July 7, 2026

Our stay at Ballygally was an early highlight, however we departed early to make our way up and around the Causeway Coastal Route. Stopping occasionally at pull-offs for some photo opportunities.

Eventually making our way to the Giant’s Causeway, a unique formation of basalt pillars with Irish folklore involving two feuding giants and a bridge from here to Scotland.

The honeycomb like stair-like structure was as unique and otherworldly as advertised. But the incredible cliffs and ocean views were just as incredible to take in. I’m not sure the photos of the cliffs in front of us do it the same justice as in-person.

Once on the Causeway, many pillar staircases lead to different outcroppings leading out into the water. It was windy and drizzling until the sun warmed the coast up quite a bit.

Not too far from the Causeway was our last planned Game of Thrones related stop. A filming location that has been featured a few times in the series and spinoffs, The Dark Hedges. Featured as the fictional “King’s Road” instead of a caravan of medieval knights, there was a decent showing of tourists walking the Beech tree lined road.

And then was a somewhat lengthy drive through the countryside, following large farm machinery down one lane narrow roads to eventually arrive bank in the Republic of Ireland, in County Donegal. The first and only Airbnb of the trip, which boasts a stunning pastoral view. We can see and hear the cows as we wind down for another night.