. These ancient caves offered an eerie, otherworldly ambiance, which was why it was chosen as one of several sites across the region used in the filming of Game of Thrones.

We explored the mesmerising Giants Causeway, a stunning natural wonder of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. These striking formations were created by an ancient volcanic eruption and are steeped in local folklore (involving a giant called Finn McCool who apparently built the causeway to cross the sea).

We crossed the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a historic suspension bridge that connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Spanning 20 meters and dangling 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, the bridge offered a hairy experience crossing the swaying walkway, originally erected by fishermen over 350 years ago.

Then we had a stroll around the pretty village of Cushenden and visited the caves, a fascinating natural attraction formed over 400 million years ago. These ancient caves offered an eerie, otherworldly ambiance, which was why it was chosen as one of several sites across the region used in the filming of Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones

So, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, when did you last get together with old friends? Or when did a location last take you by surprise? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

New to Sue Where Why What

This week over on YouTube, join me on a fantastic journey through Pembrokeshire, Wales. From picturesque Tenby to the stunning Wales Coast Path from Barafundle Bay to Broadhaven. I cover all the must-see spots including fascinating St. Govan’s Chapel, coming face to face with wild horses on a hike around St. Davids Head, and visiting the smallest city in the UK. Whether you’re planning a visit or just love stunning scenery, THIS VIDEO has it all.

THIS VIDEO

More of my Adventures…

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Blog – Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry and Cork

Blog – Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry and Cork

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Blog – The Ring of Kerry, A 3 Day Self-Drive Intinerary

Blog – The Ring of Kerry, A 3 Day Self-Drive Intinerary

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Video – San Tribe of Namibia – Meeting the San People

Video – San Tribe of Namibia – Meeting the San People

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